Garrison Syndrome emerges as a unique challenge in organizational leadership, where leaders, often unknowingly, engage in creating counterproductive «busy work» for their teams. This phenomenon typically arises in environments lacking a clear mission or purpose, or in situations where leaders might be grappling with a sense of boredom or directionlessness. The term finds its roots in military terminology; a «garrison» refers to a permanent military installation that serves as a home base for troops. In these settings, leaders can experience a form of «cabin fever,» focusing more on maintaining the unit than on pursuing a meaningful mission. This experience has been extrapolated to describe similar situations in various organizational contexts.

Leaders afflicted with Garrison Syndrome tend to initiate tasks or projects that are misaligned with the organization’s broader goals or are trivial in nature. This misdirection can significantly impact team morale, undercutting motivation and productivity, and fostering a sense of frustration and disengagement among team members. Key symptoms of Garrison Syndrome in leadership include an excessive emphasis on control, a misalignment with the organization’s objectives, and a tendency to micromanage.

It’s important to recognize that leaders exhibiting Garrison Syndrome are not inherently ineffective or intentionally detrimental to their organization. In many cases, these behaviors stem from a struggle to find engaging and meaningful activities for their team. Therefore, addressing Garrison Syndrome involves providing support and guidance to these leaders, helping them redirect their focus and channel their team’s energy into more productive and fulfilling endeavors.

The concept of Garrison Syndrome offers valuable insights into the challenges of leadership, especially in environments where the purpose and direction are not clearly defined. By understanding and addressing this syndrome, organizations can foster a more dynamic, focused, and engaged leadership style, ensuring that teams are working towards meaningful objectives and maintaining high morale.