Abstract
The subject of investigation is a distinct type of administrative organization: the council collegium in the federal administration of Minden. In 1764, a personnel decision made in the head office in Berlin disrupted the harmonious working environment of the authority. In relation to the overarching theme of the journal volume, the essay puts forward a paradoxical thesis: the council prevented stress by causing stress. It resisted the decision from the ministerial administration in order to maintain cohesion within the plenary body - and thus its ability to make decisions.