Mia expresses interest in her employees' personal and professional lives. She is demonstrating _______.

Mia's interest in her employees' personal and professional lives clearly illustrates the concept of relationship behaviors in leadership. This approach focuses on building strong interpersonal connections, fostering trust, and understanding the emotional and social dynamics within a team. By showing genuine concern for her employees beyond just their job performance, she is enhancing their well-being and creating a supportive work environment, which in turn can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

Effective leaders who employ relationship behaviors prioritize communication, empathy, and rapport with their team members. This not only helps in understanding individual needs and aspirations but also strengthens team cohesion and loyalty. The emphasis on personal connections underscores the importance of recognizing employees as whole individuals, an aspect that is vital for cultivating a positive organizational culture.

In contrast, task-oriented leadership focuses primarily on the completion of tasks and achieving specific goals, often at the expense of interpersonal relationships. Directive behaviors involve giving instructions and guidance without much emphasis on personal concerns, while transactional leadership is based on reward and punishment dynamics rather than fostering deep connections. Thus, Mia’s approach is specifically aligned with relationship behaviors, emphasizing the importance of valuing employees as individuals within a professional setting.