Organizational Tension is not the Problem, it's the Point

Technical leaders are problem-solvers by design. But not everything is a problem that can be solved. Some challenges—like speed vs. quality, alignment vs. autonomy, planning vs. adapting—aren’t meant to be solved. They’re tensions that can only be managed. And treating them like problems only creates new ones.

This session unpacks the most common leadership tensions in tech and how to navigate them with more clarity and less frustration.

You’ll explore:

  • The difference between a solvable problem and a persistent tension
  • The leadership habits that increase tension (often unintentionally)
  • A practical lens to work with tension rather than against it

No perfect answers. Just better choices.


Pete Behrens

About Pete Behrens

Pete Behrens didn't set out to become a leadership expert. His professional journey began as an engineer, solving technical problems, but life had other plans. Over three decades, Pete has evolved from individual contributor to technical leader to business executive and organizational coach, learning that the most complex challenges aren't technical; they're human.

As Founder and CEO of Agile Leadership Journey, Pete has dedicated his career to helping leaders navigate uncertainty with courage and authenticity. He believes that leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about having the humility to ask better questions and the courage to step forward when the path isn't clear.

Pete’s debut book, “Into the Fog: Leadership Stories from the Edge of Uncertainty,” captures decades of leadership wisdom through compelling real-world stories. The book reveals how authentic leadership emerges not in moments of clarity, but in the uncertainty of everyday challenges–what Pete calls “the Fog.”

An influential speaker, Pete has shared his insights at various global conferences and hosts the Relearning Leadership™ podcast, where he engages with industry experts and leaders to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and organizational development.

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