Finding Your Inner Leader
Words to Inspire
Think about someone you truly admire. It could be a famous figure who changed the world, a teacher who believed in you, a boss who guided your career, or even a friend who always offers support. What is it about them that makes them a leader in your eyes?
Leadership isn't just about having a title or giving orders. At its heart, it's about inspiring others, guiding them towards a goal, and making a positive impact. As English language learners moving towards a more advanced level, you can start to express these complex ideas with greater nuance and confidence.
Let's explore some ways to talk about leadership:
Describing Qualities of a Leader:
Instead of just saying someone is "good," try using more descriptive adjectives:
Visionary: A leader with a clear and exciting idea of the future. Example: "Steve Jobs was a visionary leader who transformed the way we use technology."
Resilient: A leader who can bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Example: "Despite facing numerous obstacles, she remained a resilient leader, never giving up on her team."
Empathetic: A leader who understands and shares the feelings of others. Example: "An empathetic leader creates a supportive and understanding work environment."
Decisive: A leader who can make clear and firm decisions, even in difficult situations. Example: "In times of crisis, a decisive leader can provide a sense of direction."
Integrity: A leader who is honest, ethical, and adheres to strong moral principles. Example: "Her unwavering integrity earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues."
Charismatic: A leader who has a compelling personality that attracts and inspires others. Example: "The new CEO is a charismatic figure who has energised the entire company."
Expressing Actions of a Leader:
Move beyond simple verbs like "helps" and "tells" by using more sophisticated language:
To empower: To give someone power or authority. Example: "A good leader empowers their team members to take ownership of their projects."
To mentor: To guide and advise someone with less experience. Example: "My former boss mentored me and helped me develop crucial skills."
To delegate: To assign tasks or responsibilities to others. Example: "Effective leaders know how to delegate tasks appropriately."
To foster: To encourage the development or growth of something (like teamwork or innovation). Example: "She fostered a culture of collaboration within the department."
To navigate: To guide a group or organisation through a difficult or complex situation. Example: "The president skillfully navigated the country through the economic downturn."
To inspire: To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something creative or positive. Example: "His powerful speeches inspired millions to believe in a better future."
Watch this to help you, from Simon Sinek
Participating in Discussions about Leadership:
When talking about leadership, you might hear or use phrases like:
"What are your thoughts on...?" - Used to invite someone's opinion.
"From my perspective..." - Used to share your viewpoint.
"I believe that..." - Used to express a strong opinion.
"It seems to me that..." - Used to offer a more tentative opinion.
"That's an interesting point. However,..." - Used to respectfully disagree or offer an alternative viewpoint.
"Building on what you said..." - Used to connect your idea to someone else's.
Reflecting on Leadership in Your Own Life:
Recently, the world has been mourning the passing of Pope Francis. For many within the Catholic Church and beyond, he was a figure of significant inspiration. His emphasis on compassion, humility, and social justice resonated with people of various backgrounds. He was seen by many as a leader who strived to bridge divides and promote understanding. His dedication to serving others has left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to influence those who admired his leadership.
Think about the leaders you encounter every day. How do they embody some of the qualities and actions we've discussed?
Consider these questions:
Who do you consider a leader in your life? Why?
What are some of the key challenges that leaders face today?
What qualities do you think are most important for a leader to possess?
Have you ever taken on a leadership role, even in a small way? What did you learn?
By actively using this vocabulary and engaging in discussions about leadership, you'll not only improve your English language skills but also develop a deeper understanding of this important concept.
Remember, leadership isn't just for famous figures – it exists in our classrooms, our workplaces, and our communities. You might even discover the leader within yourself!