Struggle 3: Navigating Ego Clashes

Every C-level leader has been there: two strong personalities collide in a meeting, and suddenly, the focus shifts from solutions to who’s “right”. The room gets tense, and progress grinds to a halt. 

Here’s my truth after having dealt with a lot of conflicts:

“Ego clashes aren’t about the issue—they’re about identity”

I discovered that when egos take centre stage, the mission fades into the background.

In order to navigate these moments without escalating tension, this is a powerful shift I have applied multiple times:

Move the focus from ‘who’ to ‘what’. 

Let me give you a real-life Example:

The Head of Sales and the Marketing Director are arguing over campaign budgets. Both are determined: their priorities are non-negotiable. The room is divided, and collaboration feels impossible. 

Instead of playing referee, try stepping in with presence: 

• Acknowledge the energy:

  
  

  “I sense there’s a lot of passion here, which tells me this matters deeply to both of you.”

• Shift to shared goals:

  “How can we align these efforts to drive the best results for the company?”

• Ask a transformative question:

  ”What would success look like if we worked as one team?” 

The tension eases. The focus shifts back to what really matters—results. 

The Takeaway:

Ego clashes thrive on personal focus. Transformation begins when you shift the energy toward shared outcomes. 

Presence over power. Questions over control.