The Bureaucratic Gridlock

This scenario may be experienced by both parents and teachers. Have you ever noticed that when certain things are deemed "important" to an individual or group procedures are completed with the efficiency of a new and well-oiled machine? However, when certain things are deemed "not important" by the individual or group red-tape seems to abound. Suddenly, YOU need to complete procedures never before required, and YOU need to contact certain people to get the ball rolling. But then when you think about it, that ONE procedure that individual or group needs to complete that is pertinent to the entire process is somehow hampered at each attempt. In essence, nothing gets done and you're left exhausted and frustrated, but the individual or group who serves as the liasion seems to be taking all of the inconveniences and disappointments in stride. That's bureaucratic gridlock...designed to cause frustration and exhaustion.

Sometimes the purpose or intention of the individual or group is to maintain a sense of authority and control over someone who is professionally threatening to the individual or group, but sometimes the motivation for such practices is envy or resentment. The bottom line is that such imposed bureaucratic gridlock is unprofessional and is detrimental in the long-term. The perpetrator will cause the victim of such tactics to lose confidence in them professionally. The character traits that allow the perpetrator to justify that such tactics are acceptable will cause the victim to see them as not to be trusted - personally or professionally. The same traits also illuminate the fact that the perpetrator is not so concerned about doing their job well and being an asset to the department, school or institute they represent, but how they can manipulate others for their personal entertainment or as a way to be vindictive. Also individuals not directly involved may observe this behavior and take mental notes for future encounters and soon the perpetrator has established a professional reputation of bureaucratic gridlock, which most parents and teachers detest.

The bottom line is that the total elimination of such tactics and perpetrators may never occur within the school system. The culture of the school determines the frequency and level of such tactics. Therefore, once bureaucratic gridlock imposers are identified, you should educate yourself of established procedures and other resources for such circumstances who are truly professional and dedicated to doing their job well. In general, one should identify a network of true professionals within the school building from various departments and offices whom you can contact when concerns or circumstances arise.