CHARACTERISTICS OF A BAD LEADER
SUBJECT:
Civic Education
CLASS:
BASIC 5 / GRADE 5 / PRIMARY 5
TERM:
SECOND TERM (2ND TERM)
WEEK:
WEEK 1
TOPIC:
Revision of First Term’s Work / Qualities of a bad leader
Previous Lesson:
CIVIC EDUCATION FIRST TERM EXAMINATION PRIMARY 5
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify characteristics of a bad leader
- Discuss the characteristics of a bad leader
- Problem-solving that may arise from the bad leadership
Learning Activities
- Pupils as individuals mention the characteristics of a bad leader
- Pupils in pairs discuss the characteristics of a bad leader
- Pupils in small groups brainstorm on the problems that may arise from bad leadership
Embedded Core Skills
- Communication and Collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Leadership and Personal Development skills
- Creativity and Imagination
- Citizenship
Learning Resources
- Posters
- Pictures
- Resource Person
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES:
- Identification,
- Explanation,
- Questions and answers,
- Demonstration,
- Story-telling,
- Videos from source
Content
Who is a leader?
A leader is a person who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a common goal. Leaders can be found in various settings, including businesses, government organizations, non-profit organizations, and even in families and communities. A leader typically possesses certain qualities, such as vision, integrity, empathy, confidence, and communication skills, which enable them to inspire and guide others.
Leadership can take many forms, and the specific qualities and styles of leadership can vary depending on the situation. For example, a leader in a business setting might be directive and focused on results, while a leader in a community organization might be more participatory and consensus-oriented. The most effective leaders are able to adapt their style to meet the needs of different situations and people.
Who is a bad leader?
A bad leader is someone who doesn’t do a good job of leading a group of people. They might be selfish, not listen to others, or make bad decisions that hurt the group. Here are a few examples to help explain what a bad leader is:
- A teacher who is mean to their students and doesn’t listen to their ideas is a bad leader.
- A coach who only plays their favorite players and doesn’t give other kids a chance is a bad leader.
- A president who lies to the people and doesn’t keep their promises is a bad leader.
Characteristics of a bad leader
- Selfishness: A bad leader only thinks about themselves and doesn’t consider the needs of the group.
Example: A coach who only cares about winning and doesn’t make sure all the kids on the team have fun.
- Lack of Empathy: A bad leader doesn’t understand or care about the feelings of others.
Example: A teacher who doesn’t listen to a student’s problems and doesn’t try to help.
- Poor Decision Making: A bad leader makes decisions that harm the group or don’t make sense.
Example: A president who cuts funding for schools and libraries, even though these are important places for kids to learn and grow.
- Inadequate Communication Skills: A bad leader doesn’t listen to others or explain things well.
Example: A coach who doesn’t explain the rules of the game clearly and doesn’t listen to the kids’ ideas.
- Dishonesty: A bad leader lies or is not truthful.
Example: A president who promises to lower taxes but then raises them after getting elected.
- Lack of Inspiration: A bad leader doesn’t motivate or inspire others to achieve a common goal.
Example: A manager who doesn’t set clear goals for the team and doesn’t provide the resources or support needed to achieve them.
- Unfair Treatment: A bad leader treats some members of the group differently or unfairly.
Example: A teacher who only calls on certain students to answer questions and ignores others.
- Inflexibility: A bad leader doesn’t adapt to changing circumstances or new ideas.
Example: A manager who refuses to consider new and innovative ways of doing things, even when it could benefit the team.
- Lack of Responsibility: A bad leader doesn’t take responsibility for their actions or decisions.
Example: A president who blames others for problems instead of taking responsibility and finding solutions.
- Poor Role Model: A bad leader doesn’t set a good example for others to follow.
Example: A coach who cheats or uses bad sportsmanship instead of playing fairly.
Evaluation
- What is a common characteristic of a bad leader? a. Selflessness b. Empathy c. Selfishness
- What is a key quality that a bad leader often lacks? a. Good decision-making skills b. Inspiration c. Empathy
- What is a hallmark of a leader who is considered “bad”? a. Honest and truthful b. Fair and just treatment of all group members c. Dishonest and untruthful
- What type of communication skills do bad leaders often have? a. Effective communication skills b. Inadequate communication skills c. Excellent communication skills
- What is a common trait of a leader who is considered “bad”? a. Flexibility and adaptability b. Inflexibility c. Open-mindedness
- What is an example of poor decision making by a leader? a. Making decisions that benefit the group b. Making decisions that harm the group c. Making neutral decisions
- What is a characteristic of a bad leader who lacks responsibility? a. Taking responsibility for their actions b. Blaming others for problems c. Accepting responsibility for mistakes
- What is a hallmark of a poor role model as a leader? a. Setting a good example for others to follow b. Cheating and using bad sportsmanship c. Being a positive influence on others
- What is a key trait of a bad leader who lacks empathy? a. Understanding and caring about the feelings of others b. Ignoring the feelings of others c. Showing concern for the well-being of others
- What is an example of unfair treatment by a leader? a. Treating all members of the group fairly b. Treating some members of the group differently or unfairly c. Providing equal opportunities to all members of the group
Problems that may arise from bad leadership
- Decreased morale: When a leader is selfish, doesn’t listen to others, or makes poor decisions, it can lead to a decrease in morale among the group. This can result in a lack of motivation, decreased performance, and higher turnover.
- Conflicts: A leader who is unfair, doesn’t communicate well, or doesn’t take responsibility can create conflicts within the group. This can lead to arguments, fights, and even a breakdown in relationships.
- Poor decision making: Bad leaders often make poor decisions that can harm the group. This can result in missed opportunities, wasted resources, and negative outcomes.
- Lack of trust: When a leader is dishonest, doesn’t keep their promises, or doesn’t act in the best interest of the group, it can erode trust among the group. This can make it difficult for the group to work together effectively.
- Ineffective communication: A leader who doesn’t communicate well can result in misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a lack of transparency. This can lead to confusion and frustration among the group.
- Decreased productivity: When a leader lacks inspiration, doesn’t set clear goals, or doesn’t provide the resources or support needed to achieve them, it can lead to decreased productivity.
- Resistance to change: A leader who is inflexible and doesn’t adapt to changing circumstances or new ideas can create resistance to change among the group. This can prevent the group from being able to evolve and grow.
Evaluation
- When a leader is selfish, it can lead to a decrease in ________ among the group.
- A leader who is unfair can create ________ within the group.
- Bad leaders often make ________ decisions that can harm the group.
- When a leader is dishonest, it can erode ________ among the group.
- A leader who doesn’t communicate well can result in ________ among the group.
- When a leader lacks inspiration, it can lead to decreased ________.
- A leader who is inflexible can create ________ to change among the group.
- When a leader doesn’t set clear goals, it can lead to a lack of ________ among the group.
- A leader who doesn’t provide the resources or support needed can result in ________ productivity.
- Bad leadership can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the group, but also for the ________ and society as a whole.
Lesson Presentation
Procedure
- Introduction (10 minutes)
- Ask the students if they have ever been led by a leader who they didn’t think was a good leader.
- Write the definition of a leader on the board: “A leader is a person who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a common goal.”
- Ask the students to brainstorm and list the characteristics of a good leader on the board.
- Characteristics of a Bad Leader (15 minutes)
- Introduce the topic of “Characteristics of a Bad Leader.”
- Provide handouts with the ten multiple-choice questions on the topic of “Characteristics of a Bad Leader.”
- Ask the students to work in pairs or small groups to complete the handouts.
- Review the answers as a class and discuss the characteristics of a bad leader.
- Problems that May Arise from Bad Leadership (15 minutes)
- Introduce the topic of “Problems that May Arise from Bad Leadership.”
- Provide handouts with the ten fill-in-the-blank questions on the topic of “Problems that May Arise from Bad Leadership.”
- Ask the students to work in pairs or small groups to complete the handouts.
- Review the answers as a class and discuss the problems that may arise from bad leadership.
- Conclusion (10 minutes)
- Summarize the main points of the lesson, including the characteristics of a bad leader and the problems that may arise from bad leadership.
- Ask the students to reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply it to their own lives.
- Encourage the students to think critically about leadership and its impact on groups and communities.
Assessment:
- The completed handouts can be collected and graded for understanding of the topic.
- Class participation in the discussions can also be used as a form of assessment.
Extension:
- Ask the students to research and write a short report on a historical or current leader who they believe is a good leader and why.
- Encourage the students to share their reports with the class and discuss the characteristics of good leadership.