What factor influences the level of stress for a leader facing the TENSION challenge?

The correct choice is initiative because it directly relates to how a leader manages the TENSION challenge. Leaders often face high-stakes situations that require them to take decisive action and make tough choices under pressure. When a leader demonstrates initiative, they proactively identify issues, devise potential solutions, and take charge in leading their team through stressful conditions. This proactive approach can significantly reduce stress levels by fostering a sense of control and direction amid uncertainty.

While collaboration, feedback, and resilience are indeed important factors in leadership, they play different roles in managing stress. Collaboration emphasizes teamwork and collective problem-solving, which can help alleviate stress but might not directly influence a leader's stress levels. Feedback provides insights and perspectives that can inform decision-making but does not inherently address the stress associated with leadership challenges. Resilience is crucial for enduring stress over time, but initiative is what enables a leader to respond effectively when faced with immediate tension, thereby influencing their stress level directly.