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🧹 Your First Job Isn’t to Add Value. It’s to Reduce Friction

  • February 2, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 10 views

Jonathanmf17

Most new CSMs try to add value too early.
That’s usually the mistake.

Early in Customer Success, your real job isn’t to impress —
it’s to reduce friction.

Confusion slows teams down.
Unclear next steps create delays.
And small blockers compound faster than anyone expects.

Great new CSMs focus on removing obstacles:
– clarifying who owns what
– simplifying processes
– making it easier for customers to move forward

Value shows up after friction is gone.

If things feel stuck,
there’s probably friction hiding somewhere.

💬 Your turn: Where could removing friction help your customers more than adding something new?

🔚 Monday Thought:
“Progress accelerates when friction disappears.”

1 reply

Jonathanmf17
  • Author
  • Known Participant
  • February 2, 2026

I’ll go first 👋

One place I’ve seen friction make a big difference is unclear ownership.
Just naming who does what next often unblocks more progress than adding features, decks, or ideas ever could.

Once friction drops, value has room to show up.

Where do you see friction slowing your customers down right now?