Experts have spent billions dollars and hours studying the difference between man and woman.  Drawn from their roots, men are biologically attracted to getting dirty and the natural order of things. They are focused on “things”. In contrast, women made of the body are naturally focused on people. Just as the ribs guard the heart, women work to take care of “people”.

As an active volunteer in agriculture organization, I find myself many times working with a variety of demographics.  Sometimes I am the only female in the room and other times I am surrounded by hundreds of females.  No matter the talents and knowledge you bring to the group, your gender can play a role in how you organically interact with the others.

I personally do not like general categories of skills, characteristics, or behavior assigned to genders.  We are all individuals uniquely, genetically wired.  Environment and just plain life lessons can cultivate anyone from breaking the gender generalization. However, lack of communication among volunteers tends to be the root of all unproductiveness. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to re-examine the broad communication styles naturally occurring in males and females in order to successfully achieve the group’s agenda.

Men

Clearly from the beginning, men are drawn to “things”. Small talk will be about things: crops, equipment, and sports for example. Men are quite concerned with status and approach to conversation is often strategic. They are biologically driven by competition and gaining the upper hand.

In a group setting, men set high priority on facts, order, and structure. When speaking, males will give a report with the documented facts rather than asking questions or gain support.  Men tend to build relationships through interaction to complete a task.  In situation of dissimilarity, men will be quick to move to another subject and they will wrestle with problems and decisions inward.

Women

In comparison, women are focused on people and emotions.  They want to build relationship before beginning a group activity. A women’s small talk will focus on questions to establish common ground and always looking for commonalities.

In a meeting setting, women will talk to ask questions and share experience. Women often are more articulate. Their presentation can be more appealing because their passion is often worn on their sleeves. However, when faced with a decision or problem females will want to openly discuss the issue.  Once a disagreement occurs, it becomes an obstacle in the relationship building path.

Sometimes, the gender characteristics outlined above are text-book interaction between male and females.  In fact, you may be reading this blog and shaking your head in agreement or saying “duh – I knew that”. It is often important to step back and re-evaluate the basics to revolve into an individual who can to adjust his or her communication style to the group, person, and/or situation.

Grassroots Association comprised of members from assortment of geographic locations, experiences, knowledge, personalities, and age can create the makings of great soup. However improperly building a leadership team without the balance of these great ingredients can cause the mission of organization to scorch.

So what are the ingredients of great association soup?

All organizations have members who serve as the water holding tight to the traditions and history of the group. These special members usually represent or perhaps are actual founding members of the organization. Their role is more valuable than historian but as solid foundation that establishes the reason for forming the organization. Their experiences hold the key to wisdom and many mistakes can be avoided if newer members take the time to listen.

The water remains at a simmer if the normal procedure is followed at all times. However, when the traditions are challenged the water begins to boil.

Noodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are fun and a great source for building morale. Others are curvy and unpredictable. Managing the focus of the noodle can be frustrating. The fun, colorful noodle can remind the group that all work and no play make an organization dull and lack appeal to new members. An effective organization has members that build relationships and welcome the perspective of others.

The unpredictable noodle can at times be frustrating to productivity. When the actual business needs to be discussed or hard decisions needed to be made the noodle will appear limp and lifeless often removing themselves from tough situations and absence during strategic planning, controversial topics, or mind-numbing tasks.

The Meat of the organization is the workers, current leaders, and future leaders who see the vision and make it happen. They roll up their sleeves, take on challenges head on, and never back down during difficult situations. When tenderize or properly seasoned the meat can be versatile accepting to all perspective before making decisions.

The Vegetables can be a great mix of new and old. The baby vegetables can sprout new ideas and life. The stable vegetable can provide the common ground between traditional and new. They welcome new ideas, cultivate the new members, and embrace change with caution. Like the meat group, the vegetable can be dependable team players bringing essential sources to the growth of the organization.

The spice of the group is always introducing contrary thoughts. These individuals will question the action of the organization. Sometimes they are viewed as the cayenne pepper but play an important role to analyze decisions and make all members especially leaders accountable to the group’s goals and not individual’s initiatives. They challenge the group with fire and can be the source of the water to boil. However marinated with the meat, this type of member can become the visionary of the organization and advance it to new heights.

It is important to recognize that each ingredient can take the flavor of any other ingredient. All members properly prepared can add essential nutrients to the organization.

You joined a Grassroots Association and invest personal time as a volunteer because you passionately believe in the mission of the organization. So as a member it is your responsibility to elect the right ingredients to an executive board. A leadership team with the right balance from each ingredient category could be the secret recipe of success to accomplish the goals of the association and does not become cloudy with the personal agenda of an individual.