Cats Don’t Carpool: The Leadership Blog Series
Herding Cats, Managing Chaos, and Leading with Less Hiss
Every workplace has one.
The Diva.
They’re brilliant, bold, and maybe just a *tad* too aware of how essential they are. They strut into meetings, casually reference their accolades, and if you’re lucky… they actually hit their deadlines.
Working with a Diva can feel like trying to host a dinner party with a cat who only eats pate on gold-trimmed plates—and insists the conversation stay centered on them.
But here’s the truth: Divas often bring genuine talent, vision, and passion to the team. The challenge? Helping them shine without letting them eclipse everyone else.
Let’s walk through 5 practical strategies for managing your office Diva—while keeping your cool, your authority, and yes, your spotlight.
#1 - Acknowledge Their Strengths (Without Feeding the Ego)
Divas need to feel seen. If they think their contributions are being ignored or undervalued, they’ll start performing for attention—often at the team’s expense.
🪶 Try this:
“Your pitch was sharp, and I appreciated how you looped in the research team. That kind of collaboration is what makes this project work.”
➡️ Pro tip: Affirm specific contributions, not just general fabulousness.
#2 - Set Boundaries—Lovingly but Firmly
Left unchecked, Divas will take over meetings, monopolize projects, and rewrite timelines to suit their whims.
🪶 Try this:
“I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to contribute. Let’s circle back to you after we’ve heard from the rest of the group.”
➡️ Pro tip: Boundaries aren’t confrontation—they’re structure. Divas respect leaders who assert themselves (especially with grace).
#3 - Channel Their Energy Into Visibility-Boosting Tasks
Divas thrive on attention—so give them opportunities to shine that also serve the team.
🪶 Try this:
“Would you be willing to present our strategy to leadership? You bring presence and polish to those conversations.”
➡️ Pro tip: Keep their spotlight productive. Direct it toward things that benefit the group, not just their personal brand.
#4 - Don’t Compete—Anchor Instead
Trying to “outshine” a Diva will backfire. Instead, model steady, grounded leadership. Be the calm in the glitter storm.
🪶 Try this:
“I love your enthusiasm. Let’s make sure we stay anchored to the timeline so we can build momentum.”
➡️ Pro tip: Leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Your steadiness makes space for everyone to contribute.
#5 - Protect the Team From Diva Drain
If the Diva is draining morale or dominating dynamics, you must step in. Protecting team culture is part of your job—even when it’s uncomfortable.
🪶 Try this:
“I’ve noticed the team seems hesitant to speak up when you’re leading. Let’s talk about how to make space for other voices.”
➡️ Pro tip: Center your feedback around impact, not intent.
🐈 Final Meows
Managing a Diva takes finesse—but it can be done with empathy, clarity, and a healthy dose of structure. Remember:
- You’re the leader, not the stage crew.
- Healthy boundaries help everyone do their best work.
- Sometimes, the quiet contributors need you to turn down the Diva so their voices can rise.
Divas bring the drama. You bring the direction. Together? You might just pull off something show-stopping.
This post is part of the ongoing series
🧶 Cats Don’t Carpool: The Leadership Blog Series – Herding Cats, Managing Chaos, and Leading with Less Hiss
Insights inspired by the book “Cats Don’t Carpool: They Come in Their Own Accord.”
📘 Pre-order the book for more feline-inspired leadership insights:
👉 https://amzn.to/4kCSJ6B