[pallandt]

I think the messy desks in the article are exhibits of said persons ability to focus, despite the metaphorical chaos around them.

The desks might simply be a consequence of the huge volume of work these persons got done through the day and are a symbol of resilience at most, but not the cause of their success.

I have to confess I would love it if it were the other way around: only having to mess up my desk, and voila, extreme focus and productivity engaged! :)

Interesting analysis attempt though, I'll upvote this despite the wrong conclusion(s), I find myself reading almost anything from medium just because of the pleasant typography.