When Working Styles Clash: 8 Ways to Make it Work

Working with people who approach tasks, communication, or problem-solving differently can be one of the most valuable and, at times, most challenging parts of any role. You might find that what feels clear and efficient to you does not land in the same way for someone else, or that differences become more noticeable when deadlines, pressure, or workloads increase. When you are balancing competing priorities, these moments can feel frustrating or draining. With a bit of awareness and a few small adjustments, it may become easier to work alongside different styles in a way that supports both productivity and working relationships.

1. Start with understanding behaviour

Imagine this. You’ve sent a message marked “quick question”, and several hours later, nothing... Meanwhile, someone else has replied instantly with three paragraphs and a list of follow-up questions.

Before assuming disengagement or overthinking, it can help to pause. People process information in different ways. One person may need time to think things through properly, while another is comfortable responding in the moment.

You might notice that certain situations bring out particular responses. Tight deadlines, unclear briefs, or long meetings can all have an impact. Taking a moment to consider what might be driving someone’s approach can open up more useful ways of working together.

2. Notice patterns in how you both work

Everyone tends to have a preferred way of working. Some people are more comfortable with structure and planning, while others may prefer flexibility or thinking things through as they go.

You could start to pay attention to when collaboration feels easier and when it becomes more challenging. This might relate to how tasks are shared, how feedback is given, or how decisions are made. Spotting these patterns can help you anticipate where small changes might make things run more smoothly.

3. Keep communication clear and manageable

When workloads are high, communication can easily become rushed or unclear. You might find that simplifying how information is shared helps reduce misunderstandings.

This could mean focusing on one key point at a time, being clear about priorities, or checking that expectations feel realistic for both of you. Even small adjustments in how you communicate can make collaboration feel more straightforward.

4. Allow for different approaches

Differences in working styles can show up in how tasks are completed, how quickly someone responds, or how they organise their time. Where it feels appropriate, allowing some flexibility in how outcomes are achieved can help reduce tension.

This does not mean lowering expectations but recognising that there may be more than one effective way of reaching the same result. Finding a balance between consistency and flexibility can support both performance and working relationships.

5. Think about the environment

Sometimes it’s not about the people at all. It’s the standing meeting that goes on too long, the group chat that never pauses, or the call where everyone talks at once and no one leaves entirely sure what they’re doing next.

These environments can affect how people contribute. Some may jump in quickly. Others may hold back or go quiet.

If something feels consistently tricky, it might be worth looking at the set-up. Would a clearer agenda help? A quick summary at the end of a meeting? A moment to pause before moving on? Small shifts here can make everyday interactions feel noticeably easier.

6. Build connection into day-to-day interactions

When work becomes busy, it is easy to focus purely on tasks and deadlines. At the same time, small interactions can help make collaboration feel easier.

This might include checking in briefly at the start of a project, acknowledging progress, or creating space for quick conversations where needed. These moments do not need to take long, but they can help build trust and reduce friction over time.

7. Be aware of your own working style

Working with someone who does things differently can sometimes highlight your own preferences more clearly. You might find that certain behaviours feel more challenging because they do not align with how you naturally approach work.

Reflecting on this can help create a bit more space for flexibility. Where it feels possible, adjusting expectations or approaches slightly may make it easier to meet in the middle, without compromising on outcomes.

8. Think about how you move forward afterwards

Not every interaction will go as planned, and that is a normal part of working with others. Differences can sometimes lead to miscommunication or tension, particularly when time is limited.

What often matters is how you move forward afterwards. Taking a moment to acknowledge what felt difficult, reset where needed, and continue working together can help prevent small issues from growing over time. This approach can feel more realistic than expecting every interaction to run smoothly.

By focusing on understanding behaviour, making small changes where possible, and keeping communication open, you may find it becomes easier to work alongside a range of approaches. There is no single way to get this right, so it can be about finding what feels practical and sustainable within your role and team.