Overview
This lecture introduces the behavioral approach to leadership, focusing on how leaders' actions—specifically task and relationship behaviors—impact effectiveness, and explores the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
Introduction to the Behavioral Approach
- The behavioral approach to leadership examines what leaders do, not just who they are.
- It gained prominence from the 1950s to the 1980s.
- This approach distinguishes between task behaviors (goal-oriented actions) and relationship behaviors (people-oriented actions).
Task vs. Relationship Behaviors
- Task behaviors focus on achieving goals through structured actions, steps, and efficiency.
- Relationship behaviors focus on team well-being, morale, and positive interactions to accomplish goals.
- The combination and balance of these behaviors influence leadership effectiveness.
Blake and Mouton's Leadership Grid
- Blake and Mouton created a grid with two axes: concern for people and concern for results.
- Impoverished management: low concern for both tasks and people (minimum effort).
- Country club management: high concern for people, low concern for tasks (friendly, people-focused).
- Authority-compliance: high concern for tasks, low concern for people (efficiency-focused).
- Middle of the road: moderate concern for both (adequate performance).
- Team management: high concern for both tasks and people (optimal performance and trust).
Matching Behaviors to Situations
- Effective leaders adapt their behaviors to fit the situation and the team’s needs.
- Situational factors and follower expectations determine whether task or relationship focus is appropriate.
- Coaches and mentors can use the behavioral grid to develop leaders' adaptability.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Behavioral Approach
- Strengths include broadening leadership study from traits to actions and providing a simple evaluation framework.
- Extensive research (30+ years) supports its utility and reliability.
- Weakness: No universal set of effective leadership behaviors; effectiveness depends on context.
- The approach paved the way for considering situational and follower factors in leadership.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Behavioral Approach — Leadership theory focusing on leaders' actions rather than their traits or skills.
- Task Behaviors — Actions oriented toward accomplishing specific goals or objectives.
- Relationship Behaviors — Actions prioritizing team members’ well-being and group dynamics.
- Blake and Mouton Leadership Grid — A model mapping leadership styles based on concern for people and concern for results.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Identify an apostolic pioneering project for practical application during the intensive session.
- Consult your ministry mentor or senior leader about your project choice.
- Review your personal results from the portrait predictor for insights into your behavioral preferences.