In situational leadership, which style is a directive approach with high concern for tasks and low concern for people?

• A. Telling
• B. Selling
• C. Participating
• D. Delegating

Answer: (A)

In situational leadership, the telling style is a directive approach with high concern for tasks and low concern for people. It’s about giving explicit instructions, defining exactly what needs to be done, and closely supervising progress with little coaching or input from others. This style fits situations where followers lack the necessary competence or confidence to carry out a task on their own, so the leader steps in with clear steps and close oversight to ensure task completion.

The other styles differ in how they balance task focus with relationship focus. Selling adds explanation and persuasion to win commitment while still pushing for the task, participating emphasizes collaboration and support with less direct instruction, and delegating shifts responsibility to followers who are ready to work autonomously.