Business : Int: Leadership

" The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority "  Kenneth Blanchard , American author & management expert

A- Discuss the questions.

1 Which modern or historical leaders do you most admire? Which do you admire the least? Why?
2 What makes a great leader? Write down a list of characteristics. Compare your list with other groups.
3 Are there differences between men and women as leaders? Why have most great leaders been men?
4 Do you think great leaders are born or made?
5 Do you think first·born children make the best leaders?
6 What is the difference between a manager and a leader?

B- In groups, think of someone you know who is in a powerful position. list three positive qualities and three negative qualities about this person. Then compare your ideas.

Vocabulary : Character adjectives

A- Match the adjectives in the box to make pairs of contrasting ideas.

EXAMPLE: assertive/ diffident

casual - encouraging - cautious - idealistic

1. decisive            2. formal           3. realistic              4. critical                   

laid-back - conservative - principled - approachable

1. radical         2. distant         3. dynamic        4. ruthless         

principled - cautious - ruthless - idealistic - critical - approachable - conservative - formal

1 She doesn't like to rush into things. She's careful and   
2 He's very good at pointing out problems with people and systems in the company. He's often   , but this helps make improvements.
3 He's a serious,    person, both in the way he dresses and in his dealings with people. Everyone knows he's the boss.
4 She has a very clear vision for the long·term future of the company, but many people think she is too   
5 He is a very   man. He sacked anyone who got in his way.
6 Our boss is friendly and   . She's very easy to talk to.
7 He's very    He doesn't like to try anything new now he's running the company.
8 She's very    She would never approve any policies that were remotely unethical.

1 to take on                                                   a) a proposal/suggestion
2 to be up to                                                 b) the job
3 to put forward                                          c) criticism
4 to deal with                                               d) your resignation
5 to hand in                                                  e) responsibility for something
6 to come in for                                           f) a problem

a) to manage    b) to give    c) to receive     d) to accept   e) to be good enough     f) to propose  

Take three minutes to make some notes about l'Oreal. Use your notes to give a one-minute presentation to your partner. Your partner will then ask you a question about it.

E- Without looking back at the article, complete the gaps with prepositions.


1 Such expertise derives    the fact that Sir Lindsay is frequently photographed.
2 Although he stepped   the day-to-day running of the company two years ago, handing    the job    lean-Paul Agon, he remains Chairman.
3 He credits his predecessor, Fran,ois Daile ,    teaching him basic business sense.
4 ... while he was working his way    the ranks of L'Oreal.
5 My mother dreamed    parties at Monte Carlo.

Defining clauses provide essential information about the subject or object of a sentence. Without this information, the sentence often does not make sense or has a different meaning.

• Who or that are used for people.
He exudes the air of a man who has done this many, many times before_
• Which o r that are used for things.
Boldness and vision are qualities that/which all leaders should have.

Non·defining clauses provide extra information about the subject or object of a sentence.The sentence still makes sense without this information. The extra information is separated by commas.

• Who (not that) is used for people.
Sir Lindsay, who turns 62 this month, is now the chairman.
• Which (not that) is used for things.
I could interpret the things he said, which often were the opposite of what he actually said literally.

Complete the sentences in the job advertisement with who or which .

Elegance is a leading European beauty company    owns a number of famous brands. Founded in 1977, Elegance is an ambitious company     is looking for a first·class leader    can meet the challenge o f international growth. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate    is creative, articulate and e nergetic. We need a Managing Director    understands the trends in the cosmetics market and    will provide strong, strategic leadership. The successful candidate will lead a winning team    achieved record sales last year.