1. Read the text and find the following word combinations. Translate the sentences.

1) to point out; 2) a firm understanding; 3) to display integrity; 4) the basis for; 5) to accomplish the assigned task; 6) by his/her own example; 7) to conform to; 8) results aren’t assured; 9) to defuse hostility; 10) to possess a gut feeling.

Text A

Leadership Skills

Leadership, a critical management skill, is known as the ability to motivate a group of people toward a common goal. While analyzing leadership styles experts have gone from a very classical autocratic approach to a very creative, participative approach. And they have come to a conclusion that different styles are needed for different situations.

Every organization needs leaders at every level. Leaders are believed to be natural (or innate, or born) and made. No matter what kind of leader they are they possess certain qualities. What are they? Different experts point out different qualities. So the most important are:

Visionary strategy. A leader with a vision has a clear picture of where to go, and how they are planning to get there, as well as a firm understanding of what success looks like and how to achieve it.

Communication is very important. The ability to communicate your ideas and plans to the people means the ability to take people with you, to motivate them to work towards common goals.

Integrity implies integration of outward actions and inner values. A person of integrity is the same outside and inside. Predictable reactions, well-controlled emotions, honest dealings are all signs of integrity. As far as a leader must have the trust of his followers he must display integrity. Trust is the basis for almost all the relationships in your life. Without trust, it’s impossible to create healthy and productive environment.

Dedication means spending as much time and energy as it is necessary to accomplish the assigned task. A good leader inspires dedication by his/her own example. This means they show their employees that there are no nine-to-five jobs on the team, only opportunities to achieve something great.

Openness means being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking. Openness builds mutual respect and trust between leaders and followers and it also keeps the team well supplied with new ideas that can further its vision.

Creativity is the ability to think differently, to see things that others have not seen and thus lead followers in new direction.

Risk-taking. Leaders must have the courage to act in situations where results aren’t assured. They are willing to risk failure. Leaders grow by making mistakes. No one wins all the time.

And the last one is a sense of humour, which helps to relieve tension and boredom, as well as to defuse hostility.

If you try hard it is possible to cultivate proper leadership qualities.

But natural leaders possess charisma and a gut feeling which help them to get through hard situations and take right decisions. These qualities are impossible to teach.

2. Read the text again and find the answers to the questions.

1. What does the term leadership mean? Provide the definition.

2. What conclusion did experts come to while analyzing leadership styles?

3. Name the most important qualities of leadership that were pointed out by experts?

4. What quality is the most important to a leader in your opinion?

5. What do natural leaders possess to get through hard situation?

6. Describe the person of integrity.

7. Why is integrity so important to be a good leader?

8. Are you a good communicator? Explain your answer.