In Letter from a Birmingham Jail, MLK writes: ”
“”I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. … We who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive.””
“”
“To avoid open tension, people often do not acknowledge “the hidden tension that is already alive”. This applies not just to racial justice, but to any organization. Without some brave person willing to engage in “constructive, nonviolent tension”, how can we grow and learn?”
“”
“What tensions are you ignoring in yourself, your relationships, or your organizations? And how can you surface such tensions so that they spur action and growth?”
“”
“#leadership #coaching #takeaction #mindset