Action Plan

Here are some strategies to help balance between task-oriented and relations-oriented leadership approaches:

1. Develop your emotional intelligence: Work on improving your ability to recognize and manage emotions - both your own and those of your team members. This will help you navigate the relational aspects of leadership more effectively.

2. Assess your natural style: Reflect on whether you tend to be more task-focused or relationship-focused by default. Understanding your natural inclination will help you identify areas for growth.

3. Practice active listening: When interacting with team members, focus on truly hearing their perspectives and concerns. This builds relationships while also gathering important information about tasks and projects.

4.  Provide balanced feedback: When giving feedback, address both task performance and interpersonal/teamwork skills. Recognize achievements in both areas.

5. Create a balanced team culture: Foster an environment that values both high performance and strong relationships. Recognize and reward achievements in both areas.

6.  Evaluate team needs: Regularly assess your team's current needs in terms of both task completion and relationship building. Different situations may call for emphasizing one approach over the other.

7.  Set both performance and development goals: For each team member, establish clear performance targets as well as goals for their professional growth and engagement. This ensures you're addressing both task and relational aspects.

8. Schedule regular one-on-ones: Set up consistent individual meetings with team members to discuss both work progress and personal/professional development. Use this time to build rapport while also addressing task-related issues.

9.  Delegate strategically: When assigning tasks, consider both the technical requirements and the opportunity for team members to grow or collaborate. Balance efficiency with development.

10.  Implement team-building activities: Regularly schedule activities that allow team members to connect on a personal level, while also incorporating elements related to work goals or skills development.

11.  Use situational leadership: Adapt your leadership style based on the specific needs of each team member and situation. Be prepared to shift between more directive and more supportive approaches as needed.

12.  Seek feedback: Regularly ask your team for input on your leadership style. Are you striking the right balance between focusing on tasks and relationships? Use this feedback to continually adjust your approach.

By implementing these strategies, you can work towards a more balanced leadership approach that addresses both task completion and relationship building, leading to a more effective and engaged team.

To assist leaders in balancing their task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership styles, here are some powerful questions you can ask yourself:

1. How does my current leadership approach impact team morale and productivity?

2. In what situations do I tend to prioritize tasks over relationships, or vice versa?

3. How can I better align my leadership style with the specific needs of my team members and the organization?

4. What strategies can I implement to improve both task efficiency and team cohesion simultaneously?

5. How do I ensure that my focus on tasks doesn't come at the expense of building strong relationships with my team?

6. In what ways can I leverage relationship-building to enhance task completion and overall team performance?

7. How do I adapt my leadership style when facing tight deadlines versus long-term projects? 

8. What feedback mechanisms can I implement to gauge the effectiveness of my leadership approach?

9. How can I better balance providing clear direction with encouraging team autonomy and creativity?

10. In what ways can I improve my emotional intelligence to better navigate task and relationship priorities?

 11. How do I ensure that my team feels valued and supported while still maintaining high performance standards?

 12. What strategies can I employ to delegate tasks effectively while also developing my team members' skills?

 13. How can I create a work environment that promotes both productivity and positive relationships?

 14. In what ways can I improve my communication to address both task-related and interpersonal aspects of leadership?

 15. How do I strike a balance between pushing for results and nurturing a supportive team culture?

 These questions encourage leaders to reflect on their leadership style, consider the impact of their approach, and identify areas for improvement in balancing task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership [1][3][7][8]. By regularly asking themselves these questions, leaders can develop a more flexible and effective leadership style that adapts to the needs of their team and organization.

Citations:

[1] https://meridianuniversity.edu/content/questions-to-ask-leaders-the-secrets-of-effective-leadership

[2] https://thinkshops.org/assets/file/research-resources/leadership-style-quiz.pdf

[3] https://www.tryhighrise.com/blog-posts/task-oriented-leadership

[4] https://louiscarter.com/task-oriented/

[5] https://blog.sanfranciscobs.com/task-oriented-leadership/

[6] https://www.theexceptionalskills.com/leadership-styles-questions/

[7] https://stevenarmstrong.ca/uncategorized/27-open-ended-questions/

[8] https://jbcoaches.com/17-essential-strategies-for-effective-situational-leadership/

Resources

Here are some recommended books that focus on task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership:

1. "The One Minute Manager" by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

This classic book emphasizes the importance of effective management through clear communication and goal-setting, making it a great resource for both task-oriented and relationship-oriented leaders.

2. "Leadership BS: Fixing Workplaces and Careers One Truth at a Time" by Jeffrey Pfeffer

This book challenges conventional leadership wisdom and encourages leaders to focus on what truly works in motivating employees, blending insights relevant to both leadership styles.

3."The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni

This book explores the importance of trust and collaboration within teams, making it essential for relationship-oriented leaders while also addressing how to achieve team goals effectively.

4."Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity" by Kim Scott 

This book combines the need for direct feedback (task-oriented) with the importance of caring personally for team members (relationship-oriented), offering a balanced approach to leadership.

5. "Turn the Ship Around!" by L. David Marquet

A practical guide that illustrates how empowering team members can lead to better outcomes, this book is valuable for leaders looking to balance task completion with team engagement.

6. "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink 

This book delves into intrinsic motivation, which is crucial for relationship-oriented leadership, while also providing insights on how to set clear goals and expectations.

7. "It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy" by D. Michael Abrashoff

   This book shares practical leadership techniques focused on both achieving results and building strong relationships with team members.

8. "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't" by Simon Sinek

Sinek's work emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for teams, making it essential reading for relationship-oriented leaders.

These books provide a mix of insights and practical strategies applicable to both task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership styles, helping leaders develop a well-rounded approach to managing their teams effectively.

Citations:

[1] https://www.yelp.com/biz/your-next-jump-washington?adjust_creative=6zagVcKwffYZAA-51mlGNg

[2] https://www.insperity.com/blog/13-books-will-inspire-extraordinary-leader/

[3] https://www.tryhighrise.com/blog-posts/task-oriented-leadership

[4] https://blog.sanfranciscobs.com/task-oriented-leadership/

[5] https://beslick.com/best-management-books/

[6] https://louiscarter.com/task-oriented/

[7] https://shop.ccl.org/usa/books

 Articles on Emotional Intelligence

1. Highrise Coaching - This article discusses the characteristics of task-oriented leadership, emphasizing goal-setting, structured approaches, and direct communication. It contrasts this style with relationship-oriented leadership, highlighting the importance of team cohesion and support in achieving organizational success. [Read more here](https://www.tryhighrise.com/blog-posts/task-oriented-leadership) [1]. 

2. Louis Carter - This resource outlines the strengths and strategies of task-oriented leadership, including clarifying objectives, providing guidance, and applying a reward system. It also discusses the potential drawbacks of this leadership style, such as its perceived narrow-mindedness compared to relationship-oriented leadership. [Explore further](https://louiscarter.com/task-oriented/) [2].

3. San Francisco Business School - This article provides insights into when to use task-oriented leadership effectively, such as in emergencies or time-critical tasks. It also outlines situations where this style should be avoided, like creativity-requiring projects or team development. [Learn more here](https://blog.sanfranciscobs.com/task-oriented-leadership/) [3].

4. MasterClass - This resource highlights the strengths of task-oriented leaders and emphasizes the importance of balancing task focus with team well-being to prevent burnout. It offers practical advice for becoming an effective task-oriented leader. [Check it out](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/task-oriented-leadership) [6].

5. Thomas.co - This article compares task-oriented and people-oriented leadership styles, discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages. It emphasizes the need for leaders to strike a balance between these approaches to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction. [Read more here](https://www.thomas.co/resources/type/hr-blog/task-oriented-vs-people-oriented-leadership) [7]. 

6. AIU Online Programs - This educational resource defines both task-oriented and relationship-oriented leadership, explaining their distinct focuses on tasks versus team member well-being. It discusses when each style is most effective and potential drawbacks of task-oriented leadership. [Explore this resource](https://online.stu.edu/degrees/education/what-is-task-oriented-leadership/) [8].

These resources provide comprehensive insights into both leadership styles, their applications, strengths, and weaknesses, helping you understand how to implement them effectively in various organizational contexts.

 Websites

1. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu)

   - Offers articles, videos, and research on emotional intelligence and related topics.

 2. MindTools: Emotional Intelligence Toolkit (https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_45.htm)

   - Provides practical resources and exercises to develop emotional intelligence skills.

 3. Six Seconds (https://www.6seconds.org)

   - A global network focused on the development of emotional intelligence, offering assessments, tools, and training.

 4. Daniel Goleman's Official Website (https://www.danielgoleman.info)

   - Features articles, videos, and books by Daniel Goleman on emotional intelligence and leadership.

 5. Positive Psychology Program (https://positivepsychology.com/emotional-intelligence-tools-resources/)

   - A comprehensive resource for tools, articles, and research on emotional intelligence.

Would you like more information on any specific resource? Let us know HERE