Differences Between Relational and Task Oriented Leaders

Different businesses operate under different theories and practices in the hopes of encouraging the greatest level of productivity. Leadership styles in particular differ from business to business, but two leadership theories remain prominent: task-oriented leadership and relational-oriented leadership, also called relationship-oriented leadership and people-oriented leadership. Each theory has its pros and cons.

Task-Oriented Leaders

A task-oriented leader is one who focuses on the task or series of tasks at hand, as well as all procedures necessary to achieve the task. A task-oriented leader is less concerned with the idea of catering to employees, and more concerned with finding technical, step-by-step solutions for meeting specific goals. In other words, a task-oriented leader might ask "What steps can we take to meet our quarterly financial goals?" as opposed to asking "How can we build the kind of employee productivity that brings about success within the company?"

Task-Oriented Leadership Benefits

A task-oriented leader is highly logical and analytical, and has a strong understanding of how to get the job done by focusing on the necessary workplace procedures. A task-oriented leader understands that a major task can involve numerous smaller tasks and can delegate work accordingly in order to ensure that everything gets done in a timely and productive manner.

Relational-Oriented Leaders

A relational-oriented leader understands the importance of tasks, but also places a tremendous amount of time and focus on meeting the needs of everyone involved in the assignment. This may involve offering incentives like bonuses, providing mediation to deal with workplace or classroom conflicts, spending individual time with employees to learn their strengths and weaknesses, offering above-average financial compensation, or just leading in a personable or encouraging manner.

Relational-Oriented Leadership Benefits

The relational-oriented leader understands that productivity is paramount in meeting goals and succeeding, whether in a business environment or otherwise. Likewise, the relational-oriented leader understands that building positive productivity requires a positive environment where individuals feel driven. Personal conflicts, dissatisfaction with a job, resentment and even boredom can severely drive down productivity, so the relational-oriented leader puts people first to ensure that such problems stay at a minimum.