Those of us in long-term leadership roles are probably aware if we are task-oriented or people-oriented leaders. But understanding the strengths and challenges of both helps us manage our style into a more balanced approach, benefiting ourselves, our team, and the business simultaneously.
Task-oriented leadership is centered on achieving goals and completing tasks. It prioritises efficiency, productivity and emphasises the importance of meeting deadlines and achieving results.
These leaders:
- are detail-oriented
- analytical
- focused on results
- communicate clear expectations
- ensure accountability
- and can motivate a team to achieve goals
Team members feel a sense of achievement through accomplishments.
People-oriented leadership is focused on building workplace relationships, promoting collaboration, and supporting personal / professional development. It prioritises empathy, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and recognises the importance of creating a positive work environment and culture.
These leaders:
- build trust and loyalty
- promote open communication and feedback
- and support team-member growth
Employees feel more engaged, valued and stay longer.
However, task-oriented style can lead to a lack of empathy and emotional intelligence, while people-oriented style can lead to a lack of focus and accountability.
Every successful business requires a balance of both leadership styles. We all hope to achieve objectives, pivot quickly, have clear directives (task-oriented) . . . as well as nurture creativity, flexibility, engagement, team cohesion, and leverage individual strengths (people-oriented).
Are you more focused on the successful completion of goals vs the overall well-being of your team?
Or are you more focused on people’s journey rather than the business’s?
Merging the two leadership styles is critical to creating a robust, productive, enjoyable and inclusive workplace. Which means you attract the best, keep the best, increase productivity and profitability. Yup, it’s worth adapting your style to get better outcomes.