How do you handle tension?

Famed American architect, systems theorist, author, designer, inventor and futurist R. Buckminster Fuller once said that “tension is the great integrity.” Could this be true?

Tension is something we can all recognize immediately; unfortunately, knowing how to handle it is a far less common virtue. Society teaches us that tension is always negative and should be avoided—or removed immediately—if encountered. Great leaders understand this sentiment but have matured to a place of understanding that allows them to use tension as a tool rather than view it as a dangerous adversary.

Step one is to understand that tension can be positive. Think of the strings on a guitar. Each one is under a certain amount of tension. If the string is too tight—or too loose—the music won’t sound good at all. A good musician—like a good leader—knows how to identify, measure, and adjust tension until the perfect result is achieved.

Step two is to understand personal and group tension. Each individual has a different threshold where tension maximizes their potential. Just like the guitar, every person is a different string—some tighter, some looser. Each person produces a sound, but it takes an in-tune group to produce perfect harmony. Understanding individual and group dynamics is crucial to creating the right tension level for your team.

Step three is learning to adjust tension levels personally and in a group. Great leaders listen to the whole group and adjust personal and corporate dynamics until the music is right on key. Time, practice, and continued attention go hand-in-hand with managing tension. It may seem tedious, but remember—even Eric Clapton has to tune his guitar before, during, and after his shows.

Neck Up Leadership brings together three nationally recognized leadership curriculums into one single source to help you get further faster on your leadership journey. Learn more at neckupleaders.com.