Boss or Leader?

Theresa Dash - reviewer of the lesson   Tom I Updated: January 5, 2025
Category
Business English, Speaking Lessons, English for HR
Topic
Work, Human Resources
Media
Video
Level
B2 Upper-Intermediate, C1 Advanced
Grammar
Mixed Grammar
Focus
Speaking, Vocabulary, Listening
Lesson ID
B2C1.B-10
Lesson Time
30 minutes
UNLOCK THE LESSON
Students discussing leadership roles and qualities in an online English lesson, with a video explaining the difference between a boss and a leader.

Lesson Overview

Do you have what it takes to call the shots? In this lesson, students will explore leadership and the roles and qualities of a modern leader. The lesson features a video explaining the differences between being a boss and being a leader. Students will learn and practice vocabulary and phrases related to leadership. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets developed for both adult and teenage learners, ensuring a practical and insightful learning experience.


Lesson Objectives



  • Grammar: Students will practice using different grammar structures, like giving instructions with imperative sentences (e.g., "be transparent"), using modal verbs ("should," "must"), and working with conditionals to talk about leadership.




  • Listening: Students will watch a video about the differences between a boss and a leader. They’ll focus on understanding the tone, the meaning of the words, and the leadership traits shown in the conversation.




  • Speaking: Students will practice talking about leadership by discussing what makes a good leader, sharing opinions, and comparing leadership styles. They will take part in activities that encourage conversations about workplace scenarios.




  • Vocabulary: Students will learn leadership-related words like transparent, visionary, decisive, communicative, and motivate. They’ll use these words in activities like filling in blanks and discussing leadership roles.




  • Cultural Awareness: Students will talk about how leadership styles can be different in various cultures. They’ll compare what is expected from leaders around the world and discuss how these differences affect teams.




  • Homework: Students will do activities like matching sentences to bosses or leaders, rewriting sentences with new vocabulary, and reflecting on leadership traits. This will help them practice what they learned in the lesson.




Video

Do you work with a boss or a leader? Does he/she point fingers or extend a hand? Watch this video to find out the difference between a boss and a leader.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

call the shots [idiom]: to take the initiative in deciding how something should be done
leadership [noun]: the action of leading a group of people or an organization; guidance
burden [noun]: a heavy load or weight
visionary [noun]: a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like
goal-setter [noun]: a person decides what you want to achieve or what you want someone else to achieve over a particular period
competent [adjective]: having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully
decisive [adjective]: (of a person) having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively
newbie [noun]: an inexperienced newcomer to a particular activity
transparent [adjective]: having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived
solicit [verb]: to ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone
model [verb]: to use (a system, procedure, etc.) as an example to follow or imitate
capacity [noun]: the ability to do something in particular
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