How to Describe a Skilled People Manager in IELTS Speaking: Expert Tips and Examples

As an IELTS examiner with years of experience, I can tell you that describing a person who is very good at managing people is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test. This article will provide you with expert tips, sample answers, and key vocabulary to help you excel in this task.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking you to describe a skilled people manager. They want to assess your ability to:

1. Use a range of vocabulary related to management and leadership
2. Speak fluently and coherently about personal experiences
3. Use appropriate tenses and grammatical structures
4. Provide specific examples to support your points

Skilled People Manager

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may be asked general questions about leadership and management. Here’s a sample question and response:

Examiner: Do you think leadership skills are important in the workplace?

Sample Answer: Absolutely! I believe leadership skills are crucial in any professional environment. Effective leaders can motivate their team, boost productivity, and create a positive work atmosphere. In my experience, workplaces with strong leadership tend to have higher employee satisfaction and better overall performance. It’s not just about giving orders; it’s about inspiring and guiding others to achieve their best.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who is very good at managing people:

Describe a person you know who is very good at managing people.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person does
• And explain why you think this person is good at managing people

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah, who I believe is exceptionally skilled at managing people. I had the pleasure of working under her guidance for three years at a marketing firm in London.

Sarah is the head of the digital marketing department, overseeing a team of about 20 people. What makes her stand out is her remarkable ability to bring out the best in each team member. She has this uncanny knack for identifying people’s strengths and assigning tasks that play to those strengths.

One of the things I admire most about Sarah is her communication style. She’s always clear and concise in her instructions, but at the same time, she’s approachable and open to feedback. This creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Moreover, Sarah is excellent at conflict resolution. I’ve seen her tactfully handle disagreements between team members, always finding a way to turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and learning.

I think Sarah is so good at managing people because she combines empathy with efficiency. She genuinely cares about her team’s wellbeing, but she also has a keen focus on results. This balance allows her to foster a positive work culture while still driving the team towards its goals.

Another aspect that sets Sarah apart is her ability to adapt her management style to different individuals. She understands that what motivates one person might not work for another, and she’s flexible enough to adjust her approach accordingly.

In conclusion, Sarah’s blend of emotional intelligence, clear communication, and results-oriented approach makes her an outstanding people manager. Her leadership style not only boosts team morale but also consistently delivers excellent outcomes.

Possible follow-up questions:

1. What challenges do you think this person faces in their role?
2. How do you think this person’s management style affects team productivity?
3. Can you describe a specific situation where this person’s management skills made a difference?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think good managers are born or made?

Sample Answer: That’s an interesting question, and I believe it’s a combination of both. Some people may have natural leadership qualities, such as charisma or empathy, which can certainly be advantageous in management roles. However, I firmly believe that effective management skills can be developed and honed over time.

Many crucial management skills, such as strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and effective communication, can be learned through experience, training, and personal development. Even those with natural leadership tendencies need to refine their skills and adapt to different situations to become truly effective managers.

Moreover, the rapidly changing business landscape means that managers need to continuously update their skills to stay relevant. This ongoing learning process supports the idea that good managers are largely ‘made’ rather than simply ‘born’.

In my opinion, the most successful managers are those who combine their natural abilities with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. They remain open to feedback, seek out new challenges, and constantly strive to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Examiner: How has technology changed the way people are managed in the workplace?

Sample Answer: Technology has profoundly transformed the way people are managed in modern workplaces. One of the most significant changes is the rise of remote work. Managers now need to be adept at leading virtual teams, which requires a different set of skills compared to traditional in-person management.

Digital communication tools have become essential for maintaining team cohesion and facilitating collaboration. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow managers to stay connected with their team members regardless of physical location. However, this also means managers need to be mindful of potential communication barriers and work harder to build team spirit in a virtual environment.

Another major impact is the use of data analytics in performance management. Many companies now use sophisticated software to track employee productivity, set goals, and measure performance. This data-driven approach allows managers to make more informed decisions about their team members, but it also raises questions about privacy and the potential for over-monitoring.

Project management software has also revolutionized how work is assigned and tracked. Tools like Asana and Trello enable managers to have a real-time overview of project progress, allocate resources more efficiently, and identify bottlenecks quickly.

While these technological advancements offer many benefits, they also present challenges. Managers must now balance the use of technology with maintaining a human touch in their leadership style. They need to ensure that technology enhances rather than replaces personal interactions and that it’s used to empower employees rather than micromanage them.

In conclusion, technology has provided managers with powerful tools to increase efficiency and productivity, but it has also necessitated the development of new skills to effectively lead in a digital age.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some important words and phrases to help you achieve a high score when describing a skilled people manager:

1. Emotional intelligence [/ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/] (noun): The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others.
   Example: “A good manager needs high emotional intelligence to navigate complex workplace relationships.”

2. Delegation [/ˌdelɪˈɡeɪʃn/] (noun): The act of entrusting tasks or responsibilities to others.
   Example: “Effective delegation is crucial for managers to maximize team productivity.”

3. Empowerment [/ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/] (noun): The process of giving individuals the authority and resources to take initiative and solve problems.
   Example: “Sarah’s leadership style focuses on empowerment, which boosts team confidence and creativity.”

4. Conflict resolution [/ˈkɒnflɪkt ˌrezəˈluːʃn/] (noun): The process of finding a peaceful solution to a disagreement.
   Example: “His conflict resolution skills have helped maintain harmony within the diverse team.”

5. Adaptable [/əˈdæptəbl/] (adjective): Able to adjust to new conditions or situations.
   Example: “An adaptable manager can effectively lead teams through periods of change and uncertainty.”

6. Mentoring [/ˈmentɔːrɪŋ/] (noun): The practice of helping and advising someone with less experience to develop in their role.
   Example: “The company’s mentoring program has significantly improved employee retention and satisfaction.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

1. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to speaking English, focusing on management and leadership topics.

2. Use specific examples: When describing a skilled manager, provide concrete instances of their effective management techniques.

3. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases related to management and leadership.

4. Work on fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and fillers.

5. Listen to podcasts or watch videos on management topics to familiarize yourself with relevant vocabulary and concepts.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the right words, but using them naturally and confidently in context. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

How to Describe a Time You Had to Take on a Leadership Role in IELTS Speaking

How to Talk About a Time You Helped a Friend Solve a Problem in IELTS Speaking