Summary
This downloadable lesson plan provides B2-level class material for English teachers on 'managing up'. Students will learn essential vocabulary and grammar for communicating effectively and diplomatically with senior colleagues in a professional business setting.
This business English lesson helps students master the art of 'managing up' and influencing senior stakeholders. The class material includes a vocabulary matching exercise, a listening gap-fill task on core principles, and a grammar focus on using modal verbs for diplomatic language. Students will study useful phrases for professional communication before applying everything they've learned in a practical role-play scenario where they must update a senior manager about a project risk.
Activities
- Students begin by discussing the concept of 'managing up' and then match key business vocabulary, such as 'stakeholder,' 'proactive,' and 'rapport,' with their definitions to build a foundation for the lesson's core topic.
- Through a listening gap-fill exercise, students identify the core principles of influencing senior colleagues. This is followed by comprehension questions to ensure they understand the key messages from the audio.
- The lesson focuses on diplomatic language, teaching students to soften direct requests using modal verbs like 'could' and 'might.' They practice this by rewriting sentences and studying a bank of useful professional phrases.
- The lesson culminates in a practical role-play where students act as a project lead and a senior manager. They must use the target language to proactively update their manager on a project risk and request support diplomatically.
Transcript
Managing up effectively really comes down to understanding your senior stakeholders' priorities. If you can anticipate their needs, you're already halfway there. Proactive communication is crucial. Don't wait to be asked. Always frame your updates in terms of their strategic objectives, not just your project details. It's also important to build rapport, demonstrating you're a reliable and trusted resource. This approach helps you influence decisions more easily and secure the support you need. Ultimately, It's about making their job easier while achieving your own goals.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson focuses on professional vocabulary essential for influencing senior colleagues. Key terms include: "stakeholder," "rapport," "anticipate," "proactive," "strategic objectives," "frame," "secure (support)," and "influence." These words help students communicate with precision and professionalism in a business environment.
Grammar focus
The grammar section concentrates on using diplomatic language, which is crucial for communicating with managers. Students learn to use modal verbs (could, would, might) and softening phrases to transform direct or demanding statements into polite, collaborative, and respectful suggestions or requests.
