15. Make presentations to each other on one of the following topics. Feel free to state your personal opinion:

1. The role of women in management.

2. Managerial prospects for women.

3. The employment of women – past, present and future.

In your discussion, use some of the following expressions: climb the ordinary corporate ladder, to be assertive, to be self-effacing, a window-dressing question, to feel under-utilized, dissatisfaction with career prospects, to be isolated from male colleagues, the lack of esteem, gender differences, to work flexible hours, “mommy tract” etc.

Writing

16. A group of journalists is planning to launch a new consumer magazine. It is aimed at women aged 20-40 who wish to have a professional career as well as a family. It will give readers vital business information and practice advice on how to reach the top of the corporate ladder. You have been asked to produce a leaflet introducing the magazine and inviting readers to send a coupon entitling them to a substantial discount on the first two issues. Think of the sections and topics you are going to cover in the leaflet. It also has to include some advertisements concerning the main policy of the magazine «Women as wonderful housewives».

a) Look at the information below:

“Promotional leaflet is a single sheet of printed-paper sometimes folded to form several pages. It either advertises a product/ service or gives information on how to use it. No particular layout is required but the leaflet must be eye-catching, easy to read, and have a contact address and date. Key information, e.g. the offer of a special discount or bargain rates, should be highlighted”.¹

Text 3. Management Skills

1. Study the Word List.

possess – владеть, иметь, обладать

conceptual skills – аналитические способности

decision-making – принятие решений

objective – цель; стремление

field – зд. отрасль, область (знаний, умений и т.д.)

highlight – подчёркивать, выделять

coordinate – координировать; согласовывать

sociable – коммуникабельный

interpersonal – межличностный

implementation – выполнение, исполнение, осуществление, реализация

challenge – вызов

keep track – отслеживать

acceptable salary – приемлемая зарплата

2. Answer the questions before reading the text.

1. How do you understand the word «skill»?

2. What is more important for a manager – to have experience or to have many skills?

3. What challenges do managers face?

3. Read the text paying the attention to the words in bold and do the task after it. Management Skills1

A manager should possess certain important skills. The skills can be divided into some groups:

A conceptual skill can be characterized as the ability of any manager to see the “general picture” of a company. This ability helps managers to plan the overall goals and develop strategies and tactics for the company. A manager, who possesses such ability, usually plans his activity according to the activities and functions of other managers and employees.

A decision-making skill is the ability of a manager to find the best way and policy for the company. He should think of objectives, strategy resources, control etc. Each manager is responsible for all the decisions he takes in any field if his company’s activity.

An analytical skill is the ability to highlight the most important problems of the company and find out their reasons. It is the ability to analyze everything that happens in the company.

An administrative skill is the ability of a manager to coordinate work of all his employees, to make all the conditions for the activity of his company.

A communication skill implies that a manager should be very sociable, open and friendly with his employees. The success of the company depends on this factor, as human resources are the most important ones in any company.

An interpersonal skill or psychological skill is the ability to help, sympathize and understand needs and motives of employees. Good interpersonal relationships in the company help managers to find support and help in the development and implementation of their plans.

A technical skill helps any manager to control the production process. This ability is very specific. However, not each manager should possess it. Mostly, first-line managers and operating employees usually have such a skill.