Engaging tensions means addressing conflicts and tensions directly within our organizations and harnessing their energy to spur creativity.
Tension, both within companies and in every other area of life can be healthy. Tensions arise between people with differing views and values, between teams with differing cultures and operating styles, or between division leaders with competing priorities for resources.
Usually, when we see or sense these tensions, our impulse is to avoid or ignore them. While this is a natural response, research in paradoxical thinking and creative abrasion tells us there’s a better way. If we can face tensions head-on and learn to use them constructively, we can turn them from paralyzing negatives to valuable sources of creativity.
Why engage tensions?
- To avoid inaction. Persistent tensions can paralyze people. Many people would rather not act if they think they are going to create conflict. Or, if they do act and generate conflict, others might try to prevent more conflict by resisting further action.
- To spark creativity. Engaging tensions forces us to think outside the box. In fact, creativity is often sparked by some type of tension or doubt. Acknowledging the tensions prompts us to re-frame the problem, so we no longer see in terms of choices and trade-offs, but rather in terms of both/and solutions.