🧭 Action-Centered Leadership Model

John Adair’s Action-Centered Leadership model breaks effective leadership into three overlapping areas: the task, the team, and the individual. A leader must address all three to keep performance strong and the team aligned. If one is ignored, the others usually suffer.

🔁 The Three Core Responsibilities

  • Task: Achieving the goal or output.
  • Team: Building and maintaining team cohesion.
  • Individual: Supporting the needs and growth of each person.

Think of the model as three interlocking circles—neglect one, and the balance breaks.

📌 What Leaders Do in Each Area

✅ Task Responsibilities

  • Set clear objectives and priorities
  • Define roles and responsibilities
  • Plan, allocate, and brief tasks
  • Monitor progress and adjust when needed
  • Control tempo and timelines

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Responsibilities

  • Build trust and unity
  • Encourage open communication
  • Manage group dynamics
  • Celebrate team wins
  • Evaluate overall performance

👤 Individual Responsibilities

  • Recognize and develop individual strengths
  • Give clear and regular feedback
  • Support career goals
  • Provide mentoring or coaching
  • Address personal concerns or conflicts
⚠️ Tip: Leaders who over-focus on tasks may drive short-term results, but they risk burnout and disengagement. Balance all three areas for sustained performance.

⚖️ Why Balance Matters

If a leader focuses too heavily on just one area—say, the task—performance may rise short-term but morale and retention might drop. Balance is key. Action-Centered Leadership gives leaders a simple lens to reflect on their efforts and spot gaps early.

📋 Real-World Example

Imagine a team rolling out a new CRM. The leader:

  • Sets clear deadlines and goals (Task)
  • Facilitates collaboration between sales and support (Team)
  • Ensures each person has training and support (Individual)

When done right, the system is adopted smoothly, staff are confident using it, and performance improves across departments.

🧩 When to Use This Model

Action-Centered Leadership is especially useful when:

  • New managers need a simple leadership framework
  • Teams are underperforming or struggling with cohesion
  • You’re building a leadership development program
  • Leaders are too focused on task and neglecting morale
  • Managing through change or company-wide shifts

📌 Related Resources

Leadership & Management Related Articles