As a leader, do you sometimes feel that the day is too for what has to be done?
Imagine if your team is working on a key objective with a looming deadline. You might be required to prioritize key areas for accomplishment.
Here comes task-oriented leadership — a leadership style focused on efficiency, clear direction, and getting things done at the right time.
But: Is it a fit in every situation? What are some potential drawbacks?
There are many other forms of leadership. This article will explore a task-oriented leadership style, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it can turn you into a leader who gets things done.
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Being a task-oriented leader means you're focused on getting things done. You have specified goals as targeted outputs. Leaders adopting this style focus on a job's technical or task aspects and emphasize steps involved in achieving organizational business objectives.
Task-oriented leadership is suitable in the following situations:
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Here are some characteristics of task-oriented leadership:
Goal-Oriented: A task-oriented leader sets clear goals, strives to meet deadlines, and accomplishes certain results within a specific timeline.
Structured Approach: Structured procedures and processes are adopted to control tasks and projects. This leader focuses on setting deadlines, defining roles, and monitoring progress regularly.
Direct Communication: A task-oriented leader communicates expectations clearly and to the point such as through effective use of the 5Cs of communication. They give clear instructions and feedback to everyone, so everyone know what is expected.
Efficiency-Oriented: Task-oriented leaders focus on efficiency. They know how to find and remove obstacles preventing a team or process from moving forward effectively.
While task-oriented leadership emphasizes completing tasks and achieving goals, people-oriented leadership (also known as relationship-oriented leadership) focuses on the well-being and development of team members. Here are the key differences:
Focus: Task-oriented leaders prioritize tasks and goals, whereas relationship oriented leaders or people-oriented leaders prioritize relationships and team cohesion.
Communication Style: Task-oriented leaders are direct and specific in their communication, while those with a relationship-oriented leadership style tend to be more empathetic and supportive.
Motivation: Task-oriented leaders motivate their team through clear objectives and rewards for task completion. A relationship-oriented leader motivates through recognition, support, and fostering a positive work environment.
Approach to Problems: Task-oriented leaders address problems by focusing on solutions and processes. A people-oriented leader addresses problems by considering the impact on team members and working collaboratively.
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Task-oriented leadership plays a crucial role in achieving success within organizations. Here's a breakdown of key strengths of its importance:
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While valuable for its efficiency and focus on completing tasks, task-oriented leadership has some weaknesses. Here's a breakdown of some potential downsides:
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You can integrate being task-oriented leadership with other styles in your leadership approach. Here are some practical tips to develop your task-oriented leadership skills:
Set SMART Goals: Clearly define goals using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). This provides a clear roadmap for your team.
Project management techniques: Familiarize yourself with project management tools and techniques like Gantt charts or Kanban boards. These help visualize workflows, identify dependencies, and track progress.
Break down big projects: Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and helps maintain focus.
Create detailed plans: Develop detailed project plans that outline tasks, timelines, and dependencies to ensure everyone understands their role and how their work fits into the bigger picture.
Prioritize work effectively: Utilize frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize urgent and important tasks, ensuring the focus on critical work first.
Clear and concise communication: Communicate expectations clearly and concisely. Clearly explain project goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
Active listening: Actively listen to your team's concerns, personal needs, and questions. This fosters open communication and helps identify potential roadblocks.
Effective delegation: Delegate tasks effectively based on team member skills and experience. This empowers your team and frees up your time for higher-level tasks.
Provide clear instructions: When delegating tasks, offer clear instructions and answer any questions. Ensure your team understands what's expected and has the necessary resources.
Set checkpoints: Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any issues that arise. This allows for course correction and ensures projects stay on track.
Set clear expectations: Clearly define performance expectations for your team members. Additionally, manage expectations to ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.
Hold team members accountable: Hold team members accountable for meeting deadlines and delivering results. This establishes a culture of performance and responsibility.
Provide constructive feedback: Offer constructive feedback promptly, such as through use of the 360-degree feedback. This helps team members learn from mistakes and improve performance.
Recognize achievements: Recognize and reward system to celebrate team achievements. This motivates your team and encourages them to continue their good work.
Track progress and results: Track project progress and measure results against established goals. This allows you to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued success.
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Certain leadership behaviors and leadership styles can help others complete tasks, even if this is your main leadership focus. Here are some examples of successful task-oriented leadership behaviors by leaders across various fields:
Indra Nooyi (Former CEO, PepsiCo): Known for her strategic thinking and ability to set ambitious goals, Nooyi led PepsiCo through significant growth and expansion. She implemented a data-driven approach and streamlined operations, leading to increased profitability.
Jack Welch (Former CEO, General Electric): Welch's focus on efficiency and results is legendary. He implemented "Six Sigma" quality control methods and streamlined operations at GE, boosting the company's stock price significantly.
Mary Barra (CEO, General Motors): Barra's leadership has been instrumental in GM's turnaround after the 2008 financial crisis. Her focus on innovation and technology has led the company to invest heavily in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.
Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft): Under Nadella's leadership, Microsoft has significantly transformed. He emphasized cloud computing and mobile technology, leading Microsoft to regain its footing in a rapidly changing market.
Tim Cook (CEO, Apple): Cook is known for meticulous attention to detail and focus on operational excellence. He has overseen Apple's continued success by streamlining production processes and maintaining high-quality standards.
Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul): Oprah built a media empire through her exceptional organizational skills and ability to set clear goals for her team. She is known for her strong work ethic and ability to delegate effectively.
Steven Spielberg (Film Director): Spielberg's meticulous planning and strong leadership have been key to his success as a filmmaker. He is known for his ability to stick to tight schedules and deadlines while also fostering a creative environment on set.
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While task-oriented leadership excels at achieving results, it's important to remember that strong leadership is often a balance. Step by step plans achieve success when a a leader can offer guidance, appreciate work-life balance, and support employees every step of the way. It's not enough to be highly efficient; paying attention to personal needs of employees and leveraging others' key strengths is how managers lead highly effective teams. Consider Highrise Coaching to help you develop a well-rounded leadership style that gets the job done while fostering a positive and productive team environment.
Request for a free introductory call today to learn more.
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