It is clear to me that periods of tension, conflict, and chaos are the norm in high-achieving companies and that these characteristics are highly visible within organizational behavior.  Although there are exceptions, I submit that perfect harmony is often an indicator of averageness and the foxhole of the stasis lovers.  Change is the mother of progress, and it creates tension, conflict, and even chaos for the good of the company.  Leaders who possess executive courage will learn to recognize tension and conflict for what it is and press on.

One of my department heads at Riverside Military Academy asked me, "If we are so good, why are we so stressed?"  My response was, "Because we are so good."  Nonetheless, there is a "tipping point" wherein too much conflict, stress, and chaos can have the opposite effect.  Leaders must have the experience to be aware of the tipping point and back off appropriately.  It is a gut feeling that relates to "timing."