The thought all along has been that if the two organizations, each with their own unique strengths and assets, could pull it off, they would be stronger together. Combined they would be able to add tremendous value to their respective clients.

They had worked through quite a number of issues over the previous three months as we met to discuss the risks and concerns of each leader. A number of roadblocks had been overcome and put behind them, many with relative ease.

But, that day there was a problem. Or was there?

It certainly felt like a problem. They had been going back and forth on an issue, each sharing their point of view. The discussion had been very amicable, but there seemed to be a growing, albeit subtle, tension in the room.

NOBODY WANTS TO BE STUCK

While they each acknowledged value in the other’s position, they both struggled to completely come over to the other side. They were stuck on what seemed to be opposite sides of a really important point.

Have you ever been there? I know I have. I don’t like feeling stuck. Nobody does. There is this feeling of helplessness in that place.

As I sat and listened and asked probing questions… it hit me all of a sudden. This wasn’t a problem at all. The struggle they were experiencing actually had the ability to create something very positive.

THE REAL PROBLEM HERE

There is such a cultural pressure to agree. Most people hate to find themselves in a disagreement. They simply don’t feel right when there is tension in the air. It’s like a bad germ that people just want to get rid of it.

But what if that isn’t always the best, the most productive response? What if that tension actually worked for our good?

I would like to submit to you that in that meeting I was in a few weeks ago, these two leaders were facing a tension that needed to be managed, not a problem that needed to be solved. As a matter of fact, in this case, if either party were to “come over” to the other side, something very valuable would be lost.

Next week we’ll talk about how to know whether you have a tension that needs to be managed or a problem that needs to be solved.

Question: What kinds of impasses have you experienced with fellow leader?

QUICK UPDATE

Last week I talked about my night in the pediatric intensive care unit. Well, thankfully that little girl got out of the hospital on Friday. She is doing better and better every day, although she is still pretty sore.

The funeral for her mom was on Monday. That was the hardest day I have had in a long time. I have had a lot of “hard” days. But, this was actually a really hard, difficult day.

However, I am thankful to God that her funeral was a glorious one. We celebrated her life and the hope she had for eternity because of her faith in Christ. I want to thank those of you who have been praying for my family and the family of this precious young woman.

Seize the day!