Leadership is a crucial skill in today’s world, and it’s no surprise that IELTS examiners often include questions about leaders and leadership in the Speaking test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, critical thinking, and ability to articulate complex ideas. In this article, we’ll explore how to excel when asked to describe a person known for their leadership skills in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a person who is known for their leadership skills” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It’s particularly likely to appear in Part 2, where you’re given a cue card and asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific topic. However, related questions might also come up in Parts 1 and 3 of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to leadership. Here are some examples:
- Do you think leadership skills are important? Why/Why not?
- Have you ever been in a leadership position?
- What qualities do you think make a good leader?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you think leadership skills are important? Why/Why not?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe leadership skills are crucial in many aspects of life. Effective leaders can inspire and motivate others to achieve common goals, whether in a professional setting or in community organizations. Good leadership often leads to better team performance, improved problem-solving, and a more positive work environment. Moreover, leadership skills can be beneficial in personal life too, helping individuals to take initiative and make sound decisions.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d say leadership skills are indispensable in today’s interconnected world. Exceptional leaders have the capacity to galvanize people towards a shared vision, fostering innovation and driving progress in various spheres of life. In the professional realm, adept leadership can significantly enhance organizational efficiency, boost morale, and cultivate a culture of excellence. Beyond the workplace, these skills are equally valuable in community development, political governance, and even in managing personal relationships. The ability to lead with empathy, make strategic decisions, and navigate complex challenges is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for success in many fields.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a possible cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who is known for their leadership skills.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What leadership qualities they possess
- And explain why you think they are a good leader
jacinda-ardern
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who is widely recognized for her exceptional leadership skills. I first became aware of her through international news coverage, particularly during her handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jacinda Ardern possesses several remarkable leadership qualities. Firstly, she’s known for her empathy and compassion. During times of crisis, she’s shown a genuine concern for her people, which has helped to build trust and unity. Secondly, she’s an effective communicator. Her ability to convey complex information clearly and calmly has been crucial in managing public expectations and responses during challenging times.
Moreover, Ardern demonstrates strong decision-making skills. She’s not afraid to make tough choices when necessary, as seen in her swift response to the Christchurch attacks and her early action on COVID-19. She also shows adaptability, adjusting her approach as situations evolve.
I believe Ardern is an excellent leader because she combines these qualities with a clear vision for her country. She’s able to rally people around common goals, whether it’s tackling climate change or promoting social equality. Her leadership style is inclusive and collaborative, which helps in building consensus and driving positive change. Overall, her ability to lead with both strength and compassion makes her stand out as a truly effective leader in my eyes.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to elucidate on the leadership prowess of Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, who has revolutionized the company’s culture and strategic direction since taking the helm in 2014. I’ve followed his career trajectory through business publications, tech conferences, and his book ‘Hit Refresh’, which offers profound insights into his leadership philosophy.
Nadella exemplifies a plethora of exceptional leadership qualities. Foremost among these is his visionary thinking. He’s successfully steered Microsoft away from its overreliance on Windows, pivoting towards cloud computing and artificial intelligence, which has propelled the company to new heights. His strategic acumen is complemented by a growth mindset, constantly encouraging innovation and learning within the organization.
Furthermore, Nadella’s leadership is characterized by empathy and inclusivity. He’s fostered a culture of diversity and collaboration, breaking down silos that previously hindered Microsoft’s progress. His authentic and humble approach has engendered trust among employees and stakeholders alike.
What sets Nadella apart as an extraordinary leader is his ability to balance transformation with stability. He’s managed to overhaul Microsoft’s image and operations without causing disruptive upheaval. His leadership style amalgamates technological expertise with emotional intelligence, enabling him to navigate complex challenges with finesse.
Moreover, Nadella’s commitment to ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility has positioned Microsoft as a responsible global citizen. His emphasis on using technology to empower people and organizations aligns perfectly with the evolving expectations of conscious consumerism and corporate accountability.
In essence, Satya Nadella’s leadership is a masterclass in adaptive, inclusive, and visionary governance. His ability to orchestrate a cultural and strategic renaissance at one of the world’s largest tech companies, while maintaining a focus on ethics and social impact, makes him an exemplar of modern leadership in my estimation.”
Follow-up Questions
- What challenges do you think this leader faced?
- How do you think their leadership style might differ in a different context?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Jacinda Ardern likely faced numerous challenges, including managing public expectations during crises and balancing economic concerns with public health during the pandemic. In a different context, such as leading a large corporation, she might need to adapt her communication style to suit a more formal business environment, while still maintaining her empathetic approach.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Satya Nadella undoubtedly encountered formidable challenges, such as overhauling an entrenched corporate culture and repositioning a tech giant in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. In a different context, say, leading a start-up, Nadella might need to amplify his risk-taking propensity and adopt a more hands-on leadership approach. However, his core principles of fostering innovation and cultivating a growth mindset would likely remain central to his leadership style.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to leadership. Here are some examples:
- How has the concept of leadership changed in recent years?
- Do you think leaders are born or made?
- What role does technology play in modern leadership?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: How has the concept of leadership changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The concept of leadership has evolved significantly in recent years. Traditionally, leadership was often associated with a top-down, authoritarian approach, but now there’s more emphasis on collaborative and inclusive leadership styles. Modern leaders are expected to be more empathetic and emotionally intelligent, able to connect with their team members on a personal level. There’s also a growing focus on ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility, with leaders being held accountable for the broader impact of their decisions on society and the environment.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The paradigm of leadership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, reflecting the evolving complexities of our global landscape. The traditional hierarchical model of leadership has given way to more fluid and adaptive approaches that prioritize emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and collaborative decision-making.
In the digital age, leaders are increasingly expected to be tech-savvy and capable of navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements. There’s a growing emphasis on transformational leadership, where leaders inspire and empower their teams to drive innovation and change.
Moreover, the concept of leadership has expanded beyond mere organizational success to encompass broader societal responsibilities. Modern leaders are often evaluated not just on their ability to deliver results, but also on their ethical standards, commitment to sustainability, and capacity to create positive social impact. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of business, society, and the environment.
Another significant change is the recognition of diverse leadership styles. There’s an increasing appreciation for leaders who can adapt their approach to different cultural contexts and who can harness the power of diversity to drive creativity and problem-solving.
In essence, the modern concept of leadership is more holistic and nuanced, requiring a delicate balance of strategic vision, emotional intelligence, ethical integrity, and adaptability to effectively guide organizations and communities through our rapidly changing world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing leadership, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Visionary [vɪʒəneri] (adj): Having or showing clear ideas about what should happen in the future.
Example: “Her visionary approach transformed the company’s fortunes.”Charismatic [ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk] (adj): Having the ability to attract and inspire people.
Example: “His charismatic personality helped him win the support of his team.”To galvanize [ˈɡælvənaɪz] (v): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
Example: “Her speech galvanized the employees into working harder.”Exemplary [ɪɡˈzempləri] (adj): Serving as a desirable model; very good.
Example: “His exemplary conduct set a high standard for others to follow.”To spearhead [ˈspɪəhed] (v): To lead an attack or an important movement.
Example: “She spearheaded the initiative to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.”Influential [ˌɪnfluˈenʃl] (adj): Having great influence on someone or something.
Example: “As an influential leader, her decisions had far-reaching consequences.”To foster [ˈfɒstə(r)] (v): To encourage the development of something.
Example: “Good leaders foster an environment of trust and open communication.”Resilient [rɪˈzɪliənt] (adj): Able to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “A resilient leader can guide their team through challenging times.”To delegate [ˈdelɪɡeɪt] (v): To entrust a task or responsibility to another person.
Example: “Effective leaders know how to delegate tasks efficiently.”Innovative [ˈɪnəveɪtɪv] (adj): Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Example: “Her innovative approach to problem-solving set her apart as a leader.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing leadership:
Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of leaders in mind from different fields (business, politics, sports, etc.) to discuss.
Focus on specific qualities: When describing a leader, go beyond generic terms. Provide specific examples of how they demonstrate leadership.
Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated leadership-related vocabulary naturally in your responses.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts. Explain your thoughts and provide reasons for your opinions.
Practice speaking: Regularly practice discussing leadership topics to improve your fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, fluency, and depth in your responses.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on how to describe a person who has a positive impact on others. You might also find it helpful to learn about describing a famous historical figure who inspires you, as many historical figures are known for their leadership skills.