Michael Lissack
are prediction machines, constantly attempting to anticipate what will happen next to conserve cognitive resources. When our environment is coherent—when patterns are discernible and expectations are generally met—our cognitive load decreases, enabling higher performance and reducing stress. The neurological basis for this relationship has been further clarified by recent research. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region central to attention control and cognitive flexibility, shows significantly re- duced activation under conditions of environmental coherence (Friston & Carhart-Harris, 2023). This reduced activation indicates lower cognitive effort, freeing neural resources for innovation, complex problem-solving, and social engagement. Conversely, when we experience incoherence—conflicting priorities, contradictory messages, or unpredictable responses—our brains must work harder to make sense of our environment. This cognitive overload triggers a threat response in the limbic system, reducing creativity, de- creasing collaboration, and impairing decision-making. Neuroimaging studies by Lieberman and colleagues (2022) demonstrate that organiza- tional incoherence produces neural activation patterns remarkably similar to those observed during social rejection, suggesting that incoherence isn’t merely inefficient—it’s experienced as psychologically threatening. These neurological insights help explain why coherence feels so valu- able subjectively. As one executive described it, “In my previous company, I constantly felt like I was solving a Rubik’s Cube that someone kept rear- ranging. Here, I know what matters and can focus on creating value rather than navigating confusion.” Further research by neuropsychologist Paul Gilbert and colleagues (2024) demonstrates that environments characterized by coherence cre- ate what they call “physiological safety”—a measurable reduction in corti- sol (stress hormone) production coupled with increased oxytocin release. These physiological changes support collaboration, creativity, and long- term thinking—capabilities essential for navigating complexity.
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