Chapter 12, Problem 1DT

Summary Introduction

To Determine:

If the job of the leader to focus on the task and the people too simplistic.

Introduction:

Every leader has his/her own style of leading a team of people. We can broadly classify the leadership types as "Task-Oriented" and "Team-Oriented".

Answer to Problem 1DT

Solution:

Understanding the focus of each type of leader and their priorities.

Explanation of Solution

A task oriented leader does the role of getting any specific job done. Such a leader has very clear information on finger-tips about how to proceed with a task and execute it. They often do not bother about consultation, advice, and ideas of employees. For them, the task becomes the first priority. While employees and their views are second. In task-oriented leadership, the main advantage is that the goals, procedures, and objectives are clear and co-relate with vision. Task-oriented leaders usually do not bother to involve fellow team members to make decisions. As an example, a task-oriented leader is least bothered about whether you complete your task in 2 hours or 10 hours, he is happy as long as the task is done and is good.

On the other hand, team-oriented leaders have their team members' inputs as their first priority. Such leaders emphasize building the team and keep strengthening the bond inside the team. They like to include their fellow members in the process of decision making, make more room for employees to come up and share their ideas, work on igniting creativity within a team. They focus on people who are simplistic and always keep working on ideas to bring their best performance. Such leaders have work-life balance as their area of interest.

For a management, it is of utmost importance to have a leader for their people. From a higher management perspective, organization goals are usually fulfilled and achieved by both kinds of leaders and results are identical in most cases.