Kognitiv overbelastning

As leaders we often find our attention drawn to a drop in performance or quality of those we lead or for whom we are responsible. There are many reasons that this may occur but where this drop in performance is in an area where we would normally expect the individual to perform well, we should consider whether this is a bi-product of additional responsibility or extra demands we have placed upon them.

There is a ton of research suggesting that cognitive overload can impair our ability to perform additional tasks or process new information effectively. What should we as leaders consider if a team member appears to be struggling?

Simply explained, Cognitive Overload is when the brain's working memory capacity is exceeded by the demands of a particular task, leading to diminished performance in other areas. Think the words [not responding] in a tab, or the fan running so fast on your laptop you could mistake it for a plane on the runway! This is especially true when undertaking tasks that require high levels of concentration, such as learning a new language, which involves significant mental processing and resources.

I've had some funny experiences over the 6 months where my desire to practice my new linguistic skills in my new home, has resulted in an embarrassing failure to perform basic motor skills, led to incorrect assumptions about instructions, and on one occassion even resulted in me being unable to speak my native tongue...I'm not somebody who's often lost for words.

So what could be the cause of my confusion? Well research suggests that there are a number of contributory causes (as well as the fact I'm not unfamiliar with embarrassing situations).

Limited Working Memory: The brain has a finite amount of working memory, which is used to temporarily store and process information. When this capacity is maxed—such as when learning a new language—less cognitive bandwidth is available for other tasks. This can lead to mistakes, slower reaction times, and an inability to fully comprehend new information.

Executive Function and Task Switching: Cognitive overload affects the brain’s executive functions, which are responsible for managing tasks, switching between them, and maintaining focus. If you're intensely focused on something like language learning, your executive function is primarily engaged there, making it harder to switch attention to a new task or understand new instructions. Studies indicate that when people are deeply engaged in a demanding cognitive activity, their ability to switch tasks quickly and efficiently diminishes.

Cognitive Load Theory: This theory suggests that when the cognitive load of a task is high, such as when processing new language rules or vocabulary, it can hinder the brain’s ability to handle other simultaneous information. The theory emphasises that instructional design should account for the limitations of working memory by reducing unnecessary load when learning new material, as overwhelming the brain leads to poorer outcomes.

Attention and Focus: Learning activities that require deep concentration (like studying a new language) consume a significant amount of attentional resources. As a result, it becomes more difficult to divide attention between multiple tasks. Research has found that when people are preoccupied or deeply engaged in a complex task, their ability to absorb and respond to additional information or directions is reduced because their attentional focus is too narrow.

Overall, the brain's processing power is limited, and when a task demands a high level of cognitive engagement, it can compromise the ability to perform other tasks effectively. This is why periods of intense focus on learning should be balanced with breaks and simpler activities to allow the brain to recover and refocus.

As leaders we should be considerate when we are increasing the demands we place upon people and ensure that we support them, as we develop them.

What support do you give to others as you develop them? (and what tips do you have for me as I practice a new language?)