My operations director is incredibly organized and structured, but they are constantly frustrated by our creative director who seems to thrive on chaos. How do I stop this conative clash?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a classic conative clash between two different problem-solving styles. It is not a personality conflict or a lack of respect; it is a mismatch in how they instinctively take action. Your operations director likely has a very high Follow Thru score on the Kolbe A™ Index, meaning they need systems, order, and predictable processes to function. Your creative director likely has a low Follow Thru and high Quick Start score, meaning they thrive on spontaneity, rapid change, and experimentation.

To stop the frustration, you must help them understand that both styles are essential for the company's success. Use their Kolbe results to show them how their minds work. The operations director keeps the business stable and scalable, while the creative director drives innovation and adaptation.

Next, establish clear boundaries on the Accountability Chart. Create a rule that the creative director cannot bypass established processes when dealing with the operations team. At the same time, the operations director must give the creative director space to brainstorm without instantly demanding a detailed project plan. By respecting these natural boundaries, they can leverage each other's strengths instead of trying to change how the other person works.