From food delivery to dating, much of modern life is designed to help us eliminate friction.

But today’s guest suggests that we may have eliminated too much friction.

Ross Blankenship is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and author who works with CEOs and senior leadership teams on the human side of leadership. In his forthcoming book, Friction: Uncover the Power of Leading Through Tension, Ross and his co-author, Maggie Sass, explore how leaders can lead through friction for better decisions, stronger relationships, and healthier performance.

In this conversation, Daniel, Peter, and Ross discuss why the right amount of friction is key to learning and leading for long-term success.

Ross points to studies that show when learning is more difficult, retention is higher. “If you take too much of the friction out of my thinking… then I’m not really thinking about it anymore,” he says.

Tune in to learn:

• The different types of friction that affect how people work and lead
• Why a little bit of friction is actually good
• How “sticking points” can help improve thinking

Like most beneficial practices, leveraging and navigating friction starts with habits. Find “the very simplest, smallest version of a task,” says Ross, and reflect or put energy into thinking about that friction. “That’s the kind of habit that can start to change your identity over time.”

Questions, or comments? E-mail us at podcast@stewartleadership.com

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Resources and Links

Everyday Leadership Website

Ross Blankenship’s Substack “Theory of Change”

Tuesday Advisors

Ross Blankenship website

Ross Blankenship LinkedIn

Friction: Uncover the Power of Leading Through Tension (August 2026)

Stewart Leadership Insights and Resources:

Why this One Skill is a Non-Negotiable for Your Next-Level Leaders

8 Tips to Manage Critical Feedback

5 IQ Lessons from a Leader Who Turned Criticism Into Growth

Burned Out vs. Bored Out: The Hidden Engagement Crisis

6 Ways Leaders can Master Emotional Self-Control

How to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence

8 Keys to Managing Conflict Well

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