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Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People

Bob Sutton: Mastering Organizational Friction for Better Leadership

Sep 18, 2024
Join Bob Sutton, a renowned organizational psychologist and Stanford professor, as he dives into the dual nature of workplace friction. He humorously navigates the Asshole Rating Self-Exam and discusses how to savor success as a leader. Learn about the value of productive friction and how small changes can improve efficiency, illustrated by innovative examples like TSA PreCheck. Sutton emphasizes the importance of simplifying communication and reducing barriers in organizations to enhance both productivity and employee well-being.
50:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Bob Sutton emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and bad friction in organizations to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
  • The ‘Asshole Rating Self-Exam’ serves as a reflection tool for individuals to assess and improve their interpersonal behavior in workplace dynamics.

Deep dives

Understanding the Asshole Rating Self-Exam

The Asshole Rating Self-Exam (ARS test) is a self-assessment tool created to evaluate one's behavior in social and professional contexts. Originally designed by the speaker's wife to help manage large law firm dynamics, it categorizes individuals based on their interpersonal conduct. Although it is not a scientifically validated assessment, a significant number of people have completed it, revealing an average score that suggests occasional displays of abrasive behavior. This self-exam serves as a reminder of how workplace dynamics can influence personal behavior and how individuals often reflect the attitudes of those they interact with.

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