How You Can Collaborate More Effectively, Reduce Stress, and Perform at a Higher Level

In this episode Jeremy talks to Rob Cross, author of ‘Beyond Collaboration Overload’ and ‘The Microstress Effect’ about silos, collaboration, stress, and what high performers do differently.

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Key Takeaways

• Collaboration Overload is Real: Spending over 85% of the workweek on collaborative tasks is a major driver of burnout and inefficiency. Leaders and individuals must find ways to minimize unnecessary collaboration.
• Microstress Adds Up: Small, seemingly insignificant stressors from daily interactions can have compounding effects on mental and physical health. Identifying and addressing these is crucial.
• Structure Beats Chaos: Successful professionals proactively structure their schedules, manage their triggers, and adopt collaborative norms that save time and reduce stress.
• Energy Matters: Energized teams perform better. Leaders should focus on fostering enthusiasm and reducing the drag of negative or redundant interactions.
• Seek Dimensionality: Engaging in diverse activities and relationships outside work provides perspective, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.

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Episode Summary

Understanding Collaboration Overload

Rob Cross sheds light on how modern workplace tools, from email to collaborative apps, have unintentionally increased collaborative demands by over 50% in the last decade. For higher ed professionals, this often translates to endless meetings, unclear communication channels, and the feeling of being perpetually “on.” To combat this, Rob recommends:

• Clearly defining norms for collaboration (e.g., email usage, meeting protocols).
• Avoiding over-inclusion in meetings to improve efficiency.
• Strategically blocking reflective time on your calendar to maintain focus.

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The Microstress Effect

Rob introduces the concept of “microstress,” those small, everyday pressures that accumulate and take a toll on well-being. These might include misalignment with colleagues, minor misunderstandings, or constant connectivity with technology. Rob emphasizes the need to:

• Identify recurring microstressors in daily interactions.
• Communicate openly to adjust expectations and reduce unnecessary stress.
• Build strong relationships to rise above challenges.

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Energizing Teams and Leaders

One of Rob’s key findings is the importance of energy in organizations. Energized individuals foster creativity, collaboration, and engagement. Leaders can cultivate energy by:

• Using humor, fun, and clear goals to inspire their teams.
• Creating dimensionality in their own lives through hobbies, social groups, and non-work activities.
• Encouraging positive, meaningful exchanges among team members.

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Tips for Stress Management

To reduce stress, Rob advises taking control of your interactions and being intentional about shaping relationships. For example:

• Minimize unnecessary emails and meetings by setting clear communication norms.
• Build connections with groups outside of your profession to gain new perspectives.
• Incorporate physical and creative activities, such as exercise or playing a musical instrument, into your routine.

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About the Enrollify Podcast Network 

Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more. 

Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!