OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This manager ESL lesson plan offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for intermediate B1-B2 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss what makes a good or bad boss and analyze real-world workplace interactions.
• Expand their vocabulary with key business and management terms related to leadership and motivation.
• Watch a video about good and bad management styles and complete activities identifying key leadership behaviors.
• Practice forming collocations and using business-related verbs in conversation.
• Participate in a leadership workshop where they role-play workplace scenarios to apply what they have learned.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students begin this manager ESL lesson plan by analyzing two short boss-employee interactions. They discuss which boss engages positively and which one disengages, explaining how their responses impact employee motivation and job satisfaction. Next, students brainstorm traits and behaviors of good and bad managers, categorizing them into a two-column table. To deepen their understanding, they transform business-related nouns into verbs and complete sentences describing different managerial styles. Finally, students discuss a leadership-related quote: "If you want to run a tight ship, you need a good captain," expressing their opinions on the role of strong leadership in management.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

Students watch a video that contrasts good and bad bosses, showing how leadership impacts employee morale and productivity. A good boss recognizes employees, motivates them, and trusts their abilities, while a bad boss micromanages, takes credit, and demotivates their team. After watching, students complete a table identifying how good and bad managers approach key workplace concepts like recognition, motivation, and engagement. They then match specific management behaviors from the video to example actions, reinforcing their understanding of leadership styles in a practical way.

DISCUSSION & COLLOCATIONS

Students reflect on their own experiences with management by discussing whether they have worked under good or bad bosses, whether leadership skills are innate or learned, and what qualities define the best and worst managers. They then complete sentences with appropriate business-related nouns to form common collocations about workplace behavior. To further explore these concepts, students select discussion points related to taking initiative, handling constructive feedback, maintaining a positive attitude, and seeking clarification in the workplace.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP: TEST YOUR MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Students put their leadership skills to the test in a role-playing activity. They choose a workplace scenario, such as handling an employee’s mistake or giving performance feedback, and take on the roles of a boss and an employee. The boss must demonstrate positive management behaviors, such as recognizing achievements and delegating tasks, while the employee responds with professional workplace behaviors like taking initiative and embracing feedback. Alternatively, students discuss real-world workplace experiences, reflecting on times they felt appreciated, micromanaged, or overwhelmed by work responsibilities, and consider strategies for effective leadership and communication.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS MANAGER ESL LESSON PLAN

Teachers gain access to a structured and interactive lesson that engages students in real-world management discussions. The lesson enhances students’ business English skills by introducing relevant vocabulary and practical language use. The video component provides a visual and contextual understanding of leadership concepts, reinforcing comprehension. Role-playing activities offer hands-on practice, helping students build confidence in workplace communication. Finally, the discussion elements encourage critical thinking and allow students to personalize their learning by reflecting on their own work experiences.