[August 28, 2018] There’s a recent book published by Random House LLC., called The Gatekeepers (2017) by Chris Whipple. The author focuses on the role of the U.S. White House Chiefs of Staffs’ position and documents how those who have occupied this staff title have exercised great power in deciding the agenda for America.
Having been in the U.S. Army a long time, I too was a Chief of Staff (at a lower level). Like many other similar jobs, those who occupy it exert great power over senior leaders. We find that these gatekeepers control who sees the “boss,” what items come before the senior leader for a decision, and controls resources, information flow, as well as influence.
Let’s not, however, believe that such powerful staff positions are the only place where gatekeepers are found and can control the lives of others. I have found gatekeepers in all organizations (large and small). They are often found in low-ranking positions. Who hasn’t experienced a clerk who would not let you have a pencil or notepad?
When I received my marriage license in Brooklyn, New York, the clerk ask a number of stupid questions to slow down the process with which to obtain the license. I think it was only to show she could do as she wished and screw everybody. My fiancé and I had filled out my application on-line and only had to show a photo ID; yet, we were barraged with questions that were already answered.
Gatekeepers also reach beyond formal organizations. They could be a friend who doesn’t allow you to enter their home to meet their parents or they could be a daughter-in-law who doesn’t let grandparents see their grandchild. My point is that there can be both good and bad gatekeepers. And, the bad gatekeepers are what give them all a bad reputation.
Eric Ries has written a book about gatekeepers, The Lean Startup (2011) and he has a different twist on their usefulness. His idea is to make them a source of power and speed.1 His thinking is to make organizations, especially start-up businesses, more nimble and gain a winning momentum. Empowering gatekeepers is his solution.
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I hate gatekeepers too. Just too many bad experiences with them my entire life.
The Eric Ries book you note says a lot about what gatekeepers should really be like. They are there to ‘increase’ the efficiency of an organization, not to play a part in the decision making. While the examples mentioned in the comments section are of bad gatekeepers, we should bear in mind that this is not their intent. Thus, a good leader should oversee their work and ensure they do as originally planned.
Thanks Greg. Good point.
Well said, Greg. Thanks.
This is the main point of Gen. Satterfield’s article and I much appreciate you expounding on it. Thanks.
I agree with Jerome that we should just go around them and show that they are powerless. This drives them nuts. I just laugh to myself how stupid people can be given any amount of power to determine what’s happening in other people’s lives.
Good article today, Gen. Satterfield.
Thanks.
Ah yes, my favorite subject to hate and to ignore. Go around gatekeepers and make their lives harder. Also let them know you are doing it so they sweat what will happen to them. The main thing is to show they have no power over you.
Government agencies dealing with the public is an example of managers (not leaders) overseeing an administrative function. They are told that the employee has all the rights and everyone else is there to serve them. No surprise they have an attitude. I’ve really seen it in older women. Why?
Go to any large city and try to deal with the city government in any capacity. Big cities have people whose sole job is just to deal with the bureaucracy and the idiots that are employed there.
You are right Anita. Thanks. I too cannot answer the question. I, like you and others here, are too far removed from this type of behavior.
Too many gatekeepers for my liking. Thanks ANita.
I too personally hate having to deal with these folks. Has the power (little bit of it) gone to their heads? Maybe some psychologist can enlighten us on the phenomenon.
Large, complex organizations are full of them. Especially you will find gatekeepers in govt orgs that deal with the public. Customer service is an anathema.
They’re everywhere.
They’re everywhere.
Help us from the power of the ‘gatekeeper.’
Personally, I hate the low level gatekeeper who uses their little power to make my life difficult.
Funny and sad story about the clerk who took her time giving you your marriage license. State DMVs also have a reputation for being horrific at customer service. They developed an attitude that they had the power and everyone else had better get in line and keep quiet. No wonder socialist nations fail; they are built on the concept of gatekeepers reign supreme.
Well said, Max. Another good comment and to the point.
I agree with you Max.
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I too agree. Thanks, Max.
Well written on another overlooked subject of leaders.