Cronos Syndrome: What It Is And How It Affects Companies
In the business and organizational world, power is normally obtained as one rises in position, so when some people reach an important position they try to cling to it with all their strength, and may do so in an unhealthy way, being willing to hold on to it with all their might. to do anything to stay in power.
Cronos syndrome is characterized by the tendency of a boss or supervisor, within a company, institution or organization of any type, to stagnate his staff because of his fear of being replaced or displaced by one of them, so that He will try at all costs to prevent the growth of subordinates who work within his area of influence.
In this article we will see what Cronos syndrome consists of what are the most common symptoms of those who suffer from this syndrome, what is the most characteristic profile of people who have a greater predisposition to suffer from it and, finally, we will give some prevention guidelines.
According to the mythology of ancient Greece, Cronus or Cronus was the leader of the first generation of Titans (powerful gods), descendants of Uranus (Sky) and Gaia (Earth). Mythology says that Cronus overthrew his father in order to take the throne , so his father cursed him, wishing that the same thing would happen to his children. Therefore, Cronus decided to devour all of his descendants at birth. However, the mother of his children, Rhea, managed to save one of his children, Zeus, from being devoured by Cronus; who years later fulfilled the curse that his grandfather Uranus had placed on Cronus.
Although Cronos syndrome is not currently a recognized psychopathology or mental disorder, since it is a type of syndrome that belongs more to the business field than to the clinical field, it is advisable to keep it in mind since it has been increasingly sounded with greater strength over recent years. Furthermore, said syndrome refers to a problem related to a psychological phenomenon although it is not a mental health disorder, strictly speaking
Well, Cronos syndrome is a type of managerial disease that is characterized by the tendency of a boss or supervisor, within a company, institution or organization of any type, to stagnate his staff or people under his charge to because of his fear of being replaced or displaced by one of them, so that he will try at all costs to prevent the growth of subordinates who work within his area of influence.
In other words, this syndrome is related to that excessive and pathological fear that some people who occupy a position with certain power within a company or organization suffer from being replaced or displaced, so they try to prevent their employees from developing within the company, thus limiting their possibilities for promotion and promotion.
The most common symptoms of Cronos syndrome
Next we will see the most common symptoms that people who suffer from Cronos syndrome usually present (taking into account that these people usually have an important position and with a lot of power within a company, institution or organization in any sector):
Profile of people who have a greater predisposition to suffer from Cronos syndrome
There is an average profile of people who have a greater tendency to suffer from Cronos syndrome.
One of the characteristics of those people with a greater predisposition to develop this psychological phenomenon is that They do not usually show their emotions to others, much less when they are negative for fear of appearing vulnerable ; When they show their emotions it is usually only when they have achieved some achievement or triumph.
Other characteristics of these people is that they have a tendency to assume all responsibility for their department or area within the company or organization, normally performing several tasks simultaneously. They do not delegate any task to others, especially if it is an important task, for fear that someone else could do it better.
On the other hand, they are people who They firmly obey their superiors although criticism or even constructive comments do not fit well and they also do not allow the employees who are under their charge to make any objection or suggestion in order to improve something regarding the tasks of the work team within the company.
These people have the habit of continually reminding the people under their command who is the boss, thus exalting their position. Besides, They usually attribute to themselves exclusively the achievements obtained by the entire work team and they never usually congratulate their subordinates when they have done a good job.
Cronos syndrome in the business world
Now that we have seen what Cronos syndrome consists of, what are the most common symptoms of people who suffer from it, as well as the most characteristic profile of these people, we are going to talk about how they influence the business world, and it is that this syndrome could be presented in any institution, organization or company , whatever its size and its size and the sector in which it offers its services being irrelevant. Nor has a relationship been found between the development of this syndrome and the condition of that person, their age and/or their sex.
On the other hand, it has been observed that the people who normally develop Cronos syndrome are those who tend to have low academic training or less than that required as the years progress to be adapted, lack of adaptation to changes, lack of knowledge , skills or competencies for your position, so you will be more likely to fear that one of your subordinates could take your position from you, since normally they are more academically prepared and with skills that are possibly better suited to your position.
Related article: “12 signs that indicate you are in a toxic work environment”
When it comes to preventing Cronos syndrome, one of the best tips to follow is to try not to exceed competitiveness within the company, trying to keep it under reasonable limits that do not become harmful or detrimental. Furthermore, it is important Ensure that there is direct collaboration between new employees and managers who have been in the company for more years also establishing rules and a clear policy on possible promotions within the company.
Another very useful tip for preventing Cronos syndrome by employees and managers is to encourage professional retraining and also training programs so that their workers renew their knowledge to adapt to the changes and possible new demands that may arise. having within the company, based on the demands of the sector as the years go by.
On the other hand, it would be advisable to help prevent Cronos syndrome to do a good design of work itineraries for the employees who stand out the most within the company and do long-term succession planning, so that all workers know the path to follow and what will happen in the medium and even long-term future. , so that workers do not become distressed due to uncertainty.
In addition, it is important to promote communication in order to improve interpersonal relationships between employees, especially between senior managers and the people under their charge, carry out integration meetings between different areas of the company where everyone can contribute ideas. thus involving all members of a work team; always in accordance with the functions and field of work of each one.
Another very important option is the development of a plan to prevent occupational risks within the company in order to detect possible cases of depression, anxiety, stress or any other type of discomfort suffered by workers.
