Can leadership be learned or is it something you’re born with?

This question continues to spark debate in boardrooms, political halls and sports teams around the world. In this lesson, we explore what makes an effective leader today, from timeless traits to modern challenges.

1. Vocabulary task: What makes a great leader?

Here are eight words often used to describe good leaders.

📝 Your task:

Write the adjective form of each word and then choose the 3 most important leadership traits in your opinion.

Explain your choices to a partner or write 3–4 sentences in your learning journal.

They are all nouns can you find the adjective form?

integrity

No direct adjective → Use phrases like a person with integrity or an act of integrity

honesty

honest

courage

courageous

commitment

committed

sincerity

sincere

passion

passionate

confidence

confident

wisdom

wise

2. Listening practice: TED Talk by Anne Morriss

In this talk, leadership coach Anne Morriss shares a five-day “playbook” for solving difficult problems without creating more damage and explains why urgency and responsibility are not opposites.

5 Steps to fix any problem at work

🎧 While you watch, answer these questions:

1. What does Anne say is a common false belief about leadership and progress?

👉 That we have to choose between making progress and taking care of people. In other words, that we can either move fast or care but not both. She argues this is a false trade-off and introduces the idea of “move fast and fix things.”

2. What kind of “plan” does she encourage people to try by Tuesday?

👉 A “good-enough” plan which is not a perfect plan but a practical one you can try out to improve trust and relationships. The point is to experiment, learn from mistakes and adapt.

3. Why is Wednesday important in her leadership week?

👉 It’s about getting new perspectives by talking to people who are different from you. Anne believes diverse viewpoints make your plan stronger and your leadership more effective.

4. What does she say stories need in order to inspire change?

👉 Stories should include three parts: past, present, and future. Many leaders forget the “past” part but she says honouring the complicated truth of the past helps people feel included and builds trust in the change process.

5. What’s her advice for Friday and why?

👉 Take action with urgency. After a week of reflection and learning, Friday is the time to act fast but without breaking things. She says most problems deserve a quicker, more energetic response and that acting now helps avoid the pain of delay.

🗣️ Discuss with a partner:

Do you agree that leadership is about relationships, not just power? Why or why not?

3. Optional listening: BBC podcast – Under the Bonnet of Leadership

In this two-part BBC series, Carolyn Quinn speaks to political leaders, business experts and comedians to discover what really makes a leader effective and human.

💡 Why this podcast?

– Clear BBC English

– Short episodes

– Real-world examples of leadership successes and failures

– Good for practising listening to interviews and contrasting opinions

🎯 Try this:

  • Note 3 different opinions about what makes a great leader
  • Which do you agree with? Which surprise you?
Listen Here

4. Reflect & write: What kind of leader are you?

🧠 Think of a time you led a project, activity or team, even a small one (e.g. organising a group trip, leading a discussion, helping someone learn).

✍️ Now write a short reflection (120–150 words) answering:

  • What was the situation?
  • What leadership qualities did you use?
  • What did you find difficult?
  • Would you do anything differently next time?

Use your notes to share in class or in an online group.

5. Language spotlight: Talking about traits

Here are some sentence starters you can use to describe leadership styles and opinions:

  • A good leader needs to be…
  • One of the most important qualities is…
  • In my experience, it’s important for leaders to…
  • I don’t think leaders should…
  • It’s not just about power — it’s about…
  • I admire leaders who…

🎯 Try using 3 of these phrases in your speaking or writing task.

6. Learn more with ECS Scotland

Are you looking to build your leadership communication skills in English?

Our Communication at Work course helps you:

✅ Discuss professional topics with more confidence

✅ Present ideas clearly and persuasively

✅ Learn business vocabulary and soft skills for success

More information