Personality clashes are disrupting your team's client meeting. How can you ensure a smooth interaction?

1. Talk to the team before the meeting – Ask them to stay professional. 2. Set Clear Roles - Assign specific tasks to each team member before the meeting to avoid overlap. 3. Focus on the client – Remind them the meeting is for the client, not personal issues. 4. Be the lead – Guide the discussion and keep it on track. 5. Address Clashes Privately - Talk to clashing team members separately to resolve issues before the meeting. 6. Stay calm and polite – Set a good example for the team. 7. Keep future meetings smaller – Involve only those needed if conflict continues. 8. Focus on the goal – Remind them client success is the priority.

If personality clashes flare up in front of a client, I don’t let it fester. I step in firmly but professionally to shut down the friction and refocus the team on delivering for the client. If needed, I’ll reassign speaking roles on the fly, cut off any unproductive back-and-forth, and make sure the tone stays respectful. If someone’s letting ego lead, I rein it in on the spot. After the meeting, I address the root cause of the clash head-on—because if the team can’t hold it together in front of a client, we’ve got a trust issue to fix behind the scenes. I don’t just patch the surface—I make sure it gets resolved.

It depends on the person's role and responsibilities. If it's not necessary for both to be in the same meeting, I may separate them to reduce friction. If they must join, I act as a neutral middle person to guide the discussion, keep things focused on the client, and step in early if tension rises. The goal is to protect the client experience while managing internal dynamics.

To ensure a smooth interaction during client meetings despite personality clashes, establish clear roles and speaking protocols beforehand. Emphasize a shared goal — client satisfaction — to realign focus. Intervene promptly but diplomatically if tensions arise, redirecting the discussion to constructive points. Consider pre-meeting alignment sessions to address potential friction points. Promote active listening and respectful communication throughout. If necessary, designate a neutral facilitator to steer the conversation professionally. Post-meeting, debrief with the team to address issues and reinforce collaborative norms.

1. Acknowledge and validate the tension: • Listen attentively • Validate their feelings • Emphasize shared goals 2. Reframing the situation: • Focus on client benefits • Highlight the bigger picture • Present alternative perspectives 3. Find common ground and solutions: • Active listening and questioning • Collaborative problem-solving • Emphasize client satisfaction • Offer compromises 4. Maintaining focus and momentum: • Regularly check in • Positive reinforcement • Set clear expectations • Celebrate successes

1. Prepare the setting: • Choose a neutral location • Establish ground rules • Ensure confidentiality 2. Initiate the dialogue: • Set the tone • Encourage active listening • Promote self-awareness 3. Facilitate the conversation: • Identify the root causes • Explore different perspectives • Brainstorm solutions • Focus on the problem, not the personalities 4. Follow-up and evaluation: • Document key points • Follow up • Evaluate the process

1. Identify your boundaries: • Understand your needs • Recognize your limits • Determine your values 2. Communicate your boundaries: • Be clear and direct • Use concise phrases • Be assertive but respectful • Consider using a support system 3. Enforce your boundaries: • Be consistent • Have a plan for consequences • Don't apologize for your needs 4. Respect others' boundaries: • Listen to their needs • Be open to compromise • Be supportive 5. Take care of yourself: • Practice self-compassion • Engage in self-care activities • Build a strong support system

As a leader, you need clear boundaries. If people don’t know what’s okay and what’s not, things fall apart fast. Good communication matters, but teamwork soon turns into chaos without firm lines.