When Leadership Styles Clash – Is Your Team Feeling It?

Ever been at a family gathering where two strong personalities tried to take charge?

Recently, I found myself in exactly that situation. Two family members—both natural leaders—were eager to organise everything for a family member’s birthday, from seating to the menu. Instead of collaborating, they both tried to take control of every detail. Before long, frustration set in, and they began to feel like the other was "muscling in" on their territory.

Meanwhile, the rest of the family stood back, unsure of whose lead to follow. A gathering meant for connection and joy became a subtle power struggle, leaving everyone else feeling caught in the middle.

Now, think about this dynamic in the workplace.

In a team, conflicting leadership styles can have a similar—and sometimes more damaging—effect. Without clarity and alignment, your team may experience:

• Mixed messages from different managers.
• Competition instead of collaboration among the leaders themselves.
• A frontline team stuck in the uncertainty of "who’s really in charge?"

The impact? Productivity drops, team morale suffers, and service consistency falls apart. Team members end up spending more energy navigating leadership dynamics than focusing on their work.

The good news is, just like at my family gathering, these clashes are fixable. The solution isn’t asking leaders to dial down their strengths but rather to understand one another’s styles and learn how to work together effectively.

Here’s how to make that happen:

• Identify leadership styles – Tools like Extended DISC Behavioural Profiling can help managers understand their own strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles.
• Align leadership goals – Clear expectations and shared objectives reduce competition and promote collaboration.
• Create space for all voices – Empower leaders to recognise when to take charge and when to support others.
• Promote open communication – Encourage regular conversations about leadership roles, team goals, and shared responsibilities.

Leadership clashes don’t just affect managers—they impact the entire team’s ability to work cohesively, stay motivated, and deliver consistent results. When leaders learn to understand and complement each other’s styles, the whole team benefits from clearer direction, stronger collaboration, and a more positive workplace culture.

So, the next time you see two strong leaders butting heads—whether it’s at a family event or in your organisation—remember: It’s not about who takes control, but how they lead together.