Agitate vs Irritate

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.