Task and Relationship Styles Chap.1
4.1 Task and Relationship Styles Explained
Learning Objective
Compare task and relationship-oriented styles.
Task Style
Definition: Task-oriented individuals focus on goals and achievement. They derive meaning from their work through accomplishing tasks.
Characteristics:
Highly organized and structured.
Utilize tools like to-do lists, calendars, and daily planners to manage their tasks and goals.
Constantly seek to accomplish tasks; their inbox is never empty.
Make the most of their time, even during vacations, by engaging in many activities.
Psychological Insights:
In his book "Work and Love: The Crucial Balance" (1980), psychiatrist Jay Rohrlich illustrates how work can provide structure and organization in personal lives.
Accomplishing tasks leads to a sense of control and self-mastery.
Achievements, such as completing a project or finishing a race, serve as positive reflections of the individual’s identity.
Examples of Task-Oriented Behaviors:
Using color codes in planners.
Keeping sticky notes in various locations for reminders.
Completing multiple chores and tasks by specific times (e.g., by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning: washing the car, doing laundry, cleaning the apartment).
Personal Observation: College student Jessica Lembke describes her task-oriented nature:
Grew up with a strong appreciation for lists from her mother and completing tasks from her father.
Maintains a color-coded planner and enjoys checking items off her lists.
Identifies herself as organized: "My friends call me a workaholic, but I don’t think that is accurate. There are just a lot of things I have to do."
Contrast with her roommate, Steph:
Steph makes verbal lists but often fails to complete them.
Steph’s distractions (e.g., social outings, social media) contrast with Jessica’s need for structure.
Jessica recognizes the need to adapt and be less rigid in planning as a result of her experiences.
Relationship Style
Definition: Relationship-oriented individuals prioritize connections with others over task completion. They derive meaning from their interactions and relationships rather than from achieving specific goals.
Characteristics:
Focus on present moments and experiences rather than future objectives.
Find joy in celebrating relationships and the positivity they bring.
Often described as "relationship junkies"; highly invested in social connections.
Behavior in Group Situations:
Willing to divert conversations from tasks to social topics without hesitation.
Value shared experiences and emotional connections in problem-solving situations rather than strictly task-oriented discussions.
Personal Observation: College student Elizabeth Mathews describes her relationship-oriented outlook:
Believes the quality of work is linked to individuals’ self-worth and connection to leaders and coworkers.
Worked with fifth graders facing numerous challenges (e.g., academic struggles, emotional and behavioral issues, unstable home environments).
Contrast Between Task and Relationship Orientations:
Task-oriented leaders focus on improving grades for statistical success: emphasized drills, flashcards, quizzes.
Elizabeth critiques this focus; she believed that academic improvement was secondary to building meaningful relationships with students.
Implemented experiential learning strategies (e.g., discussion, role play, dance parties) to boost self-confidence and emotional intelligence among her students.
Successful projects included community service initiatives (e.g., trash pickup, recycling activities) and daily affirmations at meetings, leading to improved academic performance and pride in achievements.
Conclusion:
Elizabeth concludes with a personal viewpoint that champions the importance of relationships over tasks.
Describes herself as disorganized and often forgetful, yet highly motivated by connections rather than accomplishments.
Emphasizes that relationship-oriented individuals find