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When you were a kid, did you ever rub two objects together to create static electricity? Did you rub your hair against a balloon to watch your hair cling to it? If you touch a metal doorknob after walking across a carpet, you might feel a small zap in your finger. Science tells us that friction is what generates this small burst of electricity, which is the result of a transfer between positive and negative electrons.
Friction happens all around us, and it turns out it’s a critical factor in organizational leadership. According to Huggy Rao at Stanford University, however, all friction is not the same. There is good friction and there is bad friction. Knowing the difference between the two — and understanding how to use good friction to your advantage — can help you lead in a variety of congregational settings.
Rao argues that bad friction is rooted in overconfidence and myopia. When leaders become too self-assured, or convinced there’s only one way to do things, it generates unhelpful friction. Bad friction can also be the result of inefficient organizational structures. For example, having too many unproductive meetings or leading a team with unclear expectations generates bad friction.
Good friction happens when we intentionally slow down to improve our decision-making as a way to guard against impulsive reactions. What if we paused for a few seconds to think before we responded to a critical email? What if we stepped outside our comfort zone and learned a new skill? What if we finally had that difficult but crucial conversation? It’s not always comfortable, but we need good friction to do good work.
There’s no way to avoid friction, but if we can minimize bad friction and amplify good friction, our unexamined impulses are less likely to get the best of us.
Resources
Moral fatigue and the quiet exhaustion of doing the right thing
We are called to remain true to the common good despite opposition and adversity. That feels particularly hard now, but the Bible offers reassurance.
By Khristi Lauren Adams
‘Embodied Reconciliation: Congregational Healing as Pastoral Care’
In this excerpt, a scholar asks, What are the tasks of pastoral care and leadership in the wake of conflict or tension within a community of faith?
By Leanna K. Fuller
Can leaders improve church meetings by rearranging the chairs? A pastor describes how physical space affects the work we do there.
Seemingly mundane details, such as rearranging the furniture, may be an undervalued opportunity to stimulate connection and cultivate community.
By L. Roger Owens
Individuals and institutions need intentional rest and reflection
Jesus modeled the requirement to step away in order to sustain his ministry.
By Mycal X. Brickhouse
Before you go
In my experience, thriving congregational leaders are not those who avoid every disagreement, challenge or difficult conversation. I have had to learn to use good friction to deepen discernment, affirm leadership, strengthen organizations and make hard choices. I challenge you to reflect on at least one source of bad friction that is draining energy from you or your congregation. Where do you need to simplify, clarify or remove obstacles? I also encourage you to identify at least one source of good friction. Where do you need to slow down, listen more carefully, ask harder questions or step faithfully into discomfort? I think you will discover that leaning into good friction is worth the effort.
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince R. Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity