Task Oriented vs People Oriented Leadership Style: Which One is Right for You?

Task oriented vs people oriented leadership style, what’s the difference? Which is better for your business? What are the pros and cons of each? In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two leadership styles and help you decide which is best for you and your company. Stay tuned!

What is task oriented leadership style and what is people oriented leadership style?

Task-oriented leadership is a style in which the leader is more focused on the tasks that need to be completed in order to achieve the goal. This type of leader is typically more organized and may be better at developing strategies and plans.

People-oriented leadership is a style in which the leader is more focused on the people they are leading and their needs. This type of leader is typically more concerned with developing relationships and providing support.

Key differences between task oriented leadership style and people oriented leadership style

The key differences between task-oriented leadership and people-oriented leadership styles are that task-oriented leaders focus more on the task at hand and achieving results, while people-oriented leaders focus more on their team members and ensuring they feel motivated and supported. Task-oriented leaders may come across as more stern and demanding, while people-oriented leaders may be seen as more compassionate and approachable. Ultimately, both leadership styles can be effective in different situations.

Pros of task oriented leadership style over people oriented leadership style

Some advantages of task-oriented leadership over people-oriented leadership include:

1. Task-oriented leaders are more likely to focus on results, whereas people-oriented leaders may be more concerned with maintaining good relationships.
2. Task-oriented leaders may be more likely to take decisive action, even if it means making unpopular decisions. People-oriented leaders may be more likely to build a strong team spirit and promote cooperation among team members.

Cons of task oriented leadership style compared to people oriented leadership style

There are several key disadvantages of task oriented leadership style compared to people oriented leadership:

1. Task oriented leaders tend to be more directive and less participative. This can lead to lower morale among team members and decreased motivation.
2. Task oriented leaders may have difficulty delegating tasks and may micromanage team members, leading to feelings of frustration and resentment.
3. Task oriented leaders may focus too much on the task at hand and not enough on developing relationships with team members, which can limit trust and communication.

Pros of people oriented leadership style over task oriented leadership style

There are several key advantages that people oriented leadership style has over task oriented leadership style.

1. People oriented leadership style is far more effective in building trust and rapport with team members. This is because the leader is focused on the individual needs of each team member, rather than simply on task completion.
2. People oriented leadership style is much better at motivating team members and fostering a positive work environment. This is because team members feel appreciated and valued when their individual needs are taken into account, which leads to higher levels of engagement and satisfaction.
3. People oriented leadership style is generally more adaptable and resilient in the face of change or adversity. This is because the leader is able to quickly adjust their approach based on the unique needs of each team member, rather than rigidly adhering to a specific task-oriented approach.

Overall, the advantages of people oriented leadership style over task oriented leadership style are significant. People oriented leadership style is more effective in building trust and rapport, motivating team members, and fostering a positive work environment. Additionally, people oriented leadership style is more adaptable and resilient, which makes it better suited to deal with change or adversity. As such, people oriented leadership style is the preferred choice for most organizations.

Cons of people oriented leadership style compared to task oriented leadership style

There are a few potential downsides to people-oriented leadership styles:

1. This type of leader may be more likely to develop close personal relationships with some team members, which can create feelings of favoritism.
2. A people-oriented leader may have difficulty making tough decisions that could negatively impact team morale, as they tend to prioritize maintaining good relationships over achieving results.
3. People-oriented leaders may struggle to delegate tasks effectively, as they may feel the need to micromanage in order to maintain control.

Situations when task oriented leadership style is better than people oriented leadership style

There are various situations when a task-oriented leadership style is more beneficial than a people-oriented leadership style:

1. When tasks need to be completed quickly and efficiently

When tasks need to be completed quickly and efficiently, without much room for error. In these cases, it is important for the leader to maintain a focus on the task at hand and ensure that everyone is working together towards the common goal. Additionally, task-oriented leadership can be useful in situations where there is little time for interpersonal interaction or when team members are not particularly close-knit.

2. When team members have different levels of experience or expertise

In these cases, it can be helpful for the leader to focus on the task at hand and delegate tasks accordingly. This ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal and that the team is able to utilize everyone’s strengths. Additionally, this leadership style can help to prevent conflict between team members by ensuring that there is a clear hierarchy and understanding of who is responsible for what.

3. When the goal is more important than the process

For example, if a team is working on a project with a tight deadline, it may be more beneficial for the leader to focus on completing the task rather than on ensuring that everyone is working together harmoniously. In these cases, a task-oriented leadership style can help to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Additionally, this leadership style can help to prevent team members from getting bogged down in the details or becoming too invested in the process, which can lead to conflict.

Situations when people oriented leadership style is better than task oriented leadership style

There are a few situations when people oriented leadership style is better than task oriented leadership style:

1. One situation is when you need to get buy-in from your team for a new project or initiative. If you take a people-oriented approach, you’ll likely have an easier time getting everyone on board.
2. When you’re dealing with a lot of change within the company. A people-oriented leader will be able to help employees adjust and adapt to the new changes more easily.
3. If you’re working with a team that’s struggling with morale, a people-oriented leader can help turn things around by focusing on building relationships and developing trust.

Task Oriented vs People Oriented Leadership Style Summary

So, what is the answer? What leadership style should you choose for your team or organization? The answer depends on a variety of factors, but in general, people oriented leadership style is better when working with teams and organizations that need to build trust and create strong relationships. Task oriented leadership style works best when you need to get things done quickly and efficiently, without too much focus on relationship building.

Of course, these are not hard and fast rules, so it’s important to always consider the specific situation before making a decision about which type of leader to be. Do you have any questions about people oriented versus task oriented leadership styles? Leave us a comment below – we would love to hear from you!