Avoid power struggles with your employees like you would with a teenager

What can leaders learn from parenting a defiant teenager? How to avoid power struggles with your employees.

Ever been caught in a power struggle, whether at home or in the workplace?

I recently witnessed a moment between a parent and their teenager that was a masterclass in emotional regulation.

The teen was refusing to get ready for a fun family outing, wearing the classic “You can’t make me” attitude.

The parent didn’t react, didn’t raise their voice, and didn’t plead. Instead, they calmly said:

“You know the expectations. For every minute you delay getting ready, it will be a week of no computer. It’s your choice.”

No yelling. Just clarity and follow-through.

They even set a visible timer.

And before the timer went off, the teen was ready, and his attitude had shifted entirely.

If you want to avoid power struggles with your employees, here’s the leadership lesson:

→ Stay emotionally grounded

→ Clearly communicate expectations

→ Follow through with meaningful consequences

It’s easy to react when someone challenges your authority, especially when emotions are running high.

Grounded, conscious leadership avoids unnecessary power struggles and earns long-term respect.

Whether you’re raising a child or leading a team, how you manage your own reactions often determines the outcome. How do you stay grounded during tense conversations at work? I’d love to hear your go-to strategies.

Bonnie Artman Fox