The EQ Movement - Webinar Series

Every workplace has friction. People disagree. Personalities clash. Tensions rise. But when does normal workplace friction cross the line into destructive or toxic behavior, and what can leaders do to keep it from undermining their teams and results?

Join Maggie Sass, co-author of Friction: How Tension, Emotion and Change Reveal Better Leaders, and workplace culture expert Catherine Mattice, founder and CEO of Civility Partners and author of Navigating a Toxic Workplace For Dummies, for a candid conversation about one of the toughest challenges leaders face: navigating difficult people, unhealthy behaviors, and the everyday friction that can erode trust and performance.

Workplace friction can lead to better ideas, stronger decisions, and meaningful change. Or it can spiral into dysfunction, damaged relationships, and toxic behavior. The difference often comes down to how leaders recognize and respond to it.

In this session, we’ll explore:

• How to distinguish productive friction from destructive or toxic behavior
• The warning signs that everyday tension is becoming a bigger team or culture problem
• Why leaders sometimes tolerate or avoid difficult behavior
• How emotional intelligence helps leaders manage their own reactions and respond more effectively to challenging people and situations
• Practical ways leaders can address unhealthy behavior, establish accountability, and turn friction into an opportunity for stronger teams

Whether you’re dealing with one difficult personality, recurring team drama, or broader culture challenges, you’ll leave with practical strategies for addressing friction earlier and creating a healthier, more productive workplace.