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Women in politics
6 Minute English
©British Broadcasting Corporation 2023
bbclearningenglish.com
Page 3 of 5
leadership style, as she explained to BBC World Service programme, The Real
Story:
Helen Clark
I think that women are known for more collaborative styles and politics, less likely
to be the, you know, top down, heavy-handed… you know, my way or the highway,
more open to evidenced debate. I think it's certainly informed the way that that I
led. I think it also informed the priorities that I had.
Neil
Helen Clark believes women leaders are more collaborative – they prefer working
cooperatively with several people to achieve a common goal. She contrasts this
with a stricter, more dictatorial leadership style by using the expression, my way
or the highway – an idiom used as a warning that someone will only accept their
way of doing things.
Beth
In fact, adopting such dictatorial approaches has been the end of many political
leaders, including Mrs Thatcher and, more recently, Liz Truss… which brings me
back to my question, Neil – how long did Liz Truss last as prime minister?
Neil
I guess it was 45 days. Was I right?
Beth
That was... the correct answer! Liz Truss was prime minister for just 45 days, the
shortest premiership of any British leader ever, male or female. OK, let’s recap the
vocabulary we’ve learned in this programme on women in politics, starting with
misogyny – the dislike or hatred of women.
Neil
If you are coached in something, you are trained or instructed in how to improve
that particular skill.
Beth
Attire means the clothes you are wearing.
Neil
If you have to walk a tightrope, you’re in a difficult situation that requires careful
behaviour.
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