HOW TO LOOK AND ACT LIKE A LEADER

By: Joann S. Lublin

Published: The Wall Street Journal; August 11, 2011; wsj.com; alternatively, just google the article and the writer’s name.

Level of Difficulty: ** This an easy level ** but too hard for a level*

WATCH, LISTEN AND CONSIDER

      ·         Want to sound like a leader? Start by saying your name right

       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02EJ1IdC6tE

·         Look, think and act like a leader  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCi8hlOrBf8

QUESTIONS

1.       What is meant by the term “executive presence” or “the aura of leadership”? It means that………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2.       How did her new clothes and hair style impact on Ms. Sharitt’s career?

3.       Ms. Sharitt developed presence according to the text. Why is presence so much more important in the modern world?

4.       For what reason did both Intel Corp and Morgan Stanley encourage some of their staff to attend “command presence workshops”?

5.       The staff members who attend the workshops walk away with the ability to …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

6.       How could keeping a diary including workplace observations help develop one’s own executive presence?

7.       Jason Bernstein’s problem was that he was too ……………………………………………………………

8.       Jason Bernstein was given various pieces of advice one of which was avoiding nodding when agreeing. What was the reason for this latter piece of advice?

9.       What resulted in Ms. Christie “toning down her strong delivery”?

10.   What does “The insight” in the phrase “The insight inspired Ms. Hudnel to propose the presence workshop” refer to?

WRITING TASK

Write a definition essay describing a successful business executive based on the information in the text and any additional listening you do on ted.com. Use the points below:

·          Appearance: dressing appropriately, grooming and make up

·         Personality traits such as being decisive, self confident, strategic and assertive; i.e., should have executive presence

In you conclusion you might suggest a few ways to acquire the characteristics above:

·         Pinpointing strengths and weaknesses

·         A journal based on work place observations

·         Formal assistance from a coach or course

HOW TO LOOK AND ACT LIKE A LEADER KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES

It always makes me triumphant when I find a relatively easy text which lends itself to questions and a good writing task to boot. The more difficult texts are plentiful; not so texts like this little beauty so I hope you find it useful. It is a sort of easy level** but too hard for level* I thought.

1.       Savvy executives know the part, act the part and look the part.

2.       Faster acceptance of her ideas by senior management

3.       Because you have less time to make that lasting impression.

4.       Because the staff needed extra help selling their ideas within the company is the best answer because the program addresses a problem. To teach ambitious staffers about executive presence implies it was a top down policy decision not a response to a problem.

5.       Present affectively

6.       One could imitate the behavior that feels comfortable and natural.

7.       Easy-going

8.       Nodding is in some ways a gesture of deference

9.       Soliciting associate’s reaction following her presentations.

10.   The fact that many Intel women  only seek her counsel after a presentation has not gone well.