In this expert session, Kilian Wawoe leads a thought-provoking discussion on managing stress within teams, specifically focusing on the challenges posed by remote work. The conversation explores various strategies to identify and alleviate stress, including prioritization, regular check-ins, and creating a transparent team culture.

Kilian begins by diving into the complex relationship between stress and the human brain, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root cause to effectively manage it. He highlights that stress can originate from any part of our brain – reptilian, emotional, or neocortex – and discusses how each region responds differently.

He shares examples of how simple stimuli can trigger a stress response, bypassing the neocortex entirely. In modern society, information overload can lead to chronic stress, which can negatively impact our cognitive abilities and emotional regulation, eventually causing various health issues or even death. Burnout situations often result in an ineffective neocortex, leading to chaotic behavior and further exacerbating emotional dysregulation.

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Kilian emphasizes the importance of a coach's role in guiding individuals toward finding their own solutions rather than imposing them. When dealing with someone experiencing stress, empathy and understanding are crucial before suggesting healthy coping mechanisms like regular exercise, proper nutrition, and social support.

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The topic of mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, arises as an effective method for managing stress and anxiety. Additionally, practicing gratitude and engaging in joyful activities contribute significantly to maintaining overall well-being.

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Symptoms of burnout or stress include feeling overwhelmed, lacking motivation, exhaustion, and physical and emotional disconnection. To prevent or manage these conditions, prioritizing self-care, setting realistic goals, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support are essential. The conversation briefly touches upon the concept of positive psychology, focusing on enhancing well-being, happiness, and personal growth rather than addressing mental health issues directly.

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Throughout the session, Kilian stresses the importance of maintaining social connections and relationships for overall well-being. He acknowledges that remote work may make it more challenging to maintain these connections and emphasizes the need for consistent communication and checking in on colleagues. The session concludes by highlighting the significance of hybrid work environments where individuals can strike a balance between working from home and maintaining team connections.

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Kilian Wawoe

Stress In Teams

Kilian Wawoe is an organisational psychologist who has held several top HR positions, lastly as vice-president for West- and Southern-Europe within ABN AMRO. He researched the impact of bonuses on bankers and works as a professor HR Management as well as a consultant and public speaker. Kilian has published books on performance management and reward systems.