Leadership Skills: Note Making - Note Taking, Summary, Question Answers

 Leadership Skills

The term 'soft skills' refers to a group of skills and personal qualities that present-day employers look for and value in their employees. Soft skills relate to excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, positive personality traits, social skills and personal attitudes. In this sense, soft skills complement hard skills, which have to do the technical requirements of a job. Hence, you may have the right professional qualifications, be academically brilliant and perhaps even have the required work experience, but you will be successful in an organisation only if you know, for example, how to work as part of a team or how to get along with both your senior and junior colleagues. In other words, soft skills are all about how you deal with people. They are very important in the present-day professional context that requires constant interaction and communication. Thus, it is not surprising that very often, an interviewer talking to two different candidates with equally impressive CVs, decides in favour of the one who seems relaxed, open, friendly and well-adjusted. Of course, neat personal appearance and pleasing personality also makes a positive impression in such situations.

While soft skills are acquired early in life and depend to a great extent on the environment in which you were brought up, they can also be consciously learnt. The process could begin either by asking someone who knows you closely to decide whether you possess the soft skills concerned or through an honest self-appraisal. You can begin by looking at some of the soft skills recommended by behavioural training experts.

In short, soft skills are personality traits that determine a person's interaction with others and the ability to be successful at work. Soft skills complement a person's professional skills and affect his or her performance at work, relationships with colleagues and career prospects. Some important soft skills employers look for in the people they employ are attitude, adaptability, goal setting, motivation, time management, stress management, critical thinking and problem solving, team work and leadership.

Read the above passage given above and answer the questions that follows:

1. List five skills that can be considered to be part of the soft skills repertoire of an individual.

Five soft skills mentioned in the passage are:

• Communication skills

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Time management

• Problem solving

2. How do we acquire soft skills?

Soft skills are often developed early in life through our environment, but they can also be consciously learned. We can start improving them by:

• Asking for feedback from someone who knows us well

• Doing an honest self-evaluation

3. Why do you think relationships are important in the work environment?

Relationships are important because they help us work well with others, build trust, reduce conflicts, and create a positive and productive atmosphere. Good relationships with colleagues and superiors are key to teamwork and career success.

4. How does teamwork complement your soft skills?

Teamwork enhances soft skills such as communication, cooperation, adaptability, and leadership. It allows individuals to practice listening, sharing responsibilities, and solving problems together, which strengthens their ability to interact well in professional settings.

5. Give examples of soft skills mentioned in the passage.

Examples of soft skills from the passage include:

• Communication (spoken and written)

• Attitude

• Adaptability

• Goal setting

• Motivation

• Time management

• Stress management

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

• Teamwork

• Leadership

6. Make notes of the key points and sub-points from the passage regarding soft skills.

Soft Skills – Key Points:

• Definition:
  Personal traits related to communication, attitude, and social behaviour.

• Importance:
  Crucial for career success, working with others, and maintaining relationships.

• Examples:
  Leadership, teamwork, adaptability, time management, problem solving.

• Acquisition:

  • Learned early in life through environment

  • Can be improved with feedback or self-assessment

• Role in Employment:

  • Complement technical (hard) skills

  • Help in selection when candidates have similar qualifications

  • Affect performance and growth in workplace

7. What qualities do you need for employment apart from your qualifications?

Apart from qualifications, you need:

• A positive attitude

• Good communication skills

• The ability to work in a team

• Leadership skills

• A pleasing personality

• Adaptability and problem-solving ability

8. State the relation between soft skills and work environment.

Soft skills help individuals to:

• Work well with others

• Communicate effectively

• Adapt to changing situations

• Manage time and stress
  These abilities create a harmonious and efficient work environment and are crucial for professional success.

9. Explain the following sentence in your own words:

“In other words, soft skills are all about how you deal with people.”

Explanation:
Soft skills are the qualities that help you communicate, cooperate, and behave respectfully and effectively with others in any situation, especially at the workplace.

10. Write down the meanings of the following words:

a. Professional: Someone who is skilled, trained, and qualified to do a specific job or task, especially in a workplace.

b. Team: A group of people who work together to achieve a common goal.

c. Skills: Abilities or talents that are learned or developed to perform tasks well.

11. Pick out words from the passage that convey the following meanings:

a. Addition: Complement

b. Conclusion: In short

c. Contrast: But / However (implied)

d. Comment: Appraisal

📝 Note Taking: 

• Soft skills = communication (written/spoken), attitude, social traits

• Complements hard skills (technical)

• Needed for team work, adjusting in workplace

• Recruiters prefer candidates with good soft skills

• Includes neat appearance, friendly personality

• Can be learnt via feedback or self-review

• Affects career growth, relationships

• Examples: motivation, leadership, time/stress mgmt, teamwork

📚 Note Making:

Topic: Leadership and Soft Skills at Work

1. Meaning of Soft Skills

• Set of interpersonal, social, and communication skills

• Related to attitude, personality, and interaction

2. Soft Skills vs Hard Skills

• Hard skills = technical qualifications

• Soft skills = human interaction, team dynamics

• Both are needed for success at work

3. Role in Career Success

• Help build good relations with colleagues

• Important for teamwork and communication

• Often the deciding factor in interviews

4. Developing Soft Skills

• Can be learned

• Methods: self-evaluation, feedback from others

5. Key Soft Skills Needed

• Positive attitude

• Adaptability

• Goal setting

• Motivation

• Time & stress management

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

• Teamwork

• Leadership

🟢 Summary: Leadership and Soft Skills

Soft skills are how you talk, behave, and work with others. They include good communication, a positive attitude, and teamwork. These skills help you do well at work and get along with people. Employers like workers who are friendly, helpful, and easy to work with. You can learn soft skills by asking for feedback or checking yourself. Important soft skills are motivation, time management, problem solving, and leadership.

Sample Resignation Email for Higher Studies Abroad

(Write an email to the Manager of your organisation stating that you wish to tender your resignation after giving due notice as you wish to pursue higher education abroad.)

To: manager@xyzcompany.com

Cc: hr@xyzcompany.com

From: ramesh.patel@gmail.com

Subject: Resignation from the Post of Executive Assistant

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, Ramesh Patel, working as an Executive Assistant in XYZ Company since August 2022, wish to formally submit my resignation from my post. I thank you sincerely for the opportunities and support I have received during my time with the organization.

Working at XYZ Company has been a valuable learning experience for me, both professionally and personally. I have gained insights into office operations, improved my communication and planning skills, and worked with a wonderful team.

However, I have recently been accepted into a postgraduate programme abroad and wish to pursue higher education in the coming academic term. Therefore, I request you to consider this email as formal intimation of my resignation, with one month’s notice as per company policy.

I request you to acknowledge this mail and confirm the necessary steps going forward.

Warm regards,

Ramesh Patel

ramesh.patel@gmail.com

98765 43210

Application with Biodata for the Post of Lecturer in English

Application with biodata for the Post of Lecturer in English

Application Letter

                                                                                                     Rajvi Desai
                                                                                                     12, Green Park Society,
                                                                                                     Lunsikui Road,
                                                                                                     Navsari – 396445
                                                                                                     Gujarat

                                                                                                    10th July 2025

The Principal
Saraswati Arts College
Chhapra Road,
Navsari – 396445
Gujarat

                            Subject: Application for the post of Lecturer in English

Dear Sir/Madam,

With reference to the advertisement published in Divya Bhaskar dated 8th July 2025, I would like to apply for the post of Lecturer in English at your esteemed college.

I have completed my Ph.D. in English Literature from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat. Prior to that, I earned an M.A. in English with First Class and cleared the UGC-NET. I have a passion for teaching and research, and I have also presented papers at national seminars. I possess strong communication skills and academic writing abilities. Please find my enclosed biodata for your kind perusal.

I would be grateful for an opportunity to contribute to your institution. I assure you of my sincerity and dedication if selected.

Warm Regards,

Thanking you,

                                                                                                   Yours faithfully,
                                                                                                     Rajvi Desai

Encl.: Biodata

Biodata

Name: Rajvi Desai

Educational Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in English Literature, 2025, VNSGU, Surat

• M.A. (English), First Class, 2023, VNSGU, Surat

• B.A. (English), Distinction, 2021, Navsari College, Navsari

Date of Birth: 15th March 1999

Languages Known: English, Gujarati, Hindi (read, write, speak)

Correspondence Address: 12, Green Park Society, Lunsikui Road, Navsari – 396445

Contact Number: 98765 43210

Email ID: rajvi.desai@gmail.com

Permanent Address: Same as above

Gender: Female

Marital Status: Unmarried

Nationality: Indian

Experience:

• 2 years as Assistant Lecturer (contractual), Navsari College

• Research experience during PhD

• Presented papers at national seminars

• Articles published in college magazine

Skills:

• Classroom teaching

• Academic research and writing

• Public speaking

• MS Office, PowerPoint, Google Classroom tools

Declaration:
I hereby declare that all the above information is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Place: Navsari                                                                          Date: 10th July 2025

Rajvi Desai
(Rajvi Desai)

The University Wits and Their Contribution

The term University Wits refers to a group of young and talented English playwrights and poets who were educated at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the late 16th century. They played a crucial role in shaping English drama before William Shakespeare emerged as a dominant figure. Their works contributed to the development of Elizabethan drama by introducing complex characters, powerful language, and well-structured plots.

The main University Wits were Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, Robert Greene, John Lyly, Thomas Nashe, George Peele, and Thomas Lodge. These writers were among the first to move English drama away from the rigid medieval Morality plays and Mystery plays towards more sophisticated and entertaining forms of theatre.

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Features of the University Wits’ Drama

1. Use of Blank Verse – They popularized the use of unrhymed iambic pentameter (blank verse), which later became the dominant form of dramatic poetry, especially in Shakespearean drama.
2. Tragic Themes – Their plays often revolved around intense emotions, conflicts, and tragic heroes with great ambition.
3. Vivid and Imaginative Language – They used grand and poetic expressions, making their plays more engaging.
4. Well-Developed Characters – Their protagonists were often larger-than-life figures, such as Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine.
5. Action-Oriented and Fast-Paced Narratives – They focused on engaging plots filled with dramatic events, helping drama evolve from static medieval performances to dynamic plays.

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Major University Wits and Their Contributions

1. Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593)

Marlowe is considered the most influential among the University Wits. He perfected the use of blank verse and introduced ambitious characters driven by power and desire.

• Major Works:
• Tamburlaine the Great – A play about an ambitious shepherd who becomes a ruthless conqueror.
• Doctor Faustus – The story of a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power.
• The Jew of Malta – A revenge tragedy centered on the wealthy and cunning Barabas.
• Edward II – A historical play focusing on the downfall of the English king.

2. Thomas Kyd (1558–1594)

Kyd is best known for his revenge tragedy, which heavily influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare.

• Major Work:
• The Spanish Tragedy – A powerful revenge play that introduced elements like the play within a play, which Shakespeare later used in Hamlet.

3. Robert Greene (1558–1592)

Greene was a versatile writer known for his romantic comedies and prose works. He was also a harsh critic of Shakespeare, referring to him as an "upstart crow" in one of his writings.

• Major Works:
• Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay – A romantic play blending magic, love, and comedy.
• Orlando Furioso – A play based on the Italian epic poem of the same name.

4. John Lyly (1554–1606)

Lyly specialized in courtly and sophisticated dramas, often filled with wit and elegance. His style, known as Euphuism, influenced later writers, including Shakespeare.

• Major Works:
• Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit – A prose work famous for its elaborate and ornamental style.
• Campaspe – A comedy based on Alexander the Great’s love for a beautiful woman.
• Endymion – A mythological play that explores themes of love and beauty.

5. Thomas Nashe (1567–1601)

Nashe was known for his satirical writing and contribution to prose fiction.

• Major Work:
• Summer’s Last Will and Testament – A play filled with allegory and social criticism.

6. George Peele (1556–1596)

Peele wrote plays that combined history, comedy, and mythology. His works were known for their poetic beauty.

• Major Works:
• The Arraignment of Paris – A mythological play that glorifies Queen Elizabeth I.
• The Old Wives’ Tale – A play that uses humor and fantasy elements.

7. Thomas Lodge (1558–1625)

Lodge was a poet, playwright, and prose writer who contributed to early English fiction.

• Major Work:
• Rosalynde – A prose romance that later inspired Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

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Contribution of the University Wits

1. Improvement of English Drama – They transformed English theatre from simple medieval plays to more artistic and engaging drama.
2. Establishment of Blank Verse – Marlowe and others popularized blank verse, which became the standard for English plays.
3. Introduction of Complex Characters – They created powerful protagonists with strong ambitions, flaws, and emotions.
4. Development of Tragic Drama – Their tragedies laid the foundation for Shakespearean and Jacobean drama.
5. Influence on Shakespeare – Many elements in Shakespeare’s plays, including complex villains, poetic dialogues, and tragic conflicts, were inspired by the University Wits.

The University Wits played a significant role in shaping English drama. Their works influenced later playwrights, including Shakespeare, and helped create the golden age of English theatre. Studying their contributions gives students a deeper understanding of the evolution of English literature.

 

Elizabethan Prose

The Elizabethan Age (1558–1603) is often called the golden age of English literature. While drama and poetry flourished, prose writing also saw significant development. Writers experimented with new literary forms, including essays, pamphlets, travelogues, and prose fiction. Elizabethan prose laid the foundation for modern English prose by refining style, language, and expression.

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Characteristics of Elizabethan Prose

1. Ornamental Style – Elizabethan prose was often elaborate and decorative, using long, complex sentences filled with rhetorical devices.
2. Euphuism – A highly elaborate and artificial style of prose developed by John Lyly, characterized by balanced sentences, alliteration, and rich metaphors.
3. Variety of Subjects – Writers explored history, philosophy, travel, politics, and storytelling.
4. Influence of Classical Literature – Many works drew inspiration from Greek and Roman texts.
5. Emergence of Prose Fiction – Early forms of the novel, such as romances and tales, became popular.

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Major Writers and Their Contributions

1. John Lyly (1554–1606) – The Creator of Euphuism

Lyly’s prose was highly sophisticated, filled with wordplay and balanced structures. His works were widely read and influenced later writers, including Shakespeare.

• Major Works:
• Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit (1578) – A story about a young man’s journey of self-discovery, written in an elegant and refined style.
• Euphues and His England (1580) – A sequel that explores the customs and culture of England.

2. Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586) – The Pioneer of Prose Romance

Sidney blended romance, history, and philosophy in his prose. His writing was poetic and imaginative.

• Major Works:
• Arcadia (1590) – A romantic prose work full of adventure, love, and heroism.
• The Defence of Poesy (1595) – A significant literary criticism defending poetry’s role in society.

3. Richard Hakluyt (1553–1616) – The Travel Writer

Hakluyt was a historian and geographer known for collecting travel accounts that inspired English exploration.

• Major Work:
• The Principal Navigations, Voyages, and Discoveries of the English Nation (1589) – A compilation of travel stories that encouraged English maritime expansion.

4. Thomas Nashe (1567–1601) – The Satirist

Nashe was a brilliant satirical writer known for his humorous and critical prose.

• Major Works:
• The Unfortunate Traveller (1594) – An early example of picaresque fiction, narrating the adventures of a rogue.
• Pierce Penniless (1592) – A social satire attacking the corruption of Elizabethan society.

5. Francis Bacon (1561–1626) – The Father of the English Essay

Bacon introduced a new, concise, and logical style of writing, different from the elaborate prose of his predecessors.

• Major Works:
• Essays (1597, expanded in 1612 and 1625) – A collection of short, philosophical reflections on topics such as truth, love, and ambition.
• The Advancement of Learning (1605) – A significant work promoting scientific and empirical thinking.

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Significance of Elizabethan Prose

1. Development of Literary Prose – Writers moved away from Latin and developed English prose as a literary medium.
2. Influence on Later Writers – Euphuism, prose romances, and essays influenced later authors, including Shakespeare, Milton, and 18th-century novelists.
3. Rise of English Nationalism – Travel literature like Hakluyt’s work promoted England’s expansion and maritime ambitions.
4. Shift from Poetry to Prose – The refined style of Bacon and others laid the groundwork for modern English essays and scientific writing.

Elizabethan prose was an essential step in the evolution of English literature. It refined the language, introduced new literary forms, and inspired future generations of writers.

 

Restoration Comedy

Restoration Comedy refers to the type of English comedy that flourished during the Restoration period (1660–1710). After the Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell (1649–1660), when theatre was banned, King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 and reopened the theatres. This period marked a new era in English drama, known for its witty dialogues, satire, and lively characters.

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Characteristics of Restoration Comedy

1. Wit and Satire – Restoration comedies were known for their sharp humor and clever wordplay, often mocking the hypocrisy of society.
2. Sexual Themes and Intrigue – These plays openly explored love, marriage, infidelity, and social scandals.
3. Comedy of Manners – They portrayed the lifestyle of the upper class, exposing their vanity, greed, and double standards.
4. Stock Characters – Many plays featured recurring character types, such as:
• The Fop – A foolish, fashionable man obsessed with appearance.
• The Rake – A charming but morally loose young man.
• The Cuckold – A deceived husband.
• The Coquette – A flirtatious woman.
5. Role of Women – For the first time, women were allowed to act on stage, replacing the earlier tradition where men played female roles. This led to the rise of famous actresses like Nell Gwyn.

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Major Playwrights and Their Works

1. William Congreve (1670–1729) – The Master of Comedy of Manners

Congreve refined Restoration Comedy with more sophistication and wit. His plays are considered some of the finest of the period.

• Major Works:
• The Way of the World (1700) – A comedy of manners featuring witty dialogue and complex relationships.
• Love for Love (1695) – A play exploring deception and love among the upper class.

2. George Etherege (1636–1692) – The Pioneer of the Comedy of Manners

Etherege introduced the elegant and witty tone of Restoration Comedy.

• Major Works:
• The Man of Mode (1676) – A play satirizing London’s fashionable elite, featuring the famous rake, Dorimant.

3. William Wycherley (1641–1716) – The Critic of Hypocrisy

Wycherley’s plays exposed the moral corruption and hypocrisy of high society.

• Major Works:
• The Country Wife (1675) – A scandalous comedy about deception and infidelity.
• The Plain Dealer (1676) – A satire on dishonesty in society.

4. Aphra Behn (1640–1689) – The First Professional Woman Playwright

Behn was one of the first female writers to make a living through her plays, challenging male-dominated literature.

• Major Works:
• The Rover (1677) – A romantic comedy about English cavaliers in Spain.
• The Emperor of the Moon (1687) – A farcical play mocking scientific discoveries.

5. Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) – The Architect of Farce and Comedy

Vanbrugh combined wit with exaggerated humor and farce.

• Major Works:
• The Relapse (1696) – A sequel to an earlier play, filled with mistaken identities and deceptions.
• The Provoked Wife (1697) – A social comedy criticizing unhappy marriages.

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Decline of Restoration Comedy

By the early 18th century, society grew more conservative, and Restoration Comedy faced criticism for being too immoral. Writers like Richard Steele and later, Oliver Goldsmith and Richard Sheridan, moved towards more sentimental and moralistic comedies.

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Significance of Restoration Comedy

1. Development of Comedy of Manners – It laid the foundation for later satirical works in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. Freedom of Expression – It broke away from strict Puritan values and explored real human relationships.
3. Rise of Female Playwrights and Actresses – Women gained a significant role in theatre, both on and off stage.
4. Influence on Modern Comedy – Restoration Comedy’s wit and humor influenced later playwrights like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.

Restoration Comedy remains an essential part of English literature, reflecting the vibrant and extravagant lifestyle of the 17th century. It continues to be studied and performed for its wit, satire, and lively characters.

 

Bacon’s Essay "Of Studies"

Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) was a famous English philosopher, writer, and statesman. He is best known for his essays, which offer practical wisdom on various aspects of life. His essay "Of Studies" is one of his most popular works. In this essay, Bacon explains the importance of studying, how books should be read, and how knowledge can be used wisely in life.

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Main Themes in "Of Studies"

1. The Purposes of Study

Bacon begins the essay by stating the three main purposes of study:

1. "Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability."
• Delight – Reading brings personal joy and pleasure, especially in leisure time. Books can be a great source of entertainment and intellectual satisfaction.
• Ornament – Learning improves conversation skills. An educated person can speak with confidence and knowledge in social or professional settings.
• Ability – Studies improve a person’s ability to think clearly, solve problems, and make better decisions.

Bacon warns that studying should not be excessive. He writes:

• "To spend too much time in studies is sloth." – If a person studies all the time without applying knowledge, they become lazy.
• "To use them too much for ornament is affectation." – Showing off knowledge just to impress others is foolish.
• "To make judgment wholly by their rules is the humor of a scholar." – Relying only on book knowledge without practical experience is not useful.

2. The Right Way to Read Books

Bacon advises that not all books should be read in the same way. He famously classifies books into three types:

• "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."
• Books to be tasted – Some books should be read briefly, just to get a general idea. These books do not require deep study.
• Books to be swallowed – Some books should be read quickly without too much analysis. They provide useful information but do not need deep understanding.
• Books to be chewed and digested – Some books should be studied carefully and deeply. These books contain valuable knowledge that must be understood and applied.

This classification teaches students how to approach different types of books wisely.

3. The Benefits of Studying Different Subjects

Bacon discusses how different subjects develop different mental abilities. He says:

• "Histories make men wise." – Reading history teaches lessons from the past and helps in decision-making.
• "Poets make men witty." – Reading poetry improves creativity and imagination.
• "Mathematics make men subtle." – Studying mathematics sharpens logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• "Logic and rhetoric make men able to contend." – Learning logic and debate improves reasoning and communication skills.

Bacon suggests that every subject has a unique purpose and should be studied for its specific benefits.

4. The Practical Application of Studies

Bacon emphasizes that knowledge should not remain theoretical. He says that different types of people react to studies in different ways:

• "Crafty men condemn studies." – Unintelligent or cunning people ignore the value of learning.
• "Simple men admire them." – Ordinary people respect education but may not use it properly.
• "Wise men use them." – Truly wise people apply knowledge in their daily lives.

This means that education should not be for show but should be used practically in decision-making, communication, and problem-solving.

5. The Relationship Between Study and Experience

Bacon believes that studying alone is not enough. Practical experience is equally important. He says:

• "Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man."
• Reading fills the mind with knowledge.
• Discussion (conference) helps in forming quick responses.
• Writing improves clarity and precision in thought.

He also suggests that if a person has a weakness in a certain area, they should study specific subjects to correct it. He writes:

• "Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach." – Just as different exercises help different parts of the body, different kinds of reading help different parts of the mind.

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Conclusion

Bacon’s essay "Of Studies" is a timeless piece of wisdom that teaches the importance of reading and learning. He explains that studies should not be for show but should be applied in real life. He also guides readers on how to approach books and subjects effectively. His ideas are still relevant today, helping students, teachers, and thinkers understand the true value of education.