Effective Management Skills

Lesson Details

• Year Level: Year 11
• Subject: Business
• Lesson Duration: 50 minutes
• Class Size: 20 students
• Curriculum Area: Australian Curriculum – Business (Senior Secondary)
• Focus: Managers, Effective Management & Managerial Skills

This lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Business (Senior Secondary), specifically focusing on management approaches, leadership styles, and the key skills required to be an effective manager.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the role of managers in a business environment.
2. Identify key managerial skills required for effective leadership.
3. Differentiate between management styles and their impact on business success.
4. Apply management theories to real-world Australian business scenarios.

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Lesson Structure (50 Minutes)

1. Introduction & Hook (5 Mins) – Think Like a Manager

• Start the lesson by asking students:
  “Imagine you are the manager of an Australian café. What key decisions do you make daily?”
• Have students discuss in pairs for 2 minutes.
• Share ideas as a whole class and write keywords on the board (e.g., problem-solving, leadership, communication, planning).

2. Concept Explanation (10 Mins) – What Makes a Great Manager?

• Teacher-Led Explanation:
  • Define a manager and their role in an organisation.
  • Discuss key management skills like:
    • Communication (Verbal & Non-Verbal)
    • Decision-Making (Analytical & Intuitive)
    • Problem-Solving (Logical Approach)
    • Time Management (Prioritisation Strategies)
    • Emotional Intelligence (Self-Awareness & Empathy)
• Reference well-known Australian business managers (e.g., Melanie Perkins – Canva, Mike Cannon-Brookes – Atlassian).

3. Interactive Group Activity (12 Mins) – The Management Dilemma

Scenario-Based Learning:

• Divide students into 4 groups of 5.
• Each group receives a different business scenario (e.g., handling a difficult employee, managing a crisis, launching a new product).
• Task: Students must identify:
  1. What managerial skills are needed to handle the situation?
  2. Which management style (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire) would be most effective?
  3. Justify their choices.
• Groups present their discussion in 1 minute per group.

4. Real-World Application (10 Mins) – Video & Discussion

• Play a 3-minute video clip of an Australian business leader sharing insights on leadership & management (pre-selected by the teacher).
• Class Discussion:
  • How does their approach reflect management theories?
  • What key skills did they use?
  • Would they be an effective leader in a small business, corporate, or startup setting?

5. Quickfire Challenge (8 Mins) – Managerial Decisions

• Quiz Format Activity:
  • Show 5 quick dilemmas (e.g., “A team member isn’t meeting deadlines. What do you do?”).
  • Present 3 possible manager responses.
  • Students vote by standing up for A, sitting for B, or raising a hand for C.
  • Discuss the most effective choice briefly.

6. Reflection & Exit Ticket (5 Mins) – Manager Self-Evaluation

• Students write a short reflection on:
  • The managerial skill they believe they excel in.
  • The skill they need to develop and why.
  • How they might apply managerial thinking in future careers.

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Assessment & Extension

Assessment (Formative)

✔ Group activity participation (verbal presentations).
✔ Student reflections (written self-evaluation).
✔ Engagement with quiz responses.

Extension Activity (Optional Homework/Next Lesson)

💡 Case Study Analysis: Research how a famous Australian company (e.g., Qantas, Woolworths, Canva) uses different management strategies and skills to succeed. Summarise in a short report or presentation.

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Resources & Materials

• Whiteboard & Markers
• Printed Business Scenarios (Group Work)
• Pre-selected Business Leader Video (Local Example)
• Slideshow with Key Points & Quiz Questions

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Teacher Notes & Differentiation

✅ Support Strategies: Pair struggling students with strong communicators during group work.
✅ Challenge for Advanced Learners: Encourage deeper discussion on complex management theories (e.g., transformational leadership).
✅ Adaptable to Online Learning: The group activity can be turned into a breakout room discussion.

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Final Thoughts

This lesson brings real-world business leadership into the classroom with interactive, thought-provoking learning experiences. Students think critically, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and develop skills crucial for future roles in management.

🔥 A dynamic way to prepare Year 11 students for leadership in Australian business!