In this episode of the Fixable podcast, the hosts delve into the concept of "friction" in the workplace, highlighting the difference between "bad friction"—the kinds of barriers that frustrate and drain employees—and "good friction," which includes challenges that encourage improvement and growth. They speak with Bob Sutton and Huggy Rao, authors of *The Friction Project*, who stress the need to minimize bad friction, such as overly frequent meetings and vague communication, by adopting a "subtraction mindset." At the same time, they advocate for embracing good friction, like implementing thoughtful processes and allowing for deliberate slowdowns during complex tasks, to boost creativity and enhance well-being. The conversation underscores how essential it is for leaders to respect their employees' time and design roles that foster curiosity and generosity, ultimately driving up both productivity and job satisfaction.
