How is a firm$$s task environment different from its general environment? How is a firm$$s task environment different from its general environment? Strategic leaders have no direct effect over external factors in the task environment; they have influence over all external forces in the general environment. Strategic leaders have no direct effect over external factors in the task environment; they have some influence over external forces in the general environment. Strategic leaders have influence over all external factors in the task environment; they have no direct effect over external forces in the general environment. Strategic leaders have some influence over external factors in the task environment; they have little direct effect over external forces in the general environment