How to Address Power Struggles in Teams

May 13, 2025•2 min read

Power struggles in teams can derail progress, create unnecessary tension, and hurt team morale. The good news? As a leader, you have the tools to resolve and even prevent these struggles by creating a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Here’s how:

1. Set the Tone for Collaboration

Power struggles often stem from a competitive mindset. Start by reminding your team that success hinges on collective strength, not rivalry. Share examples of how teamwork has driven success in the past and emphasize that each person’s contribution adds value to the bigger picture.

2. Clarify Roles and Contributions

Ambiguity can breed competition. Ensure every team member understands their role and how their work contributes to the team’s overall success. When people feel secure in their responsibilities, there’s less need to compete for recognition or resources. Cocreation will get you higher productivity and creativity than competition. A cohesive team is just more willing to support each other’s efforts.

3. Encourage Open Feedback

Establish a culture where feedback is welcomed and valued. Regularly open the floor for team members to share concerns, ideas, or frustrations. Addressing issues as they arise prevents them from snowballing into deeper conflicts. Fewer conflict situations save time and increase happiness within the team.

4. Foster a Culture of Shared Goals

Reinforce the idea that everyone is working toward the same objectives. Celebrate team wins, not just individual achievements, to shift the focus from personal success to collective progress. Creating a joint vision, in which all have a say, goes a long way.

5. Value Every Contribution

Power struggles often arise when team members feel undervalued or overlooked. As a leader, make it a priority to recognize and appreciate the unique strengths each person brings. Feeling valued reduces the need for individuals to assert dominance.

6. Model Collaborative Behavior

Your actions set the standard for the team. Show respect, collaboration, and openness in your interactions. Demonstrate that you prioritize the team’s success over individual agendas, and your team will follow suit.

Power struggles don’t just disappear by themselves. They require proactive leadership. By addressing the root causes, like competitiveness and lack of clarity, and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, you can transform power struggles into productive collaboration.

What strategies have worked for you in resolving team conflicts? Share your thoughts!

Regina Huber

As the CEO of TRANSFORM YOUR PERFORMANCE, Regina Huber drives bold, heart-centered leadership. She helps her clients accelerate their careers and become thriving leaders by leveling up their leadership of self & others. Her eclectic experience on five continents started in Germany and includes leadership roles at BCG as well as ownership of businesses in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. This experience shaped her into a multicultural Transformational Leadership Coach, International Inspirational Speaker, and Author of Speak up, Stand out and Shine. She created five signature coaching frameworks and is the host of RISE TO LEAD Podcast. She also co-authored three other books and speaks five languages. Over the years, she has spoken at events and taught workshops in the U.S., Africa, Latin America, Asia/Middle East, and Australia. For several years, she was an active Member of the Leadership Team of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA), where she co-chaired two committees, and she has collaborated with numerous organizations in Africa. She is a Member of Innovation Women. She was also the host of the What’s Your Spark TV show. She has a passion for travel, adventure, and dance.

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