Friction

In a world shaped by automation, disconnection, and relentless change, leadership is no longer just a matter of strategy and execution, it’s a matter of emotion. Friction is a bold, research-backed guide to the new frontier of leadership: one where emotional intelligence isn’t just a soft skill, it’s the skill that matters most.

Written by organizational psychologists and leadership experts Dr. Ross Blankenship and Dr. Maggie Sass, this book redefines emotional intelligence for a transformed workplace. It offers an evolved framework helping readers - from emerging leaders to CEOs - navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

With real stories, actionable tools, and provocative insights, Friction helps leaders recognize the emotional resistance within themselves and others, understand the identities and instincts that surface under pressure, and engage with a depth that AI can’t replicate. This isn’t Emotional Intelligence 3.0, it’s an emotional agility playbook for what’s next.