512: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder with Huggy Rao
Jan 30, 2024
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Huggy Rao, author of The Friction Project, discusses how smart leaders can make the right things easier and the wrong things harder. They explore the concept of friction and its impact on decision-making and behavior in organizations. The podcast also touches on selecting one's best self for work and home, the impact of books on life and career, managing personal knowledge, and making important decisions. The host wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude and sharing links to the book and recommended resources.
When choosing a job, you are also choosing a version of yourself, so it's important to show up at work as your best self and focus on your strengths and values.
Friction in the workplace can be both good and bad, with bad friction hindering employees' curiosity and generosity, while good friction slows people down, prevents overconfidence and myopia, and helps them focus.
Deep dives
Choosing Your Best Self at Work
When choosing a job in a company, you are not just choosing a job, but also a version of yourself. It is important to show up at work as your best self, focusing on your strengths and values.
Understanding Good and Bad Friction
Friction in the workplace can be both good and bad. Bad friction consists of obstacles that infuriate employees, making it harder for them to be curious or generous. Good friction, on the other hand, slows people down and helps them focus, preventing overconfidence and myopia.
The Role of Influence in Addressing Friction
The level of influence a person has in an organization determines the steps they can take to address friction. Lower-level employees can reframe their perspective and navigate within their limitations, while leaders with more power can shield their team and engage in redesigning the organization to reduce friction.
Overcoming Addition Bias with a Subtraction Mindset
As humans, we have an inclination to focus on adding rather than subtracting in organizations. However, adopting a subtraction mindset is crucial for eliminating unnecessary complexity and improving efficiency. By regularly reviewing and eliminating obstacles, organizations can create a culture of continuous improvement.
When your name is Huggy, surely people can’t help but like you. And after meeting today’s “Huggy,” all I can say is, “What’s not to like?” Huggy Rao, along with Robert Sutton, have written a new book, out today, called The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things […]