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People with minimal power often attempt to demonstrate it at every opportunity. A security guard in an office demands that you retrieve a forgotten pass, a concierge interrogates every person who enters the building, and a low-level official discovers a mistake in a document and requires a visitor to reschedule an appointment. This behavior exemplifies the gatekeeper syndrome, which manifests itself in this manner. In our upcoming psychology guide, we will discuss this syndrome in detail.
What is Gatekeeper Syndrome?
A person with little power desires to demonstrate their significance, which is known as the gatekeeper syndrome. The “gatekeeper” may impose unnecessary rules and restrictions, nitpick about minor mistakes and violations, display excessive vigilance, communicate rudely and arrogantly, or even disregard visitors.
This is not a disease or mental disorder, but rather a behavioral pattern that a person follows in certain circumstances. The term “syndrome of a gatekeeper” is not scientific and is only a folk term used in the Russian language.
This syndrome is observed in many countries, as depicted in works of mass culture. For example, the character of Argus Filch in the Harry Potter books and movies is a classic example of someone with the gatekeeper syndrome. As the failed wizard and caretaker at Hogwarts, he is overly zealous in maintaining order at the school and delights in punishing offending students.
The gatekeeper syndrome can be recognized by such phrases as:
- “There is an error in your document. You need to redo it and come back in a week.”
- “Everyone needs something urgently, but what about me? Do I need to break myself in half?”
- “Can’t you wait for five minutes? Don’t you see that I already have a lot of work to do?”
- “I am unaware of your employment status here, and it is not my obligation to recall you.”
- “These are your problems, not mine.
Why does it occur?
Dissatisfaction with one’s situation
Relative deprivation, which is the belief that a person is receiving less respect, money, or other valuable resources than they deserve, is a potential cause of such behavior. An employee may believe that they deserve more because of their higher education or longer work hours, for instance. Research indicates that individuals experiencing relative deprivation become more aggressive and less likely to act in the interests of others.
American sociologist Samuel Stouffer first described relative deprivation in the mid-20th century. He examined the factors that influenced the fighting spirit of US soldiers and found that soldiers with higher education and those serving in aviation were the most dissatisfied with their position, believing that they should be promoted faster.
Although they were not actually experiencing oppression, inflated expectations resulted in dissatisfaction. In other branches of the military, promotion through service was much slower. However, the soldiers’ exaggerated expectations led to feelings of relative deprivation.
Subsequent research revealed that relative deprivation can arise not only from unrealistic expectations, but also from comparing one’s social status, position, and income with others. Individuals may compare themselves not only to those in their immediate surroundings but also to their past selves. If their social status was previously higher, this can also result in relative deprivation.
Desire to protect oneself
Aggression and hostility are used not only for attacking but also for defending. When employees in lower positions face frequent instances of arrogance and rudeness from visitors or customers, they may resort to aggressive behavior as a way of preemptively striking back.
Sense of power
Scientists from the University of California conducted an experiment that showed how sometimes people’s belief in their own significance and importance can hinder their ability to be tolerant of other people’s mistakes and failures, such as forgetting a pass or making a typo in a document. The experiment involved 363 volunteers who were asked to take a test that measured their sense of power. They were then asked how to handle an employee who missed a deadline due to being overloaded with other tasks. Those participants who had a strong sense of power advised that the employee be deprived of a bonus and not be given any consideration for their excuses.
Why is it dangerous?
“Gatekeepers” hold relatively little power, and their actions often result in wasted time and negative emotions. Even minor instances of rudeness can have detrimental effects on productivity, creativity, and willingness to assist others.
Furthermore, interactions with gatekeepers can trigger a cycle of impoliteness. Individuals who have experienced or witnessed rudeness are more likely to act impolitely towards others. These negative occurrences can also distract individuals from work tasks and creative endeavors, impeding their ability to focus on the task at hand.
What can be done?
Scientists from Ohio University found in their research that even imaginary power can make a person less receptive to beliefs and arguments, making it quite rare to reach an agreement with a “gatekeeper” and explain to them why their behavior is wrong.
If the situation with the “gatekeeper” becomes too confrontational, it is better to seek the help of a higher-ranking employee. However, in some cases, it is possible to resolve the situation independently.
Allow the “gatekeeper” to feel important and necessary
According to scientists, making a person feel valued can reduce their level of aggression. Demonstrating respect towards a “gatekeeper” and their work might encourage them to be more cooperative. For instance, thanking them for catching an error in the documents and acknowledging their role in helping to complete the bureaucratic process may help to establish a positive interaction.
Use mindfulness techniques
To prevent conflicts with a “gatekeeper,” utilizing basic mindfulness techniques like deep breathing can be beneficial. In her book “Emotional Agility,” psychologist Susan David suggests detaching oneself from negative emotions by verbally labeling and defining them. For instance, stating “This employee is mistaken. It bothers me and amuses me slightly.” This practice can assist in diverting attention away from the confrontation, maintaining composure, and avoiding harboring feelings of anger and irritation that might impact others.
Become a stoic for a while
Regardless of the behavior of the “gatekeeper,” one can prevent them from affecting their mood by adopting the worldview of stoic philosophers. According to them, while we cannot control the events that happen to us, we can determine their significance for ourselves.
We may not be able to change the behavior of the “gatekeeper,” but we can choose not to perceive our encounter with them as something negative and refrain from getting angry – it is entirely within our power. Moreover, according to the Stoics, anger only depletes vital energy. Therefore, it is more worthwhile to pity a person with the “gatekeeper” syndrome.
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