The Science of Forgetting: From Pandemic Memories to Organizational Leadership

The Science of Forgetting: From Pandemic Memories to Organizational Leadership

In the fast-paced world we live in, it's no surprise that forgetting is the default state of our brains. According to cognitive psychology professor Norman Brown, our brains have three phases for memory: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it with changes in neurons, creating a physical memory trace called an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it is stored during memory consolidation, often happening during sleep.

One theory suggests that the hippocampus stores an index of where these memory neurons are for retrieval, similar to a Google search. But even with this storage mechanism, our memories are centered on our life stories and what affected us personally the most. This means that the more life experiences we have, the more difficult it is to capture and retain all of them. New memories constantly interfere with older events, making it harder to recall specific details.

Furthermore, memories of significant events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can become unclear over time. When events are uniform, our memory tends to merge them into one, making it challenging to recall specific details. Additionally, as a society, many people don't want to hold onto their pandemic memories. There's a natural bias towards viewing the future more positively than the past, as the future can be imagined in many ways compared to the fixed nature of the past.

But what about the memories that hold historical significance? How can we ensure that they are not forgotten? Just as parents pass along their knowledge and family history to offspring, cultural artifacts play a crucial role in preserving collective memories. Books, movies, statues, museums – they all contribute to the preservation of historical events. However, without these artifacts, memories of the COVID-19 pandemic may fade away and be consigned to the entropic dustbin of history.

Now, let's shift our focus to the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in organizations. The role of a CTO is evolving beyond being solely a technical expert. While technical prowess and the ability to anticipate future technological advancements are still important, leadership skills and a broad perspective are equally crucial. CTOs are expected to lead the entire organization while being grounded in technology.

One of the most critical behaviors expected from a CTO is the ability to drive the product validation cycle at a high speed. This involves taking on multiple roles, being a jack-of-all-trades. A CTO at this stage engages in user interviews, accompanies the sales team to gather feedback, writes the majority of the code as a tech lead, and ensures the necessary manpower for realizing functionality and design. At this early stage, clear systems and structures may not be a priority. The focus is on understanding the product's vision, mission, and value, which can be achieved through open discussions and alignment during management retreats.

As the organization grows, it becomes essential to solidify the vision and philosophy of the product. This is the stage where a CTO needs to document the mission, vision, and values that will serve as the backbone of the organization. Engaging in conversations and aligning individual perspectives during company-wide retreats can expedite this process. It's advisable to start with simple systems, such as a clear organizational chart and an evaluation framework, and prioritize regular one-on-one communication to address any issues that arise.

Effective communication skills and the ability to convey intentions and goals in a way that resonates with team members are crucial. Merely establishing systems and policies won't motivate people to act. It's essential to communicate in a way that ensures accurate comprehension. Ultimately, it is the pursuit of what should be created as a product that leads to the happiness of customers and employees alike.

To summarize, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Prioritize memory consolidation: To retain important memories, make an effort to consolidate them during sleep. Give your brain the opportunity to store these memories as engrams, making them more stable and long-term.

2. Preserve collective memories: Contribute to the preservation of historical events and significant moments by supporting cultural artifacts such as books, movies, and museums. By doing so, you ensure that these memories are not lost to time.

3. Evolve as a CTO: Embrace the evolving role of a CTO by focusing not only on technical expertise but also on leadership and a broad perspective. Drive the product validation cycle, engage in user interviews, and ensure effective communication to align the team's vision.

In conclusion, the science of forgetting reminds us that memories are fragile and easily lost without intentional effort. Whether it's our personal experiences or significant historical events, preserving memories requires conscious action. From individual memory consolidation to the cultural preservation of collective memories, we have the power to ensure that our past is not forgotten. Similarly, as CTOs navigate the changing landscape of organizations, embracing leadership and effective communication will enable them to drive success and shape the future.