阅读理解。
Being considered a leader in our society is indeed of high praise. Leadership means power, commands
respect and, most important, encourages achievement. Unlike vitamin C, leadership skills can't be easily
swallowed down. They must be carefully cultivated.
Different from popular belief, most good leaders are made, not born. They learn their skills in their
everyday lives. But which do they develop? How do they (and how can you) get others to follow?
Always give credit. Many leaders note that the most efficient way to get a good performance from
others is to treat them like heroes. Giving public credit to someone who has earned it is the best leadership
technique in the world. It is also an act of generosity (慷慨) that's never forgotten.
Giving credit is more effective than even the most constructive criticism (批评), which often hurts
rather than helps. Kenneth Blanchard, the author of The One-Minute Manager, agrees.
"Catch people doing something right!" he says. Then tell everyone about it.
Take informed risks."The best leaders know that taking a risk is not a thoughtless exercise," says
management adviser Marilyn Machlowitz."Sky divers don't go up in an airplane without checking the
parachutes (降落伞) beforehand."
Because the idea of risk also carries with it the possibility of failure, many of us usually wait for others
to take charge. But if you want to be a leader, you must learn to fail - and not die a thousand deaths. Pick
yourself up and start all over again.
Encourage enthusiasm. (热情) "When people understand the importance of work, they lend their mental
strengths," says Lee Ducat. But when they get excited about the work, all their energy gets poured into the
job. That's a great force! Is this the best way to create excitement? Be enthusiastic yourself-You will be
followed by everyone.
1. The underlined word "cultivated" ( paragraph 1 ) roughly means ______.
A. encouraged
B. compared
C. examined
D. developed
2. The part Always give credit tells us that a leader should ______.
A. give helpful criticism
B. regard others as real heroes
C. praise people for their good performances
D. praise everyone
3. To be a good leader, you should ______.
A. not be afraid of any risks
B. think twice before taking risks
C. try to avoid any possible failures
D. know what a thoughtless exercise is
4. Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?
A. Leadership Is of Skills and Techniques
B. Leadership Is Very Important
C. Not Many Can Be Leaders
D. How to Be a Leader
