My way or the highway! In this lesson, students will discuss a boss-centered management approach and the advantages and disadvantages of such a style. This lesson features a video about an autocratic management style. Students will learn and practice vocabulary relating to the topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets that have been developed for adult and teenage learners.

Lesson Objectives

To develop speaking and listening skills

To discuss the topic of autocratic management style

To learn and use new vocabulary in practice

Video

What is the best type of leadership style at work or in school? Is it the autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire approach? Watch this video to learn about the autocratic leadership style and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches to leadership.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

my way or the highway [idiom]: said to assert the view that there is no alternative (apart from leaving) but to accept the speaker's opinions or policies

boss-centered management approach [noun phrase]: a type of leadership in which the manger has total authority to make decisions

autocratic [adjective]: relating to a ruler who has absolute power

assume [verb]: take or begin to have (power or responsibility)

centralize [verb]: concentrate (control of an activity or organization) under a single authority

democratic [adjective]: relating to the idea that all people should be treated equally

laissez-faire [adjective]: the policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering

sharp rise [collocation]: sudden growth or increase

morale [noun]: the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time

customary [adjective]: according to the customs or usual practices associated with a particular society, place, or set of circumstances

subordinates [noun]: a person under the authority or control of another within an organization

establish [verb]: set up on a firm or permanent basis; put in place

high-power distance [noun phrase]: a situation where there are clear boundaries and roles, and inequality is accepted and expected among members

control-compliance relationship [noun phrase]: a situation in which when a person usually defers to the wishes of another, even if that's what they wish to do

shut down [verb]: to stop; to make ineffective

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