We live in a world where everybody is super-busy. This article hypothesizes that when we are overloaded, we resort to our "animal instincts" and that actually come in the way of effective executive functioning. We might be doing less by doing more! Synthesis of the seminal HBR article in 4 pages.

1. Overloaded Circuits: Why smart people underperform
Edward M. Halowell – HBR, Jan 2005
Synthesis by Deepak Jayaraman
Some additional pieces have been added to provide greater context. Not intended for Commercial use. 1

2. Introduction to Attention Deficit Trait (ADT)
What it is
• ADT is a neurological phenomenon caused by brain overload
• It is not a result of a sudden crisis. It creeps up slowly over time as we try running faster and
faster to cope up with the hyperkinetic world
• Most superficial ”time management” techniques fail to address the underlying cause of ADT
Implications
of ADT
• Executive Functioning (EF) takes a hit leading to a decline in decision making quality, planning
and organizing, prioritization of information and ideas, time management and other areas
which require thoughtful response
• High levels of distraction, inner frenzy and impatience
• Lose focus unless (strangely enough) they are subjected to stress (that generates adrenaline)
• Leaders often lose the ability to be sophisticated and nuanced about situations leading to
black and white responses just to get the “monkey off the back” than come up with a
considered response
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) could be caused due to Genetic, Environment or Physical
factors while ADT is largely caused by the environmental factors
• ADD is usually seen as a learning ability in children and also affects 5% of the adults
• People with ADD (largely children) are special because they often have rare talent and gifts,
are creative and original, possess ingenuity and encourage that in others
• They often struggle with structured theory education. At the first available opportunity, they
often move on from the organized world of education
Distinction
between
ADD and ADT
Synthesis by Deepak Jayaraman of “Overloaded circuits: Why smart people underperform”, HBR Jan 2005. Authored by Edward M. Halowell
Some additional pieces might have been added to provide greater context. Not for commercial use.

3. ADT and connect with the brain
3
• Humans have the largest Cortex (associated with higher brain function such as thought and action) in all of nature
• Frontal and Pre-Frontal lobes govern Executive Functioning (EF) – This includes decision making, planning, organizing and
prioritization of information and ideas, time management and other sophisticated and uniquely human managerial tasks
• Below the frontal lobes is the inner part of the brain (Deep Center) that is devoted to topics around survival – Sleep, hunger,
sexual desire, breathing and crude positive and negative emotions are controlled from this area
• In good times, deep center sends messages of excitement, satisfaction and joy that pump up your motivation, help maintain
attention and do not interfere with working memory. But as the frontal cortex gets overloaded, the Deep Center starts
taking over the responsibility for brain functioning
• During panic, the brain panics and it cannot tell the difference between a man-eating tiger and Nth disruption to your work
day. We begin to fear as we feel we cannot cope. This sets off a vicious cycle. The EF effectiveness comes down further
leading to greater panic in the Deep Center leading to a flashing red alert to the brain and to the body (Catch 22 between
the two areas of brain)
• To get more done, the frontal lobes lose sophistication and get into a black and white mode just to process the extra
workload and get through it in as quick a fashion as possible. This leads to a deterioration of Executive Functioning (Strategic
thinking, prioritization, humour etc.)
Synthesis by Deepak Jayaraman of “Overloaded circuits: Why smart people underperform”, HBR Jan 2005. Authored by Edward M. Halowell
Some additional pieces might have been added to provide greater context. Not for commercial use.

4. Suggestions on dealing with ADT
Promote positive
emotions
• Create a positive and fear free environment where the brain is firing at its best
• Good human connection is critical. If you are on your own, try to have a human moment at least every 4-6 hours. Face to face
is ideal but even a phone conversation is better than complete isolation
• Having positive connections reduces fear and promotes brain power
• Employers can also help the case by matching skills and passions to tasks, by creating an energizing work environment and by
providing the requisite support staff so that the executives are not overwhelmed with workload
Take physical care
of your brain
• To quote Tom Rath, take care of Eat, Move, Sleep
• Sleep restfully – Number of hours varies but a good test is the amount of time you need to wake up without an alarm
• Eat thoughtfully – Reduce carbohydrate consumption. Leads to volatility in insulin levels. Focus on complex carbohydrates
found in fruits, whole grains, vegetables etc. Take pill (s) for multivitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids. Moderate alcohol
consumption
• Exercise regularly – Produces an array of chemicals that brain loves (endorphine, serotinin, dopamine etc). Creating moving
opportunities (like short walks) around your work area
• Order your sequence of work so that disorganization does not come in the way of outcomes and reaching your goals
• Have a neat section of the office (not a neat office but a portion that is neat)
• Block off a certain portion of the day for ”Deep work” – suggested by Cal Newport as well
• Hold specific email hours to stay connected without being 24x7. Total blocking also doesn’t help as stress mounts up
• Pay attention to when you are at your best and schedule around it. Ensure you incorporate what energizes you (music, walk
etc)
Organize for ADT
Synthesis by Deepak Jayaraman of “Overloaded circuits: Why smart people underperform”, HBR Jan 2005. Authored by Edward M. Halowell
Some additional pieces might have been added to provide greater context. Not for commercial use.
Protect your
Frontal Lobes
• Slow down, take the time to comprehend what you are listening to, ask questions to digest what is being said…
• Empower an assistant or a colleague to rap you on your knuckles if they see you falling into the ADT trap by giving them the
license
• Try mind-clearing tricks (do a rote task, solve a crossword puzzle, write something unrelated) to ease the brain before you get
back to the frenzy