What’s Driving Your Microstress?

Microstresses infiltrate our lives in ways we often don’t realize. Here are the 14 types of microstress, broken down into three categories. Which resonate with your daily experiences? You can download a diagnostic at hbr.org/microstress-diagnostic to identify and track the drivers of your microstress. Microstresses That Drain Your Capacity to Get Things Done • Misalignment between collaborators on their roles or priorities • Uncertainty about others’ reliability • Unpredictable behavior from a person in a position of authority • Collaborative demands that are diverse and high in volume • Surges in responsibilities at work or home Microstresses That Deplete Your Emotional Reserves • Managing and feeling responsible for the success and well-being of others • Confrontational conversations • Lack of trust in your network • People who spread stress • Political maneuvering Microstresses That Challenge Your Identity • Pressure to pursue goals out of sync…