Leadership and Management

1. Warm-up

Study these quotes. Discuss them in small groups. Which one do you like the best? Why?

• “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan
• “The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority.” – Kenneth H. Blanchard
• “There’s a difference between being a leader and being a boss. Both are based on authority. A boss demands blind obedience; a leader earns authority through understanding and trust.” – Klaus Balkenhol

2. Leader characteristics

Put the personality traits into the correct categories. Then compare your answers with a partner.

Positive: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Negative: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What makes a good manager

Choose the correct heading for each of the paragraphs on the next page.

1. _____________________________________________________
Many poor managers think that their team should do all the tedious jobs. Getting involved with your team on the more mundane tasks for important projects is the difference between a boss and a leader. The understanding that failure reflects badly on both the team and the manager is key, which is why many managers step in to help out.

2. _____________________________________________________
Good managers are not scared to stand their ground when defending their staff members’ ideas and efforts to directors. But a good manager won’t always take your side. They’re upfront and honest when they need to be about feedback from executives.

3. _____________________________________________________
A good manager will remember that their team is made up of people who are striving to reach their own personal goals, as well as those of the company and team. They will make it a priority to meet with every person on their team to find out their strengths and figure out how to work on their weaknesses.

4. _____________________________________________________
Meeting your team’s goals isn’t always easy, so playing it safe sometimes seems like the best option. Managers should set an example, by being bold and experimenting. And of course, even managers fail at some point, but making mistakes is part of the process of learning and growing as a team.

5. _____________________________________________________
Good managers understand that you can’t always agree to do everything. Even if it will annoy a few people. This also applies to requests that managers think their team shouldn’t have to deal with.

6. _____________________________________________________
If you learn how to be a better manager, it will encourage your team to be better collaborators. Collaboration improves communication and workplace productivity. Finding ways to boost collaboration, such as brainstorming sessions and team building will increase morale and levels of innovation.

7. _____________________________________________________
A good manager will acknowledge when a team member works hard. This doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of a bonus or a promotion, but smaller gestures can show their appreciation. A small party, cupcakes delivered to the office, or a simple thank you email will all show that you recognise your team’s or an individual’s excellent performance.

8. _____________________________________________________
Good managers always take time out from being a great leader to have a little fun. Quiz evenings, lunches at nice restaurants and treasure hunts are great entertaining ways to keep things on the lighter side.

Can you think of any other things that good managers do? Work with a partner.

3. Common leadership verbs, nouns and adjectives

Complete the missing words.

• Verb: support // Noun: support // Adjective: __________________
• Verb: __________________ // Noun: motivation // Adjective: motivated / motivating
• Verb: inspire // Noun: __________________ // Adjective: inspired / inspiring
• Verb: empower // Noun: empowerment // Adjective: __________________
• Verb: develop // Noun: __________________ // Adjective: developed / developing
• Verb: encourage // Noun: encouragement // Adjective: __________________

Now, create a sentence using each of the words that you used to complete the table.

5. Management verbs

Match the verbs to the definitions

Now, put the correct words from the exercise into the sentences below.

1. If an employee is confused by your instructions, you will need to __________________ them.
2. An effective manager knows how to __________________, so they have enough time to do all their work.
3. A good manager should __________________ the work of their employees and reward them for it.
4. Some managers style is to __________________ closely, while others prefer to take a step back.
5. My colleague will __________________ the process, so you can then practise it yourselves.
6. Managers have to __________________ a lot of tasks on a day to day basis. This frustrates employees.

6. Bad management phrases

Match the words on the left to the words on the right to make phrases about bad management.

What other things to bad managers do? Work with a partner and discuss your ideas.

7. Talking Point

Answer any of the questions below in pairs or small groups.

1. What leadership qualities do you think you have?
2. Do you think that being a manager is a good job? Why/why not?
3. What do you think are the hardest things about being a manager?
4. What do you think are the differences between being a leader and a manager? Are there any?