In the latest iteration of workplace self-organization, holocracy, we make the frame of tensions figural in the way we update each other on work in progress. It's an elegant frame: What tensions are at play here?
Renaming issues as tensions emphasizes the polarities inherent in issues we address. These are the tensions of speed and quality, speed and inclusion, perfect and iterative, self-promotion and service, following and leading, innovating and sustaining, systems and improvisations, transparency and protectiveness, honesty and respect, focus on strengths and gaps, internal and external, control and adaptability.
The tensions frame legitimizes and validates what would otherwise be cause for innocence and blame. Its a brilliant perspective that makes issues more intelligently actionable.
