Cronos Syndrome: what it is and how it affects companies

In the business and organizational world, power is normally gained as you rise through the ranks, so when some people reach a position important, they try to cling to it with all their might, being able to do it in an unhealthy way, being willing to do anything to stay in it. can.

Cronos syndrome is characterized by the tendency of a boss or supervisor, within a company, institution or organization of any kind, 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 ​​expertise. 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 the people who are most predisposed to suffer from it and, finally, we will give some guidelines for prevention.

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What is Cronos syndrome?

According to the mythology of ancient Greece, Cronos or Crono was the leader of the first generation of Titans (powerful gods), descendants of Uranus (Heaven) and Gea (Earth). Mythology tells that Cronos overthrew his father in order to seize the throne, so his father cursed him wishing that the same thing happen to his children. Therefore, Cronos decided to devour all his descendants at birth. However, the mother of his children, Rhea, managed to save one of his children, Zeus, from being devoured by Cronos; who years later fulfilled the curse that his grandfather Uranus had cast on Cronos.

Although Cronos syndrome is not currently a recognized psychopathology or mental disorder, since it is a type of syndrome that belongs rather to the business field than to the clinical field, it is convenient to keep it in mind since it has been sounding more and more strongly over the last years. Furthermore, this syndrome refers to a problem related to a psychological phenomenon although it is not strictly speaking a mental health disorder.

Well, Cronos syndrome is a type of management disease that is characterized by the tendency of a boss or supervisor, within a company, institution or organization of any kind, to stagnate their staff or people under their charge because of their fear of being replaced or displaced by any 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 suffered by some people who occupy a position with a certain power within a company or organization to be replaced or displaced, so they try to prevent their employees from developing within the company, thus limiting their chances of promotion and promotion.

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The most common symptoms of Cronos syndrome

Next we will see the most common symptoms that people with Cronos syndrome usually present (bearing in mind that these people usually have an important position with a lot of power within a company, institution or organization of the sector):

• High levels of egocentrism.
• Development of pathological social relationships with their subordinates.
• Mistrust of co-workers; especially in subordinates.
• Reluctance to delegate their work or tasks to other colleagues.
• Aggressive behavior towards other colleagues; especially with people who are in their charge.
• High levels of hostility towards any teammate they consider a potential rival.
• High demand with some co-workers; especially with subordinates or people who are in charge.
• Tendency to disdain novelties.
• Opposition to changes or unforeseen events.

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Profile of people who are more predisposed to 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 take full 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 might do it better.

On the other hand, they are people who they firmly obey their superiors, although they do not take criticism or even constructive comments badly and also do not allow employees who are under their charge make any objection or suggestion in order to improve something related to the tasks of the work team within the business.

These people have a habit of continually reminding those under their command who is boss, thus extolling their position. Besides, they usually attribute to themselves exclusively the achievements obtained by the entire work team and they never usually congratulate his subordinates when they have done a good job.

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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 also the most characteristic profile of these people we are going to talk about how they influence the business world, and that is that this syndrome could be presented in any institution, organization or company, regardless of its size and its size and the sector in which it offers its services is irrelevant. No relationship has 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 people who normally develop Cronos syndrome are those who usually have low academic training or less than required as the years progress to be adapted, lack of adaptation to changes, lack of knowledge, skills or competencies for their position, so it will be more likely that fear that one of his subordinates could remove him from the position, since they are usually more prepared academically and with skills that may be more in line with his position. Market Stall.

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How to prevent Cronos syndrome?

When it comes to preventing Cronos syndrome, one of the best tips to follow is to try not to overdo it in terms of competitiveness within the company, trying to keep it under reasonable limits, which do not become harmful or harmful. Also, it is important ensure that there is direct collaboration between new employees and managers who have been with the company for more years, also establishing rules and a clear policy on possible promotions within the company.

Another very useful advice to prevent Cronos syndrome by employees and managers is to encourage recycling and also training programs so that their workers can renew their knowledge to adapt to changes and the possible new demands that they have within the company, based on the demands of the sector as the years go by. years.

On the other hand, it would be advisable to help prevent Cronos syndrome to be done a good design of work itineraries for the employees who stand out the most within the company and carry out long-term succession planning, so that all workers know the way forward and what will happen in the medium and even long-term future, so that workers are not distressed by the uncertainty.

In addition, it is important to promote communication in order to improve interpersonal relationships between employees, especially between senior managers and the people who are under them. charge, hold integration meetings between different areas of the company where everyone can contribute ideas, thus involving all members of a team of worked; always in accordance with the functions and field of work of each one.

Another very important option is the development of an occupational re-risk prevention plan within the company in order to detect possible cases of depression, anxiety, stress or any other type of discomfort suffered by the workers.