Leading Through Friction: The EQ Skills Great Leaders Need

Friction is a natural part of leadership—showing up in hard conversations, team tension, uncertainty, and change. But most leaders are taught to avoid or eliminate it.

What if friction isn’t the problem?

In this session, TalentSmartEQ’s Maggie Sass, PhD, and Ross Blankenship, PhD will share insights and a practical framework from their upcoming book, Friction, which serves as the foundation for our new program, Leading Through Friction.

Together, we’ll explore a new perspective: that friction is actually where leadership happens. We’ll unpack how emotional intelligence enables leaders to navigate the moments that matter most.

You’ll learn:

• Why trying to eliminate friction can limit leadership effectiveness
• How to recognize friction as a signal, not a barrier
• The three types of friction leaders face: internal, interpersonal, and systemic
• Practical EQ strategies to navigate tension, build trust, and lead through challenges

If you’re leading people, change, or performance in today’s environment, this session will help you turn friction into one of your most powerful leadership tools.