Management & Leadership Vocabulary: 100 Key English Terms
Management and leadership English is the language of running teams and organisations: setting strategy, deciding who does what, giving feedback, measuring performance and leading people through change. Managers and team leaders in international companies use these words in one-on-ones, board papers, performance reviews and strategy meetings every week, and many of them have no exact Turkish equivalent.
100 terms
9 topics
41 core terms
208 example sentences
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No account needed. Read the meaning, see where the term is used, then study the examples. Click any word in the lesson for help. You can also select a word and press Alt + Enter.
Strategy and Planning
strategy
noun
Meaning
A long-term plan that sets out where an organisation wants to go and the main choices it will make to get there, such as which markets to enter and what to stop doing.
Where you use it
Senior managers develop, set or define a strategy; everyone else is expected to understand it and put it into practice. The adjective is strategic: strategic plan, strategic priority, strategic decision.
Examples
Our strategy for the next three years is to grow in Europe and simplify our product range.
The board approved the new digital strategy last week.
Cutting prices is a tactic, not a strategy.
Usage note
Strategy is the overall direction; tactics are the specific actions used to carry it out.
Common phrases
develop a strategy · growth strategy · long-term strategy · strategy execution · in line with the strategy
Something a person, team or company wants to achieve, usually described in broad terms and over a longer period, such as becoming the market leader.
Where you use it
One of the most frequent words in planning and performance talks. You set, reach, achieve or work towards a goal. In many companies goal, objective and target are used almost interchangeably.
Examples
Our main goal this year is to cut customer complaints in half.
Let's agree on three goals for the next quarter in our one-on-one.
Common phrases
set a goal · achieve a goal · shared goal · long-term goal · work towards a goal
A specific, measurable result that a team or organisation plans to achieve by a certain date, usually as one step towards a wider goal.
Where you use it
Common in formal planning documents, project plans and performance systems such as OKRs (objectives and key results). It sounds more formal than goal. As an adjective, objective means 'not influenced by personal feelings'.
Examples
The first objective of the project is to move all customers to the new system by June.
Each department sets its own objectives based on the company strategy.
Usage note
Do not confuse objective (a result to reach) with objection (a reason for disagreeing).
Common phrases
set objectives · meet an objective · business objectives · strategic objective · key objective
A clear picture of what an organisation or team wants to become in the future, used to give people direction and a reason to work towards the same aim.
Where you use it
Leaders set out, share or communicate a vision, and a vision statement usually sits next to the mission statement. It is also used for people: a leader with vision is someone who sees future opportunities before others do.
Examples
Our vision is to be the first choice for small businesses in the region.
The new CEO spent her first month explaining her vision to every office.
Usage note
A vision describes the future you want; a mission describes what you do today and for whom.
Common phrases
share a vision · vision statement · long-term vision · a clear vision · a leader with vision
A short written statement of an organisation's purpose: what it does, who it serves and what makes it different, often shared with employees and the public.
Where you use it
Found on company websites, in annual reports and on office walls. Companies write, review or update their mission statement, usually together with a vision statement and a list of values.
Examples
Our mission statement is short: safe, affordable homes for young families.
Every new project should be checked against the mission statement.
Common phrases
write a mission statement · company mission statement · vision and mission statements · in line with our mission statement
A plan that shows the main steps, projects or product features an organisation intends to deliver over time, usually in the order they will happen.
Where you use it
Used in strategy, product and technology teams. You build, share or update a roadmap, and an item can be on the roadmap or taken off it. A roadmap is more visual and less detailed than a project plan.
Examples
The mobile app is on the roadmap for the second half of the year.
We'll share the three-year roadmap with all managers next week.
Common phrases
product roadmap · strategic roadmap · on the roadmap · update the roadmap · three-year roadmap
A planning tool that lists an organisation's internal strengths and weaknesses and the external opportunities and threats it faces, used before making strategic choices.
Where you use it
SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Teams do or carry out a SWOT analysis in strategy workshops, business plans and university case studies, usually as a grid of four boxes.
Examples
Before we enter the German market, let's do a quick SWOT analysis.
The SWOT analysis showed that our biggest weakness is slow delivery.
Usage note
Strengths and weaknesses are internal (inside the company); opportunities and threats are external (in the market and the wider world).
Common phrases
do a SWOT analysis · carry out a SWOT analysis · SWOT analysis workshop · complete a SWOT analysis
Short for objectives and key results: a goal-setting method in which each ambitious objective is paired with a few measurable key results that show whether it was achieved.
Where you use it
Developed at Intel and made popular by Google and other technology companies. Teams usually set OKRs every quarter and score them at the end. People talk about setting, cascading and reviewing OKRs.
Examples
One of our OKRs this quarter is to raise customer satisfaction to 90%.
Each team's OKRs should support the company's objectives for the year.
Usage note
An OKR is a goal together with its measures; a KPI is an ongoing measure of how something is performing. Many companies use both.
Common phrases
set OKRs · quarterly OKRs · company OKRs · score OKRs · OKR planning
A plan that describes what an organisation will do if something goes wrong or an unexpected event happens, such as a supplier failing or a key person leaving.
Where you use it
Used in planning, risk management and projects. You have, prepare or put a contingency plan in place, and in everyday talk people say plan B. A contingency budget is money kept aside for problems.
Examples
What's our contingency plan if the shipment gets stuck at customs?
We put a contingency plan in place in case the main data centre goes down.
Common phrases
prepare a contingency plan · have a contingency plan · put a contingency plan in place · contingency budget
Something that allows a company to do better than its competitors, such as lower costs, a stronger brand, better technology or more skilled people.
Where you use it
A central idea in strategy, made widely known by Michael Porter's work in the 1980s. Companies gain, build, keep or lose a competitive advantage, and a lasting one is called a sustainable competitive advantage.
Examples
Our main competitive advantage is next-day delivery across the country.
Low prices are not a sustainable competitive advantage if others can easily copy them.
Common phrases
gain a competitive advantage · sustainable competitive advantage · key competitive advantage · lose a competitive advantage
A state in which teams, goals and actions support the same strategy and priorities, so that different parts of an organisation work in the same direction.
Where you use it
A very common word in management meetings and strategy documents: strategic alignment, alignment between teams, get alignment. The verb is align: 'Let's align on the next steps.' It can sound like jargon if overused.
Examples
There's no alignment between what sales promises and what operations can deliver.
The workshop is meant to create alignment on our three priorities for next year.
Common phrases
strategic alignment · get alignment · alignment between teams · lack of alignment · create alignment
The process of putting a plan or strategy into action and delivering results, as opposed to only designing or discussing it.
Where you use it
Common in strategy talk: 'The strategy is fine; the problem is execution.' People talk about strategy execution, flawless execution, poor execution and focusing on execution. The verb is execute.
Examples
We have a good plan, but execution has been slow in the regions.
Strategy without execution is just a presentation.
Usage note
In other contexts execution also means carrying out a death sentence, but in business it simply means putting plans into practice.
Common phrases
strategy execution · flawless execution · poor execution · focus on execution · execution plan
A person responsible for a team, department or area of work, who plans the work, organises people and resources, and answers for the results.
Where you use it
A general job title used at many levels: project manager, sales manager, general manager. Your manager is the person you report to. In emails 'my manager' sounds more neutral than 'my boss', which is informal.
Examples
I'll check with my manager and get back to you by tomorrow.
He was promoted to manager after three years in the sales team.
Every new manager gets a mentor for the first six months.
Usage note
A Turkish 'genel müdür' is usually translated as CEO or general manager, depending on the company.
Common phrases
line manager · general manager · first-time manager · promoted to manager · check with your manager
A person who guides the daily work of a small team, usually while still doing some of the work themselves, and who normally reports to a manager.
Where you use it
A common first leadership role in customer service, software, sales and production. Team leaders assign tasks, run short daily meetings, solve small problems and pass bigger ones up to their manager. Sometimes shortened to TL in internal chats.
Examples
Talk to your team leader first if you need to change your shift.
After two years as a team leader, she applied for the department manager role.
Usage note
Team lead means the same and is especially common in technology companies.
Common phrases
become a team leader · team leader role · acting team leader · speak to your team leader
A diagram that shows how an organisation is structured, with boxes for roles or people and lines showing who reports to whom.
Where you use it
Short for organizational chart (British: organisational chart). New employees often study the org chart to understand the company. People talk about where someone sits on the org chart, or about a flat or a tall org chart.
Examples
According to the org chart, the design team reports to marketing, not product.
HR will send out the updated org chart after the restructuring.
Common phrases
updated org chart · on the org chart · draw up an org chart · flat org chart
To have a particular person as your manager, so that they direct your work, review your performance and are the person you answer to.
Where you use it
Used constantly to describe structure: 'I report to the CFO.' 'Who does she report to?' You also hear 'report directly to' and, in British English, 'report into'. The people who report to you are your direct reports.
Examples
In the new structure, the regional managers will report to the COO.
I report directly to the head of finance, but I work closely with sales.
Usage note
Report to someone tells you who your manager is; it does not mean sending them a report. 'I report to Ayşe' means Ayşe is your manager.
Common phrases
report directly to · report to the CEO · who do you report to · report into
An employee whose immediate manager is a particular person, with no other manager in between; the people a manager is directly responsible for.
Where you use it
Common in HR and management language, especially in the plural: 'She has eight direct reports.' Managers hold one-on-ones with their direct reports; people further down the chain are indirect reports.
Examples
I have six direct reports and meet each of them every two weeks.
As a new manager, ask your direct reports how they prefer to receive feedback.
Common phrases
direct reports · manage direct reports · indirect reports · number of direct reports
The person directly above you who manages your daily work, approves your leave and reviews your performance.
Where you use it
Mainly British; American companies more often say direct manager, supervisor or simply manager. Common in HR policies: 'Speak to your line manager first.' Line management is the noun for this kind of responsibility.
Examples
Holiday requests must be approved by your line manager.
My line manager is in Istanbul, but most of my team is in London.
Usage note
Line here refers to the line of authority on the org chart, not to a production line.
Common phrases
speak to your line manager · line manager approval · direct line manager · line management responsibilities
The group of people at the top of an organisation who make its most important decisions, such as the CEO, directors and heads of major departments.
Where you use it
Used in reports, announcements and office talk: 'The proposal goes to senior management next week.' Similar terms are top management, the leadership team and the C-suite. One person at this level is a senior manager or senior leader.
Examples
Senior management has approved next year's budget.
We need senior management support before we change the sales process.
Usage note
In some companies senior manager is a mid-level job title for an experienced manager, not part of top management, so check the company's own grading.
Common phrases
senior management team · senior management approval · report to senior management · senior management support
The managers between senior leadership and front-line staff, such as department heads and regional managers, who turn strategy into daily plans and lead teams.
Where you use it
Often discussed in restructuring, when companies cut layers of middle management to become flatter. One person in this group is a middle manager. The phrase can sound negative when people mean too much bureaucracy.
Examples
Middle management is often caught between pressure from the top and complaints from the team.
The company removed one layer of middle management to speed up decisions.
Common phrases
layer of middle management · middle management role · move into middle management · cut middle management
A system in which the people in an organisation are arranged in levels, with each level having more authority than the one below it.
Where you use it
Companies can have a strict, flat or steep hierarchy. People move up the hierarchy, and decisions travel up and down it. The adjective hierarchical often describes a formal, top-down culture.
Examples
It's a very traditional bank with a strict hierarchy.
Start-ups usually have a flatter hierarchy, so you can talk to the founders directly.
Usage note
Turkish speakers often say it like 'hiyerarşi'. In English it starts with /ˈhaɪə/, like the word higher.
Common phrases
strict hierarchy · flat hierarchy · move up the hierarchy · corporate hierarchy · hierarchical structure
The number of people who report directly to one manager. A wide span means many direct reports; a narrow span means only a few.
Where you use it
A classic term in organisational design, used when companies plan structures or remove layers. Wider spans usually mean flatter organisations; narrower spans usually mean more levels of management.
Examples
With a span of control of fifteen people, she has little time for one-on-ones.
The consultants recommended widening the span of control for store managers.
Common phrases
wide span of control · narrow span of control · increase the span of control · optimal span of control
An organisational structure in which employees report to two managers at the same time, usually a functional manager and a project or product manager.
Where you use it
Common in multinationals, consulting firms and engineering companies. People talk about working in a matrix, a matrix organisation and dotted-line reporting, where the second manager has less formal authority.
Examples
In our matrix structure, I report to the IT director but work for the retail project manager.
A matrix structure can slow decisions down if the two managers disagree.
Usage note
On an org chart, the main manager is usually shown with a solid line and the second manager with a dotted line.
Common phrases
complex matrix structure · matrix organisation · work in a matrix · dotted-line reporting
A department or team that works in isolation and does not share information or cooperate well with other parts of the same organisation.
Where you use it
Almost always negative. People talk about working in silos, a silo mentality and breaking down silos. The word comes from the tall towers used to store grain on farms.
Examples
Marketing and sales work in silos, so customers get mixed messages.
The new CEO's first priority is to break down the silos between regions.
Common phrases
work in silos · break down silos · silo mentality · departmental silos
The official line of authority in an organisation, showing who gives instructions to whom and the order in which decisions and problems move up and down.
Where you use it
Originally a military term, now common in business, especially in large and traditional organisations. You follow, go through or bypass the chain of command; going over someone's head means skipping a level in it.
Examples
Please follow the chain of command and raise the issue with your supervisor first.
In a crisis, a clear chain of command helps people act quickly.
Common phrases
follow the chain of command · clear chain of command · go through the chain of command · bypass the chain of command
The total number of people employed by an organisation or in a department; also an approved position that can be filled.
Where you use it
Used in budgets, planning and HR: increase, reduce or freeze headcount. Managers ask for headcount when they want to hire: 'We have approval for two more headcount.' A headcount freeze means no new hires.
Examples
Our headcount grew from 40 to 120 in two years.
There's a headcount freeze until the end of the year, so we can't replace him.
The process of choosing between different options, including collecting information, weighing risks and benefits, and agreeing who makes the final choice.
Where you use it
Used about how a company or a person decides: fast, slow, centralised or shared decision-making. Before another noun it describes the power to decide: a decision-making body, decision-making authority.
Examples
Too many approval steps are slowing down our decision-making.
Team leaders now have more decision-making power over their own budgets.
Good decision-making starts with asking the right questions.
Usage note
American English says 'make a decision'. 'Take a decision', close to Turkish 'karar almak', is accepted in British English but less common.
Common phrases
decision-making process · decision-making power · involve people in decision-making · speed up decision-making · shared decision-making
To decide which tasks or issues matter most and deal with them first, often because there is not enough time or money for everything.
Where you use it
Managers prioritize work, projects and requests, and ask their teams to do the same. The noun is priority: top priority, conflicting priorities. It is also a polite way to say no: 'We need to prioritize the launch.'
Examples
We can't do all ten projects this year, so we need to prioritize.
Please prioritize the client's request over the internal report.
She's very good at prioritizing when everything seems urgent.
Usage note
Prioritize is the American spelling; British English usually writes prioritise.
Common phrases
prioritize tasks · prioritize the work · clearly prioritize · top priority · competing priorities
General agreement among all or most members of a group, reached through discussion, so that people can support a decision even if it was not their first choice.
Where you use it
You reach, build or look for consensus. Consensus-based decision-making is slower but usually wins more support. In meetings people ask 'Do we have consensus?' or admit 'There's no consensus yet.'
Examples
After two hours of discussion, we finally reached a consensus on the new pricing.
She's good at building consensus between sales and finance.
Usage note
It is spelled consensus, not concensus. 'General consensus' is common, but 'consensus' alone already means general agreement.
Common phrases
reach a consensus · build consensus · broad consensus · consensus decision · lack of consensus
A situation where you accept less of one thing to get more of another, such as lower quality for faster delivery; also the balance you choose between the two.
Where you use it
Common in decision-making and planning: 'What's the trade-off?' You make, accept or weigh a trade-off. Classic examples are time, cost and quality in projects, or speed and accuracy in decisions.
Examples
There's a trade-off between launching early and fixing every bug.
We accepted a small trade-off in quality to meet the client's deadline.
Common phrases
make a trade-off · accept a trade-off · the trade-off between · weigh the trade-offs
To pass a problem or decision to someone with more authority because it cannot be solved at your level; of a conflict, to become more serious.
Where you use it
Used every day in operations, customer service and projects: you escalate an issue, a complaint or a risk to your manager. The noun is escalation, and many teams have a clear escalation path.
Examples
If the supplier doesn't reply by Friday, escalate it to me.
The complaint was escalated to the regional director.
We need to settle this disagreement before it escalates.
Usage note
Escalating a problem is not the same as complaining about a colleague; in many companies it is the expected, neutral way to get a decision.
Common phrases
escalate an issue · escalate to management · escalation path · escalate quickly
To give final formal approval to something, such as a budget, design or document, so that work can go ahead; the noun is sign-off.
Where you use it
You sign off a budget or sign off on a plan, and some work needs sign-off from finance or legal. American English often adds on. In other contexts it also means ending an email, a broadcast or a work shift.
Examples
The CFO still needs to sign off on the budget before we can hire.
We can't launch the campaign without sign-off from legal.
Usage note
Do not confuse sign off (approve) with sign up (register) or sign in (log in).
Common phrases
sign off on a plan · sign off the budget · get sign-off · final sign-off · need sign-off from
The process of identifying what could go wrong in a plan or activity, judging how likely and how serious each risk is, and deciding how to reduce it.
Where you use it
Used in decision-making, projects, finance and health and safety. You carry out, do or update a risk assessment. Risks are often rated by likelihood and impact, sometimes in a risk matrix.
Examples
We need a proper risk assessment before we move production to the new site.
The risk assessment rated a supplier failure as unlikely but high impact.
Common phrases
carry out a risk assessment · risk assessment process · update the risk assessment · formal risk assessment
Based on the analysis of facts and figures rather than on opinion, habit or intuition; used about decisions, company cultures and organisations.
Where you use it
A popular word in strategy and management: data-driven decisions, a data-driven culture, a data-driven company. Managers are expected to back up proposals with numbers. The opposite is often described as going with your gut feeling.
Examples
We want to be more data-driven, so every proposal now needs supporting figures.
Data-driven decisions are only as good as the data behind them.
Common phrases
data-driven decisions · data-driven culture · data-driven approach · become more data-driven
Describes decisions, plans or management in which the people at the top decide and those below are expected to carry them out, with little input from lower levels.
Where you use it
Often contrasted with bottom-up, where ideas come from employees. People talk about a top-down approach, top-down decision-making or a top-down culture. It can sound negative, but it is often useful in a crisis.
Examples
The new targets were set in a top-down way, so many store managers felt ignored.
We combined top-down goals with bottom-up ideas from each team.
A strong belief about what is true or what to do that comes from intuition or experience rather than from facts or careful analysis.
Where you use it
Informal but common in meetings: 'My gut feeling is that the price is too high.' People trust or go with their gut feeling, or simply say 'go with your gut'. It is often contrasted with data-driven decisions.
Examples
My gut feeling says this candidate won't stay long, but let's check her references.
Experienced managers often combine data with gut feeling.
Common phrases
go with your gut feeling · trust your gut feeling · have a gut feeling · my gut feeling is
To give part of your work, responsibility or decision-making power to someone else, usually a person in your team, while still checking that the result is achieved.
Where you use it
A core skill for new managers. You delegate a task, work or authority to someone, and the noun is delegation. Managers who cannot delegate often end up overloaded and slow their team down.
Examples
You need to delegate more; you can't approve every invoice yourself.
I've delegated the weekly report to Murat, so please send your figures to him.
Usage note
The verb is pronounced /ˈdelɪɡeɪt/, but the noun delegate (a person at a conference) ends in /ɡət/.
The duty to answer for the result of a task or decision, which includes explaining what happened and accepting the consequences, even if others did the work.
Where you use it
Very common in management, governance texts and job descriptions. Leaders take accountability and hold people accountable for results. The adjective is accountable: accountable for a result, accountable to the board.
Examples
If three people own the same project, there's no real accountability.
The new structure gives each regional manager full accountability for their sales figures.
She took accountability for the delay and explained how it would be fixed.
Usage note
Responsibility is about doing the work; accountability is about answering for the result. Several people can be responsible, but usually only one is accountable.
Common phrases
take accountability · clear accountability · culture of accountability · hold someone accountable · lack of accountability
To give people the authority, confidence and resources to make decisions and act on their own, instead of waiting for approval at every step.
Where you use it
A popular word in leadership talks, company values and job ads. Managers empower their teams or empower employees to do something. The noun is empowerment, and empowered describes people who feel trusted to decide.
Examples
We want to empower our store managers to solve customer problems on the spot.
People feel more empowered when they understand why a decision was made.
Common phrases
empower employees · empower the team · feel empowered · employee empowerment
To control every small detail of other people's work, checking constantly and making decisions for them instead of trusting them to do the job.
Where you use it
Almost always negative. Employees complain that a boss micromanages them; the noun is micromanagement and the person is a micromanager. It is often mentioned as the opposite of delegating well.
Examples
I don't want to micromanage you, so just tell me if you need help.
Several people left the team because the new director micromanaged every email.
Usage note
Hands-on is usually positive (involved and practical), while micromanaging is negative (too involved).
Common phrases
micromanage the team · tendency to micromanage · stop micromanaging · feel micromanaged
In management, the attitude of treating a task or problem as your own and taking responsibility for getting it done, rather than waiting for someone else to act.
Where you use it
Very common in feedback and company values: take ownership of a project, show ownership, a sense of ownership. Managers praise people who take ownership. The legal meaning, owning property or shares, also exists.
Examples
Deniz took ownership of the delayed shipment and called the client himself.
We want every engineer to feel a sense of ownership over the product.
Common phrases
take ownership · sense of ownership · show ownership · clear ownership
The amount of work a person or team has to do in a given period, often discussed when it seems too heavy or unevenly shared.
Where you use it
Managers balance, share, manage or reduce workloads. A workload can be heavy, light or manageable. It often comes up in one-on-ones and when deciding whether to delegate work or hire someone new.
Examples
My workload doubled after two people left the team.
Let's look at everyone's workload before we take on the new client.
Common phrases
heavy workload · manage your workload · balance the workload · reduce the workload · manageable workload
A table that shows, for each task or decision, who is Responsible, who is Accountable, who must be Consulted and who must be Informed.
Where you use it
Used in projects and process design to avoid confusion over roles. Teams create or fill in a RACI matrix, also called a RACI chart. A common rule is that each task has only one A.
Examples
Let's do a RACI matrix so we know who signs off on the final design.
According to the RACI matrix, legal only needs to be informed, not consulted.
Usage note
Responsible and Accountable are different: R does the work, A answers for the result. Turkish 'sorumlu' covers both, which often causes confusion.
Common phrases
create a RACI matrix · RACI chart · fill in the RACI · RACI roles
To check on a task, request or decision after it has been given or discussed, to make sure it is done or to get more information; the noun is follow-up.
Where you use it
One of the most used phrases in management. Managers follow up on delegated tasks, follow up with clients and send follow-up emails after meetings. A follow-up meeting continues an earlier discussion.
Examples
I'll follow up with the supplier tomorrow and let you know.
Delegating doesn't mean forgetting; agree on when you'll follow up.
Usage note
The verb is written as two words (follow up); the noun and adjective are usually hyphenated (a follow-up).
Common phrases
follow up on a task · follow up with someone · follow-up email · follow-up meeting
The process of passing work, responsibilities and information to another person, for example when someone changes role, goes on leave or ends a shift.
Where you use it
Common in project work, healthcare, operations and whenever people leave a job. You prepare a handover document, do a proper handover or agree a handover period. The phrasal verb is hand over.
Examples
Please write a handover note before you go on maternity leave.
We planned a two-week handover so the new manager could meet every client.
Common phrases
handover document · smooth handover · handover period · do a handover
The official power or right to make decisions, give instructions and use resources, usually linked to a person's role in an organisation.
Where you use it
Used in delegation and governance: delegate authority, have the authority to approve, levels of authority. Many companies have an approval matrix that sets each manager's spending authority. A classic management principle says authority and responsibility should go together.
Examples
Team leaders have the authority to approve expenses up to 5,000 lira.
You can't hold people accountable if you don't give them any authority.
Usage note
In the plural, the authorities usually means official bodies such as the police or regulators, not company managers.
Common phrases
delegate authority · have the authority to · decision-making authority · spending authority · lines of authority
Comments on how well someone has done a piece of work or behaved, given so that they can keep doing what works and improve what does not.
Where you use it
Used every day by managers and teams. You give, get, ask for or act on feedback, and it can be positive, negative, constructive or honest. Turkish offices often use the English word as it is.
Examples
Can I give you some feedback on your presentation?
The feedback from customers has been very positive so far.
I asked my team for honest feedback on my first six months.
Usage note
Feedback is uncountable: say 'some feedback' or 'a piece of feedback', not 'a feedback' or 'feedbacks'.
Common phrases
give feedback · ask for feedback · honest feedback · act on feedback · feedback session
The reasons and energy that make a person want to do something and keep doing it, such as interest in the work, recognition, money or a sense of purpose.
Where you use it
Managers talk about team motivation, staff motivation and what drives people. A common distinction is intrinsic motivation, which comes from the work itself, and extrinsic motivation, which comes from rewards such as pay and bonuses. The verb is motivate.
Examples
Motivation dropped sharply after the bonus scheme was cancelled.
For most of our engineers, the main motivation is solving difficult problems.
Common phrases
staff motivation · lack of motivation · intrinsic motivation · boost motivation · keep motivation high
The general level of confidence, energy and satisfaction in a team or workplace, which shows in how people feel about their work and the future.
Where you use it
Used about groups more than individuals: team morale, staff morale. Morale can be high or low; it can rise, drop, get a boost or be damaged. It often comes up after layoffs, a restructuring or a big success.
Examples
Morale has been low since the office move was announced.
Winning the contract gave team morale a real boost.
Usage note
Do not confuse morale /məˈræl/ (team spirit) with moral /ˈmɔːrəl/ (about right and wrong). Turkish 'moral' matches morale, not moral.
Common phrases
team morale · low morale · boost morale · morale is high · damage morale
Specific, helpful comments that point out what could be done better and how, given respectfully so that the person can learn from them.
Where you use it
Often used to introduce criticism politely: 'Can I give you some constructive feedback?' Managers are trained to give it by describing the situation, its effect and a suggestion. Its opposite is vague or destructive criticism.
Examples
Thanks for the constructive feedback on my report; the summary is much clearer now.
Constructive feedback should focus on the work, not on the person.
Common phrases
give constructive feedback · receive constructive feedback · offer constructive feedback · open to constructive feedback
Public or private praise and appreciation for someone's work or achievement, such as a thank-you, an award or a mention in a team meeting.
Where you use it
Used in HR and leadership talk: employee recognition, a recognition programme, in recognition of. Surveys often link regular recognition with higher motivation and lower staff turnover. It does not have to involve money.
Examples
The team got recognition from the CEO for finishing the migration early.
A little recognition goes a long way when people are working late.
Common phrases
employee recognition · get recognition · in recognition of · recognition programme · public recognition
A regular private meeting between a manager and one member of their team to discuss progress, problems, feedback and development.
Where you use it
Often written 1:1 or 1-on-1, and British English also says one-to-one. Usually held weekly or every two weeks for about half an hour, and many managers let the employee set the agenda.
Examples
Let's discuss your career plans in our one-on-one on Thursday.
I never cancel one-on-ones, even in busy weeks.
Usage note
A skip-level one-on-one is a meeting with your manager's manager, skipping the level in between.
Common phrases
weekly one-on-one · have a one-on-one · one-on-one meeting · skip-level one-on-one
How committed, involved and enthusiastic employees feel about their work and their organisation, which affects how much effort they put in and whether they stay.
Where you use it
A key HR and leadership measure, usually tracked through an annual engagement survey. People talk about high or low engagement, engagement scores and ways to improve or drive engagement.
Examples
Our employee engagement score went up after we introduced flexible hours.
Low employee engagement usually shows up first as higher staff turnover.
Usage note
Engagement here has nothing to do with getting married; it means commitment and involvement at work.
Something, such as a bonus, a commission or an extra day off, that is offered to encourage people to work harder or to behave in a particular way.
Where you use it
Used in HR, sales and management: financial incentives, an incentive scheme, an incentive to do something. Managers design incentives carefully, because a badly designed incentive can reward the wrong behaviour.
Examples
The new incentive scheme rewards whole teams, not just individual sellers.
There's no incentive to share ideas if only the manager gets the credit.
Usage note
Turkish 'teşvik' is also used for government support to businesses; in English these are usually called tax incentives or investment incentives.
Common phrases
financial incentive · incentive scheme · offer an incentive · an incentive to do something · tax incentive
A state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term stress at work, often with low motivation and a feeling of being less effective.
Where you use it
Widely discussed in HR and leadership. The World Health Organization describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon rather than a medical condition. Managers try to spot early signs and prevent burnout; the adjective is burned out or burnt out.
Examples
After six months of weekend work, half the team was close to burnout.
We introduced meeting-free Fridays to reduce the risk of burnout.
Common phrases
risk of burnout · prevent burnout · suffer from burnout · signs of burnout · employee burnout
Activities and efforts that help team members trust each other, communicate better and work well together, from workshops to social events.
Where you use it
Used about events, such as a team building day or team building activities, and about the ongoing work of creating a strong team. Many people link it with events away from the office. Turkish companies often use the English term.
Examples
We're having a team building day in Şile next month.
Real team building happens in daily work, not only at off-site events.
Usage note
It can also be written with a hyphen (team-building), especially before a noun.
Common phrases
team building activities · team building day · team building exercise · team building event
A regular formal meeting in which a manager and an employee discuss how well the employee has done their job, agree on a rating and set goals for the next period.
Where you use it
Usually held once or twice a year and often linked to pay rises, bonuses and promotions. Common in American companies; British companies may say appraisal. People prepare for, have or conduct a performance review.
Examples
My performance review is next Tuesday, so I'm collecting examples of my work.
Managers must complete all performance reviews by the end of January.
Common phrases
annual performance review · conduct a performance review · mid-year performance review · prepare for a performance review
Short for key performance indicator: a number that shows how well a person, team or company is doing against an important goal, such as monthly sales or customer satisfaction.
Where you use it
Used in dashboards, monthly reports and performance reviews. Teams set, track, hit or miss their KPIs. A good KPI is clear and measurable, and most teams track only a handful of them.
Examples
Our main KPI for the support team is average response time.
We hit all our KPIs this quarter except customer retention.
Common phrases
set KPIs · track KPIs · hit a KPI · KPI dashboard · sales KPIs
A specific number, level or result that a person or team is expected to reach within a set time, such as a sales figure or a cost limit.
Where you use it
Very common in sales, operations and finance. You set, meet, hit, exceed or miss a target, and targets can be ambitious, realistic or tough. It is also a verb: 'We are targeting 10% growth.'
Examples
The sales team exceeded its target for the third month in a row.
Is this target realistic with only two people in the team?
Usage note
Say 'meet' or 'hit' a target. 'Catch a target', a word-for-word version of Turkish 'hedefi yakalamak', sounds wrong.
Common phrases
meet a target · sales target · exceed the target · miss a target · ambitious target
A standard or reference point used to compare performance, such as a competitor's results or an industry average; as a verb, to make that comparison.
Where you use it
Used in performance management, finance and operations. You set a benchmark, use something as a benchmark or benchmark yourself against competitors. Benchmarking is the regular practice of making such comparisons.
Examples
We benchmark our salaries against other banks every year.
We're using last year's results as a benchmark for the new team.
Common phrases
industry benchmark · set a benchmark · benchmark against competitors · use as a benchmark
A formal assessment of an employee's work over a period, usually in a meeting with their manager; the word is mainly British for a performance review.
Where you use it
Common in UK companies, the public sector and HR documents: annual appraisal, appraisal meeting, appraisal form. The verb appraise is formal. In finance and property, appraisal also means estimating the value of something.
Examples
My annual appraisal is in March, so I'm updating my objectives.
The appraisal form asks you to rate yourself before the meeting.
To do less well than expected or than others; used about an employee, a team, a product or a business unit.
Where you use it
A neutral, professional way to say that someone is not doing well enough. Managers deal with underperforming employees through feedback, support and, if needed, a performance improvement plan. The noun is underperformance.
Examples
The Ankara branch has underperformed for three quarters in a row.
Before you call someone underperforming, check whether their targets were realistic.
Common phrases
underperforming employee · consistently underperform · underperform the market · deal with underperformance
A formal written plan given to an employee who is not meeting expectations, setting out specific goals, the support offered and a time limit for improvement.
Where you use it
Usually shortened to PIP, especially in American companies. A PIP often lasts 30 to 90 days and is reviewed regularly. Employees often see it as a serious warning, so managers are trained to use clear, factual language.
Examples
He was put on a performance improvement plan after missing his targets twice.
A good performance improvement plan includes clear goals and regular check-ins.
Usage note
This entry explains the term, not legal rules. Rules on warnings and dismissal differ from country to country, including under Turkish labour law.
Common phrases
put someone on a performance improvement plan · complete a performance improvement plan · PIP review · 60-day PIP
Goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound; a common checklist for making goals clear enough to act on and track.
Where you use it
Used in performance reviews, coaching and training, where managers ask staff to make their goals SMART. The exact words behind the letters vary slightly: A can stand for attainable and R for realistic.
Examples
'Improve sales' is too vague; SMART goals would say 'increase sales by 10% by December'.
Please write three SMART goals for next year before your appraisal.
Common phrases
set SMART goals · make goals SMART · SMART objectives · SMART criteria
A way of assessing an employee by collecting feedback from the people around them, such as their manager, colleagues, direct reports and sometimes customers, along with a self-assessment.
Where you use it
Mostly used for managers and leadership development, usually through an anonymous online survey. People also call it a 360-degree review, 360 feedback or simply 'a 360'.
Examples
My 360-degree feedback showed that my team wants more regular updates from me.
All new directors go through 360-degree feedback at the end of their first year.
The way an organisation attracts, develops, keeps and moves its most capable people, so that it has the right skills in the right roles now and in the future.
Where you use it
An HR and leadership term covering recruitment, development programmes, performance reviews and succession planning. People talk about talent reviews, high-potential employees (HiPos) and a talent pipeline.
Examples
Our talent management programme moves high performers through three different roles in five years.
Talent management isn't only HR's job; every manager is expected to develop people.
A goal set deliberately higher than what seems easily possible, to push a person or team to try new approaches and achieve more than usual.
Where you use it
Used in goal setting, OKRs and performance talks. Managers set stretch goals or stretch targets, and missing one is often accepted. Too many unrealistic stretch goals can damage morale.
Examples
Our stretch goal is to double online sales, but 50% growth would still be a great year.
I like to have one stretch goal each year to keep me learning.
Common phrases
set a stretch goal · stretch target · ambitious stretch goal · stretch assignment
The planned way an organisation prepares, supports and guides people through a major change, such as a new system or a merger, so that the change is accepted and lasts.
Where you use it
Used in consulting, HR and large projects. A change management plan usually covers communication, training and dealing with resistance. Well-known models include Kurt Lewin's unfreeze, change, refreeze and John Kotter's eight steps.
Examples
The software works, but we underestimated the change management side of the project.
We've brought in a consultant to lead change management during the merger.
Common phrases
change management plan · change management process · lead change management · change management model
Real agreement with and support for a plan or decision from the people it affects, so that they actively help to make it work.
Where you use it
Very common in change and project work: you get, gain, secure or build buy-in from stakeholders. Without buy-in, people may agree in the meeting and then change nothing. The verb is buy into.
Examples
We need buy-in from the store managers before we change the opening hours.
The project failed because we never got real buy-in from the sales team.
Common phrases
get buy-in · gain buy-in · stakeholder buy-in · secure buy-in · lack of buy-in
The unwillingness of people to accept or adapt to a new way of working, often caused by fear of losing something, lack of information or tiredness from earlier changes.
Where you use it
A core idea in change management. Managers expect, face, reduce or overcome resistance to change. It can be open, such as complaints, or hidden, such as people quietly continuing the old process.
Examples
We expected some resistance to change, so we involved the team in the design from day one.
Most resistance to change comes from uncertainty, not from laziness.
Common phrases
overcome resistance to change · face resistance to change · reduce resistance · signs of resistance
A major change to how a company is organised, such as merging departments, removing management layers or reducing staff, usually to cut costs or support a new strategy.
Where you use it
Used in announcements, business news and internal communication. Companies announce, carry out or go through a restructuring. It often involves job losses, so the word can sound worrying to employees.
Examples
The restructuring will merge the two regional offices into one.
After the restructuring, she reports to a different director.
Common phrases
announce a restructuring · major restructuring · go through a restructuring · restructuring plan · corporate restructuring
A person who actively promotes change in an organisation and helps to carry it out, whether as a leader, a consultant or an employee who influences colleagues.
Where you use it
Used in change management and HR. Large programmes often choose change agents, also called change champions, in each department to explain the change, collect feedback and support colleagues.
Examples
We picked one change agent from every store to help introduce the new system.
As a change agent, she spent as much time listening as explaining.
Common phrases
act as a change agent · change agent network · change champion · internal change agent
To introduce a new system, product, policy or process across an organisation, often step by step after testing it; the noun is rollout or roll-out.
Where you use it
Very common in project and change work: roll out a new tool to all offices, a phased rollout, a global rollout. People also talk about a rollout plan and a rollout date.
Examples
We'll roll out the new expense system in Turkey first, then in the other countries.
The rollout was delayed because the training materials weren't ready.
Common phrases
roll out a new system · phased rollout · global rollout · rollout plan
A small improvement that can be achieved fast and with little effort, often used early in a change programme to show progress and build support.
Where you use it
Common in change management, consulting and a new manager's first 90 days. People look for, identify or deliver quick wins. Focusing only on quick wins without deeper change can be criticised as short-term thinking.
Examples
Removing the extra approval step was a quick win that everyone noticed.
The new director started with a few quick wins to build trust with the team.
Common phrases
deliver quick wins · identify quick wins · an easy quick win · quick wins and long-term goals
The tiredness, frustration and loss of interest that employees feel when they face too many changes too quickly, which often makes new changes harder to introduce.
Where you use it
Used in change management and HR, often after several reorganisations, system changes or new strategies in a short period. Leaders try to recognise and reduce change fatigue by limiting the number of changes and spacing them out.
Examples
After three reorganisations in two years, there's real change fatigue in the sales team.
We postponed the new CRM system to avoid change fatigue during the merger.
Common phrases
suffer from change fatigue · signs of change fatigue · reduce change fatigue · risk of change fatigue
A small-scale trial of a new system, process or product with a limited group, used to test it and learn lessons before it is introduced more widely.
Where you use it
Used in change and project work: run a pilot, a pilot project, a pilot group. It is also a verb: 'We piloted the new shift system in two stores.' A successful pilot is usually followed by a rollout.
Examples
We'll run a three-month pilot in the Izmir office before deciding.
The pilot showed that the new form saved ten minutes per order.
Common phrases
run a pilot · pilot project · pilot group · pilot phase · successful pilot
Any person or group that is affected by an organisation or project, or can affect it, such as employees, customers, investors, suppliers and the local community.
Where you use it
One of the most used words in management. Project managers identify, consult, update and manage stakeholders, and key stakeholders are the most important ones. Turkish offices often use the English word, while the formal term is paydaş.
Examples
Before we change the process, let's talk to all the stakeholders involved.
The finance director is a key stakeholder, so keep her updated every week.
Usage note
A stakeholder is not the same as a shareholder: shareholders own shares in the company, while stakeholders include everyone affected by it.
The system of rules, practices and controls by which a company is directed and supervised, especially the relationship between the board, the managers and the shareholders.
Where you use it
Used in annual reports, stock exchange rules and board discussions, and listed companies publish corporate governance reports. In Turkey, the Capital Markets Board (SPK) sets the corporate governance principles for listed companies.
Examples
Investors pay close attention to corporate governance before they buy shares.
Good corporate governance means the board can question management's decisions.
Usage note
Governance is about directing and controlling an organisation; it is not the same as government. On its own, governance is often translated into Turkish as 'yönetişim'.
The group of people elected by a company's shareholders to oversee its management, approve major decisions and appoint or replace the chief executive.
Where you use it
Usually shortened to the board. Board members meet several times a year, and the person who leads the meetings is the chair or chairman. You present to, report to or get approval from the board.
Examples
The board of directors approved the acquisition at yesterday's meeting.
She joined the board of directors after twenty years in the industry.
Usage note
Turkish 'yönetim kurulu' is the board of directors, while 'yönetim' alone usually means management. 'Management board' is only correct if the company uses that name itself.
Common phrases
sit on the board · board meeting · board member · chair of the board · approved by the board
The practice of sharing information openly and honestly, so that employees, shareholders or the public can see how decisions are made and how the organisation is doing.
Where you use it
A key principle of corporate governance, together with accountability and fairness. Also common in leadership talk: transparency about pay, decisions or bad news. The adjective is transparent.
Examples
The CEO's transparency about the losses actually helped to rebuild trust.
Employees asked for more transparency about how bonuses are calculated.
Common phrases
lack of transparency · full transparency · transparency and accountability · increase transparency
Following the laws, regulations, internal policies and standards that apply to an organisation; also the name of the department that checks this.
Where you use it
Central in banking, healthcare and listed companies. People talk about compliance with a rule, compliance training, compliance checks and the compliance team. Being compliant means meeting the rules.
Examples
All managers must complete the annual compliance training by March.
Please check with compliance before you sign the contract.
Common phrases
compliance with regulations · compliance training · compliance team · regulatory compliance · ensure compliance
A person or organisation that owns shares in a company, and therefore part of it, usually with the right to vote at general meetings and to receive dividends.
Where you use it
Used in corporate governance, finance and annual reports. Shareholders elect the board, vote at the annual general meeting (AGM) and expect a return. American English also says stockholder. A majority shareholder owns more than half of the shares.
Examples
The shareholders approved the dividend at the annual general meeting.
As the majority shareholder, the family has a strong say in big decisions.
Common phrases
majority shareholder · minority shareholder · shareholder value · major shareholder · shareholders' meeting
A board member who is not part of the management team and does not work in the business day to day, but advises and monitors the executives.
Where you use it
A mainly British term, often shortened to NED; American companies more often say outside director or independent director. Non-executive directors usually sit on board committees such as the audit committee.
Examples
She left her full-time job and now works as a non-executive director for two companies.
The non-executive directors questioned the cost of the acquisition.
Usage note
An executive director is a board member who also works in the company's management, such as the CEO or CFO.
Common phrases
appoint a non-executive director · independent non-executive director · non-executive chair · serve as a non-executive director
A situation in which a person's private interests, such as money, family or another job, could affect, or seem to affect, the decisions they make for their organisation.
Where you use it
A key term in governance, compliance and ethics policies. Employees and directors are expected to declare or disclose a conflict of interest and may need to step back from the related decision. Companies keep a record of these declarations.
Examples
I need to declare a conflict of interest: my brother works for one of the bidders.
To avoid a conflict of interest, she stayed out of the supplier selection.
Common phrases
declare a conflict of interest · potential conflict of interest · avoid a conflict of interest · conflict of interest policy
A written set of rules and principles that explains how the employees and managers of an organisation are expected to behave, for example on honesty, gifts and respect.
Where you use it
Used in HR, compliance and governance. Employees read and sign the code of conduct when they join, and breaching it can lead to disciplinary action. Similar names are code of ethics and business conduct guidelines.
Examples
Our code of conduct says you can't accept gifts above a small value.
All staff must complete the code of conduct training every year.
Common phrases
breach the code of conduct · company code of conduct · sign the code of conduct · code of conduct training
The process of identifying and preparing people who can take over key roles, especially senior leadership roles, when the current holders leave or retire.
Where you use it
A board and HR responsibility, especially for the CEO role. It involves naming possible successors, developing high-potential employees and reducing dependence on one key person. In family businesses it often means planning the next generation's role.
Examples
Thanks to good succession planning, the new CFO was ready from day one.
The board asked HR to review succession planning for all director roles.
Common phrases
succession planning process · CEO succession planning · succession plan · identify successors
A legal duty to act in the best interests of another person or organisation, such as the duty of company directors to act honestly and carefully for the company.
Where you use it
A formal term found in board papers, law and finance. Directors, trustees and fund managers owe a fiduciary duty, often described as a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The exact rules depend on each country's law.
Examples
The company lawyer reminded the directors of their fiduciary duty before the vote.
Using company information for personal gain would be a breach of fiduciary duty.
Usage note
This entry only explains the term; it is not legal advice.
Common phrases
owe a fiduciary duty · breach of fiduciary duty · fiduciary duty to shareholders · fiduciary responsibility
Short for environmental, social and governance: three groups of factors used to judge how responsibly a company operates, beyond its financial results.
Where you use it
Used in annual reports, investor relations and board meetings: ESG reporting, ESG criteria, ESG ratings. E covers topics such as emissions, S covers employees and communities, and G covers board structure and ethics.
Examples
Investors now ask about our ESG performance in every results call.
The board set up a new committee to oversee ESG reporting.
The ability to guide a group of people towards a shared goal, and the act of doing so, through example, influence and clear direction rather than authority alone.
Where you use it
Used for a skill (strong leadership), for the people at the top of a company (the leadership team, the company's leadership) and for a role (take on a leadership role). Very common in job ads, performance reviews and annual reports.
Examples
She showed real leadership during the system outage and kept the whole team calm.
The leadership team will present the new strategy at Friday's all-hands meeting.
We're looking for someone with at least two years of leadership experience.
Usage note
In the sense of a skill, leadership is uncountable: say 'good leadership', not 'a good leadership'.
Common phrases
strong leadership · leadership team · leadership skills · show leadership · take on a leadership role
A way of helping someone improve their skills and performance mainly by asking questions and guiding them to find their own answers, rather than telling them what to do.
Where you use it
Managers are increasingly expected to coach rather than give instructions. People talk about coaching sessions, executive coaching (for senior leaders, often with an external coach) and a coaching style of leadership.
Examples
Instead of fixing the report herself, she used the meeting for coaching.
All new directors receive six months of executive coaching.
Usage note
Coaching and mentoring are often confused: a coach mainly asks questions, while a mentor mainly shares their own experience.
An experienced person who gives advice, shares knowledge and supports the career development of a less experienced colleague over a longer period.
Where you use it
Many companies run mentoring programmes that pair new managers with senior ones. You find, have or act as a mentor, and the other person is the mentee. Mentor is also a verb: 'She mentors two young engineers.'
Examples
My first mentor taught me how to handle difficult clients.
Every graduate on the programme is assigned a mentor from another department.
Usage note
Reverse mentoring is when a younger employee mentors a senior leader, often on digital topics.
Common phrases
act as a mentor · mentoring programme · find a mentor · mentor and mentee · reverse mentoring
The ability to notice, understand and manage your own emotions, and to recognise and respond well to the emotions of other people.
Where you use it
Often shortened to EI or EQ. The idea became popular in business after psychologist Daniel Goleman's 1995 book on the subject. It appears in leadership training, job ads and performance feedback as a key soft skill.
Examples
Her emotional intelligence helps her calm angry customers down quickly.
Technical skills got him promoted, but he needs more emotional intelligence to lead a team.
Usage note
EQ is used informally by analogy with IQ, but there is no single standard EQ test.
Common phrases
high emotional intelligence · show emotional intelligence · emotional intelligence training · develop emotional intelligence
To guide people by behaving in the way you want them to behave, rather than only telling them what to do.
Where you use it
A common phrase in leadership talks, appraisals and speeches, and it is usually positive. A manager who leads by example arrives on time, follows the same rules as everyone else and takes on difficult tasks too.
Examples
If you want the team to reply to emails quickly, you have to lead by example.
Our plant manager leads by example and wears full safety gear on the shop floor.
Common phrases
always leads by example · set an example · set a good example · lead from the front
The process of dealing with a disagreement between people or groups in a fair and calm way, so that they can find a solution and keep working together.
Where you use it
A standard topic in leadership training and job descriptions: conflict resolution skills. Managers mediate between team members, listen to both sides and look for common ground. Conflict management is a close term.
Examples
The new team leader has strong conflict resolution skills.
After the dispute, we sent both managers on a conflict resolution workshop.
Usage note
Turkish 'çatışma' can sound dramatic, but conflict at work usually just means disagreement or tension, not open fighting.
Common phrases
conflict resolution skills · conflict resolution process · handle conflict · mediate a conflict
A shared belief within a team that people can speak up, ask questions, admit mistakes or disagree without being punished or embarrassed.
Where you use it
Closely linked to Harvard professor Amy Edmondson's research on teams, the term became widely known after Google's study of effective teams, Project Aristotle. Leaders try to build or create psychological safety.
Examples
Without psychological safety, junior staff won't tell you when something is going wrong.
She builds psychological safety by thanking people who point out problems.
Usage note
Psychological safety does not mean avoiding hard conversations; it means people can have them without fear.
Common phrases
build psychological safety · create psychological safety · a culture of psychological safety · lack of psychological safety
A leadership approach in which the leader's main role is to serve the team, by supporting people's growth and removing obstacles, rather than to control them.
Where you use it
The term comes from Robert K. Greenleaf's 1970 essay 'The Servant as Leader'. It appears in leadership books, training and agile teams, where the manager's job is often described as clearing the way for the team.
Examples
Servant leadership means asking your team what they need from you, not the other way round.
Her style is close to servant leadership: she spends most of her day removing obstacles for others.
Usage note
Servant here does not mean weak or obedient; it describes putting the team's needs first.
A leadership style in which leaders inspire people with a shared vision and their own example, encouraging them to look beyond their own interests and achieve more than expected.
Where you use it
The idea was introduced by James MacGregor Burns in the late 1970s and developed by Bernard Bass. It is usually contrasted with transactional leadership, which is based on rewards and a clear exchange of effort for pay.
Examples
The company's turnaround is often described as an example of transformational leadership.
Transformational leadership works best when people really believe in the vision.
The typical way a person leads others, including how they make decisions, give instructions, share information and involve their team.
Where you use it
A common interview and training topic: 'How would you describe your leadership style?' Familiar labels include autocratic, democratic, coaching, servant and transformational. Many writers on management say good leaders adapt their style to the situation.
Examples
My leadership style is quite hands-on, but I'm learning to step back.
A crisis calls for a different leadership style from a normal week.
Common phrases
describe your leadership style · adapt your leadership style · democratic leadership style · autocratic leadership style
Personally involved in the practical, day-to-day work rather than only directing it from a distance; also used for training that involves doing things.
Where you use it
Usually positive: a hands-on manager, a hands-on approach, hands-on experience. In job ads it means you will do real work yourself, not just manage others. Being too hands-on can turn into micromanagement.
Examples
Our CEO is very hands-on and still visits customers every week.
We're looking for a hands-on team leader who can also write code.
Usage note
The opposite is hands-off, which can mean either trusting people or not being involved enough.
To take on more responsibility or a leadership role when it is needed, for example when a manager is away or the team faces a difficult situation.
Where you use it
Common in feedback and in talks about potential: 'She really stepped up during the crisis.' You step up to a challenge, step up as a leader or step up into a bigger role. Step up efforts means increasing them.
Examples
When our manager was on leave, Elif stepped up and ran the weekly meetings.
We need someone to step up and own the customer relationship.
Common phrases
step up to the challenge · step up as a leader · really stepped up · step up into a role · step up efforts
Ten questions from this glossary. Pick the right meaning for each term and see your score.
How to learn management & leadership vocabulary
Learn the words that look alike but mean different things in management: goal, objective and target; responsibility and accountability; manager and leader.
Read real management texts, such as annual reports, corporate governance statements, internal strategy documents and business school case studies, and note how decisions and results are described.
Learn verbs together with their partners: you delegate a task, escalate an issue, sign off a budget and roll out a change. These pairs are what managers actually say.
Notice the softer phrases English-speaking managers use when giving feedback, such as "one thing to work on" or "have you considered", and practise them before your next one-on-one.
Keep an eye on British and American differences: line manager and appraisal are more British, while direct manager and performance review are more common in American companies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a manager and a leader in English?
A manager is a job title: someone formally responsible for people, budgets and results. A leader is anyone others follow, with or without a title. In management writing, managing is often linked to planning and control, and leading to vision and inspiring people, but good managers are expected to do both.
Is there a Turkish word for accountability?
The closest term is "hesap verebilirlik", which is common in public administration and governance texts. In everyday office talk, Turkish managers often say "sorumluluğu üstlenmek" or simply use the English word. The key idea is that one person answers for the result, even if others did the work.
What is the difference between a goal, an objective and a target?
A goal is usually broad and long-term, such as becoming the market leader. An objective is a more specific step towards it, often with a deadline. A target is a precise number or level to reach, such as 15% growth. Many companies use the words loosely, so check how your own organisation uses them.
How do I give feedback politely in English?
Be specific about the situation and its effect, and talk about the work rather than the person. Phrases such as "I noticed that...", "The impact was..." and "Next time, could you...?" keep the tone professional. Direct sentences that sound normal in Turkish can sound harsh in English, so softeners like "perhaps" and "it might help to" are useful.
Do Turkish companies use these English management terms?
Yes, especially in multinational companies, banks and large holdings. Words such as KPI, feedback, one-on-one, OKR and stakeholder are often used in English even in Turkish sentences, while formal documents usually prefer Turkish terms such as "performans göstergesi" and "paydaş".
