It’s not. Confabulation is when the brain unconsciously fills memory gaps with fabricated or misinterpreted information – without any intent to deceive.
Unlike deliberate lying, this is your mind trying to create coherence.
Yes, it’s associated with neurological conditions like brain injury or dementia. But I’m seeing a version of it emerge in coaching conversations with senior leaders – driven not by pathology, but by fear and sustained stress.
When your environment is a conveyor belt of crises, sharp changes of direction, and fire-fighting – and you’re responsible for making sense of it all, your brain prioritises meaning over precision.
Coherence over accuracy.
Narrative over nuance.
I’ve done it myself. Many times. It’s a coping mechanism – a way to reduce cognitive load when the world feels overwhelming.
The risk?
- Events get unintentionally exaggerated
- People are remembered through distorted lenses
- Judgements drift from facts
- Integrity and trust can erode – slowly, subtly
And often, you don’t even realise it’s happening.
So, here’s my real question:
Who is your thinking partner at work?
Who can hold up the mirror and say,
“Is that actually what happened?”
“Is that the full picture?”
“Are we certain about that interpretation?”
If the answer is “no one,” it may be time to create that space deliberately.
An executive coach won’t give you answers.
They’ll give you perspective, challenge your narrative, and help you to think about how you choose to respond when under pressure.
If this resonates, drop me a message or email rupert@strongerhumans.com
for a complimentary 30-minute conversation.
Afterall clarity isn’t a luxury. It’s a leadership discipline.
