What Happens When Two High-Performing Leaders Clash?

Two strong leaders can mean double the drive—or double the drama. In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we break down how to resolve conflict between high performers without damaging your team’s culture.

If you’ve ever led alongside a strong personality or witnessed leadership tension unfold, this one's for you.

Know the Root—Is It Personality, Ego, or Structure? (00:02:38)
We examine the source of leadership conflict—whether it’s personality styles, insecurity, or structural confusion—and how to get clarity before reacting.

Clarify Authority and Decision Rights (00:12:20)
Why turf wars happen and how to eliminate confusion by clearly defining who owns what decisions, responsibilities, and outcomes.

Teach Leaders to Lean Into Each Other’s Strengths (00:17:30)
Not all leadership styles look the same. We discuss how embracing differences can reduce tension and elevate the whole team.

Facilitate Hard Conversations Early—Not After Resentment Builds (00:22:25)
Avoid waiting until emotions boil over. Learn how to lead tough conversations before dysfunction takes root.

Align Both Leaders to a Higher Mission (00:25:39)
When egos rise, the mission suffers. Refocusing on shared goals helps leaders drop the power struggle and align with purpose.

Action Steps (00:28:55)
A recap of the key takeaways: know the root, define roles, teach understanding, and keep the mission front and center.

Additional Resources (00:29:40)

Blog post: How to Tackle Conflict Head-On by Embracing Healthy Confrontations
Episode 594 | Face the Facts: Stop Avoiding Tough Conversations in Business – Part 1


Conclusion (00:30:35)
Handled well, conflict can make your team stronger. Don’t wait—start resolving leadership tension today.