Balance in life is usually a good thing. We should all strive for balance, not allowing extremes to dictate our tactics and reactions. But the kind of dualities that leaders face every day call for a better metaphor. When pivoting between agility and consistency, creativity and critical thinking, hands-on and hands-off approaches, among other pairs, the best leaders will embrace the constant tension between the two ends of any important continuum. Pursue balance and you may under weigh the opportunity or overweigh the challenge. Another duality!
The word picture for tension... the necessary force to construct and maintain bridges.
Tension headaches and anxiety might be the dominant picture that comes to mind, but tension is much more than that!