Vocabulary

• Read and translate new words and expressions using a dictionary.

recruiting firm, succeed, executive-training program, delegating, collaboration, failure, scenario, tension, turnaround assignment, expectation, charismatic, empower

• Try to give their definitions in English.

• In pairs make dialogues using new words and expressions. Read them aloud.

Pre-Reading task

• Scan the text and try to find the main idea of every paragraph.

• Read it aloud.

Reading

Read and translate the text

Is Your Style The Right Fit For The Job You’re After?

It's not unusual for a leader's style to clash with the company culture, says Chris Von Der Ahe, senior client partner with Korn/Ferry International, a recruiting firm based in Los Angeles. It's the main reason that executives pursue a job change, he says. Most companies focus on skills and experience when selecting a candidate, but research shows that cultural issues are the most important reasons why executives succeed or fail.

The original model for situational leadership was developed almost 40 years ago, and remains part of many executive-training programs. It calls for the leader to adopt a style based upon the ability and readiness of their employees to meet performance expectations.

The four styles are known generally as: directing, coaching, supporting and delegating. As the workers progressively become more competent and the business unit performs, the need for the leader to use a directive style decreases while the need for more collaboration and delegation increases.

When looking for or accepting a new assignment, matching or adapting your personal style to the needs of the position can mean the difference between success and failure. To help you assess whether an opening would a good match for you, here's a rundown on each scenario and the style that's most effective for it.

1. The Turnaround

The business-unit turnaround calls for the leader to provide large amounts of direction, says Don Brown, president of Situational Services.

In addition to being adept at making changes, being comfortable with tension and some stress is important for leaders who accept turnaround assignments.

2. The New Venture.

A new venture is much like the underperforming business unit, but usually requires the leader to move more quickly and to develop infrastructure and strategy, using a style that is both hands-on and detail oriented, says Mr. Von Der Ahe.

3. The Top Performer

The business unit that has been meeting or exceeding expectations requires its leader to use the most collaborative and supportive style, says Rick Scholl, director of the Schmidt Labor Research Center.

He says that this assignment is for the leader who is charismatic, good at building relationships, and empowering others, while keeping a sharp eye on the future for changes ahead.

Work with the text

• Identify the scenario to your boss’s one.

• What scenario would you choose? Why?

Translate from Russian into English:

• Это основная причина, по которой руководители вносят изменения в процесс труда.

• Оригинальная программа ситуационного управления была разработана почти сорок лет назад и собрала в себе части многих обучающих программ для руководителей.

• Новое предприятие часто похоже на подструктуру прежнего предприятия.

• Подразделения, которые сталкиваются или ожидают перемен, желают, чтобы их руководитель придерживался более гибкого и понимающего стиля руководства.

• Он утверждает, что такой стиль подходит харизматичным руководителям успешным в построении взаимоотношений, воодушевляющим других и внимательно следящим за изменениями, которые могут произойти в будущем.