Dealing with the Boss
At the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:
Learn related vocabularies and phrases / Understand the
importance of calling in sick / talk about the topic.
Free talk
Discuss the following questions with your Teacher..
1. Have you ever dealt with a difficult Boss? How
did it go?
2. Do you work directly to the Big boss of the
company you’re working for?
3. Have you ever made mistakes at work? How did
your Boss dealt with it?
2
Speak-up
Read the dialogue below and discuss what are your thoughts about it.
Ryan:
You look down in the dumps. What’s the problem?
Josie:
I was blamed by my boss yesterday, I was reprimanded.
Ryan:
What was wrong?
Josie:
I failed to give him a file on time. I was so busy with all the e-mails and
phone calls from the demanding customers. Can’t he be patient for just a
moment Who’s more important, the clients or the boss?
Ryan:
Well, that’s a tough question. You can’t argue in this way. You just have to
hand in file when he needs it. He may have a VIP customer waiting to read
the file.
Josie:
Oh, I didn’t realize this.
Ryan:
You have to weigh things carefully and give due priority to each one, you
must tell the boss in advance if you’re busy so he can also adjust, Probably
he would help you rather than blame you, and nothing would get delayed too
much.
Josie:
You are right! I really need to be more flexible in my work.
Express yourself..
Choose 3-4 adjectives in describing your Boss give examples for the same,
see example structure below.
How would you describe your Boss?
Aggressive
Generous
Optimistic
Unpredictable
Broad-minded
Hilarious
Protective
Wise
Compassionate
Decisive
Independent
Level-headed
Quick-thinking
Respectful
Yielding
Zealous
Egoistic
Meticulous
Supportive
Friendly
Nerve wrecking
Temperamental
I can say that my Boss is _____________ because, ______________________
In addition, he is indeed _______________, for instance, __________________
Not only that, he is also _________________, for example, ________________
However, he is sometimes ______________, simply because ______________
4
USEFUL PHRASES:
Reporting to the Boss: Match the following phrases and decide which
situation it is necessary.
Review Progress Feedback
Opinion
Raise
1. "I just completed the report Sir. Do you want to take a
look at it?”
2. “Would it be a good time to give extras or bonuses?”
3. "I was wondering if we can meet to discuss how I am
doing.“
4. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I have to say……
5. "What areas do you think I should work on?“
Essential Structure:
To Boss around means to tell someone what to do, give
orders/ to dominate someone
Example:
My senior often boss around without my Manager’s order.
Subject + adverb of frequency + boss
around + situation
Make your own sentence using the structure
above.
Speaking:
Your boss just assigned a new project to you and you can't imagine how you'll get
it done. Can you say no to your boss, though? You can if your reasons are good.
Discuss with your partner and decide which ones are good reasons and which are
bad..
CAN YOU SAY NO TO YOUR BOSS?
1. The project looks too difficult.
2. There simply aren't enough hours in a day to work on it,
even if I get to work early and stay late.
3. It isn't part of my job description.
4. I'm in the middle of planning my wedding and can't focus
on anything right now.
5. My other work will suffer if I take on this assignment.
6. I don't have the necessary skills to complete this project
and I will not be able to attain them in time.
WRAP-UP:
Complete the following sentences using your own ideas.
1)Describe a time that you were questioned by the
Big boss to explain a huge mistake that you made.
2)Talk about a situation that your Boss requested you
for your input on a very important Management
decision.
3)Share an experience that your Boss spent time with
you / your team. How did it go.