Friction causes traction which leads to progress, but too much or the wrong kind causes irritation and damage. As managers, sales professionals, trainers, parents, coaches - any role of leadership or influence - we create friction to motivate others to action. But once others are acting in the desired outcome, our job is to create a frictionless path.

Dan Pink makes a great distinction between irritating and agitating others:

Irritating someone is getting them to do what you want them to do.
Agitating is getting them to do what THEY want to do.

When the friction you are creating starts to overheat, take a step back and ask "What to I want them to do?" and "What do THEY want to do?" Look for ways to align the two.