Beneficial Adversaries

Why Friction is Necessary for Success

The temptation and tendency for every leader is to find like-minded, similar-style individuals to lead alongside them. There's a pervasive misconception that harmony and agreement are the ultimate indicators of a successful team.

I would propose that the opposite is true. A closer examination of the dynamics within effective teams reveals that a certain degree of friction is not only inevitable but essential for growth and balance.

Have you ever noticed how often opposites attract in marriage and relationships? My wife and I could not be more opposite. I am 6’7” while she is 5’2”. I am extroverted, she is introverted. We have opposite love languages. I make long decisions quickly, and she makes short decisions slowly (if that makes sense).

In Genesis 2:18, the Bible says that God brought man a “help mate.” A closer look at this Hebrew word reveals something amazing. The Hebrew word is "ezer kenegdo," which translates to mean "a help meet for him" or "a help against him." Excuse me, what? A help AGAINST him? This concept introduces the idea of what Jordan Peterson refers to as a beneficial adversary—a counterpart who provides necessary opposition to promote growth and balance. To grow and become better, you don't need someone just like you; you need someone opposite of you.

Through this understanding, we can uncover profound insights into the nature of leadership and the importance of embracing constructive dissent. Leaders should not shy away from friction but rather pursue it, using it to create a balanced and healthy environment.

This article explores the necessity of friction in leadership, emphasizing its role in fostering growth and balance.

Let’s dive in…