Chapter 5
1. Considering the description of Dan by his employee as a task master, I would describe Dan’s
leadership style as task-oriented. Dan is goal oriented. His work is where he finds meaning and
accomplishing his goal is a positive expression of who he is. Dan is always on the go, visiting cleaning
teams at each school while they are working and he always insist to be alerted whenever something
goes wrong so he can find a solution to it.
Asher however, has a relationship oriented leadership style. Instead of seeking out tasks, Asher wants to
connect with others. His leadership style is focused on developing relationship with employees. Asher
concentrates personally on his employees, creating a good and friendly work environment for them. He
takes turns working alongside his teams to understand the challenge they may face and once a while
takes them out for breakfast.
2. Asher’s employees are used to managing themselves in their own way without any interference from
him. They may see Dan’s constant interference as a burden and an obstacle in their job as they will feel
as if they are being monitored. They will have to be more focused on achieving the set goal unlike
before. Overall, I think their response won’t be a positive one because of the kind of environment Asher
created for them which is totally different from that of Dan coupled with their different leadership styles.
3. I think Dan’s employees, who are used to being given clear direction and procedure might see Asher
as an incompetent and playful manager since they are not used to managing themselves in their own
way without directions from Dan. They will always be expecting directions from Asher so as to carry out
their duty effectively which Asher won’t give to them because he trust them to do the right thing.
However, I believe they will respond positively to Asher’s relationship oriented leadership style because
Asher gives his employees freedom to work in their own way without interference.
4. If I were an employee at Co-Ed Cleaners, I would consider Asher a more valuable asset. I would