The Next Next Common Sense
The neurological dimension becomes particularly important in re- mote and hybrid environments. When physical proximity no longer pro- vides constant contextual cues, our brains require more explicit coherence signals to maintain optimal function. Research by Amy Edmondson and colleagues (2023) demonstrates that distributed teams with strong pur- pose alignment show significantly lower stress biomarkers and higher performance than those with equivalent technical capabilities but weaker coherence. This research offers neurological validation for practices like GitLab’s explicit documentation and principle-based decision-making— they’re not merely operational preferences but approaches that align with how our brains function optimally. This neurological perspective helps organizations understand that coherence isn’t a luxury but a biological necessity for optimal human per- formance. As neuroscientist David Rock (2023) explains: “The coherent organization doesn’t just seem better organized—it creates the neuro- logical conditions necessary for people to access their highest cognitive capacities.” When Microsoft embarked on its transformation under Nadella, the company invested heavily in neural coherence. Executive teams participated in workshops exploring the company’s purpose and values. Managers received training in coaching conversations that connected individual work to broader purpose. And the company redesigned its performance management system to reinforce cultural priorities. These interventions didn’t simplify Microsoft’s complex business, but they cre- ated coherence that enabled people to navigate it more effectively. For organizations implementing coherence initiatives, this neuro- logical understanding provides important guidance. Coherence-building shouldn’t be treated as a peripheral cultural exercise but as a fundamental performance enabler that works with rather than against our neurologi- cal architecture. By creating conditions that reduce cognitive threat and enhance psychological safety, organizations enable people to contribute their best thinking to complex challenges.
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