What is watchman syndrome and how to communicate with “impossible” people?

Did a security guard who knew you send you home to get a pass you forgot? Did the doorman make a biased questioning again? Does a minor officer have to re-file all documents due to a typo? Every person has encountered bureaucrats at some point, but the reasons for their behavior are not entirely clear to everyone. We explain what watchman syndrome is and how to communicate with “impossible” people.

How to understand guard syndrome?

Watchman syndrome Call the phenomenon when a person with minimal power tries to demonstrate this at any opportunity. It is worth saying that this is not a disease or a psychological term, but a behavioral pattern. There are such people in every country. There are also different professions: librarian, housing and communal services worker, assistant clerk, waiter, security guard, doorman, secretary, cloakroom attendant, cleaner, assistant researcher.

There are many examples of heroes suffering from watchman syndrome in Soviet films. For example, in “Carnival Night”, where Seraphim Ogurtsov boycotts the team idea and decides to throw a boring, exemplary New Year’s ball to please his superiors. The interesting thing is that he was not the director of the House of Culture, but only the deputy director.

In the comedy “The Girl Without an Address” the characters were offended by the obnoxious building manager Semyon Petrovich. In the series “Eighties” the doorman in the hostel often scolded the residents.

In the Harry Potter film series, this person is Argus Filch, the Hogwarts headmaster’s right-hand man in maintaining cleanliness and order at the school. As a caregiver, she knows exactly where all the brooms, brushes and mops are. He often pesters the heroes with lessons on discipline, but suffers in his heart that he has never been able to master magic.

Symptoms of a person with watchman syndrome:

• speaking roughly
• He looks arrogant
• Simulates vigorous activity
• Every move is a success
• He attaches importance to reporting rather than efficiency.
• Shy when bosses show up

It is important to clarify that a person’s refusal to help you is due to insufficient reasons. For example, a pharmacist who refuses to sell medicine without a prescription may act on legal grounds, while a salesperson who is scolded may act more meticulously. It all depends on the situation. The main difference between the “Watchmen” is that their goal is to flatter their pride and show who is in charge. For example, a receptionist or receptionist may belittle poor students or, on the contrary, demonstrate his authority to well-dressed visitors. It is enough to remember the endless queues at the doctor’s office, drinking tea and talking calmly during working hours.

Why do bureaucrats behave this way?

A person who encounters such behavior feels like he is in the bureaucratic hell described in Franz Kafka’s books. Feelings of panic, anger, confusion and powerlessness over something trivial. It seems that such people deliberately want to poison the lives of others. In general, this is true, but there is a nuance. Deep down these people are not as insurmountable as they seem. In fact, people with guard syndrome feel vulnerable and therefore use hostility as a shield. They suffer from their low status, so they behave in a way that is at least somewhat visible.

How to communicate with impossible people?

In fact, the “guards” have little power, so it is worth remembering a few rules when dealing with them. In order not to repeat the documentation a thousand times, present the situation as if it arose due to a violation of a rule adopted by the organization. You will have to resort to manipulation and offer the bureaucrat a choice, limiting it in time, that is, here and now. It’s important to turn the conversation around to make it clear that the only way out of this situation is to do what you say.

You need to speak forcefully, defiantly, authoritatively, but also quickly so that he does not have time to think. Even if your question is urgent, do not show your concern. It is better to sound threatening than to sound cowardly. If that doesn’t work, try laughing at his stupidity and “honesty”. This will help. Find the flaw in the system in advance. Tell him it’s in our best interest to solve this problem without his superiors knowing. So you are in the same boat, you have nothing to lose, so you will put all the blame on the “watchman” if he doesn’t do everything on time. Don’t confront that person, show them that you have no choice but to expose them but that you really don’t want to.

Another way is to sincerely show the guard his importance. For example, thank a noisy cleaning lady for her cleaning, or tell a representative that she was recommended to you as a top expert in her field. Maybe this will break the ice between you and he will be more willing to respond to your request.

We are sure you will be successful!