An exemplary leader | Class 9 English Communicative Lessons and Worksheets

A2

In pairs discuss the problem Ravi is facing. Do you think Ravi’s boss is right? Give reasons for your answer. Tick mark the qualities that you feel desirable in a boss.

Solution

A boss should ideally have the following qualities.

• Trustworthy
• Meticulous
• Calculating
• Problem-solving
• Ability to take decisions
• Willing to take risks
• Oratory skills

Bosses are almost always portrayed as arrogant, egoistic and demanding, but such portrayals can sometimes be wrong. In this particular case, Ravi’s boss may have his own reasons to refuse him leave of absence. Maybe the project is very important. Maybe the deadline is too close. Bosses are also under tremendous pressure to deliver. They are answerable to their clients and investors. Even so, he could still have granted Ravi leave of absence for a day or two on humanitarian grounds. No doubt, he puts his company above his employees. Unfortunately, such bosses may find it difficult to win the trust and loyalty of their employees.

Key vocabulary

Meticulous (adjective)

A meticulous person is minutely careful. S/he will ensure that even minor details aren’t overlooked.

• Our meticulous housekeeper never forgets a thing.

Meticulous has an adverb form – meticulously.

• Every night, before going to bed, she meticulously arranges her books on the table.

Egoist

An egoist is a self-centered person.

• An egoist can only think of himself and his interests. They have little interest in other people or their well-being.

Egoism means self-importance, self-centeredness or narcissism.

• Extreme egoism prevented him from thinking of anyone but himself.

Egotist

An egotist is a self-admirer, braggart or boaster.

• I can’t bear listening to that egotist talking about himself.

Garrulous

This adjective is used to refer to a person who is extremely talkative, chatty or babbling.

• If he hadn’t been so garrulous, I would perhaps have married him.

Whimsical

Whimsical means eccentric, erratic, inconsistent, quixotic etc.

• You are too whimsical to be a successful manager.