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TED Talks Daily

Sunday Pick: Friction 101: How to make the right things easier and wrong things harder | Fixable

Dec 22, 2024
Bob Sutton and Huggy Rao, Stanford professors and co-authors of "The Friction Project", dive into eliminating workplace obstacles. They discuss the dual nature of friction, emphasizing how to minimize negativity while encouraging positive interactions. The duo highlights the importance of a subtraction mindset to enhance efficiency and employee well-being. They also explore balancing speed with caution in startups and the significance of effective communication and collaboration for a better work experience. Get ready for actionable insights to transform your workplace!
36:57

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Quick takeaways

  • Identifying and addressing both bad and good friction is essential for enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.
  • Leaders should prioritize simplifying processes and removing unnecessary tasks to boost productivity and improve employee morale in the workplace.

Deep dives

Understanding Friction in Work

Friction in the workplace refers to obstacles that hinder employees from achieving their goals efficiently. It can manifest in various forms, such as cumbersome processes, excessive meetings, or ambiguous communication tools. Identifying both bad friction, which drains energy and enthusiasm, and good friction, which encourages thoughtful problem-solving, is crucial for improving organizational effectiveness. By recognizing these challenges and reframing them, leaders can help remove obstacles and foster a more positive work environment.

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