It’s not impossible to hold multiple tensions at the same time. In fact, as humans we are kind of masters at it. For example:
Confidence and Humility
Urgency and Patience
Clarity and Complexity
Care for People and Commitment to Results
Stability and Innovation
Truth and Grace
Strategic Direction and Adaptability
Individual Needs and Team Health
And how about these…
Loving your teenager, but not liking their behavior
Caring for an aging parent, and feeling emotions of resentment
Being a champion for a friend, while feeling a little bit jealous
Or these…
Light and Dark
Sweet and Salty
Pain and healing
Last week I had the privilege of speaking at a conference to leaders from around the world. I met people from Norway, Japan, Brazil, New Zealand and Ethiopia. From small town Georgia and downtown Manhattan. One thing all of these people have in common is they all hold various tensions at one time. As leaders, this is just part of our world and the role of a leader.
Sometimes we will need to make decisions that are best for the organization, and will probably disappoint some of the people in or around the organization. Sometimes we will need to release someone to their next opportunity and still hold them close as a friend wanting them to thrive. Sometimes we will need to fight for clarity and simplicity while fighting against complexity.
Last week there were two tensions being held at once at this conference…
Mourning for victims of leadership abuse
Mourning for what was
Celebrating new beginnings and keeping the main thing the main thing
Working toward the big picture of healing and 1000’s of generations
… all at once. This is leadership, holding all things for a greater purpose. Lead well ~ C