The Gatekeepers Phenomenon
A timeless principle that is still relevant and can be used in your favor if fully understood and acted upon.
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The GateKeeper Phenomenon isn’t a new concept. It is a form of communication. Considered as the process through which information gets filtered for dissemination. This could be publication, broadcasting, the internet, or some other mode of communication.
But, let’s consider this from a different angle. You have met a gateman. They may look like the lowest-ranked officers in an organization. Which they actually are but yield a great deal of influence.
Quite a handful of destinies have depended on them. Some have been successful or truncated by their actions.
I remember when I began my radio journey. I knew no one in the industry but I decided to get in one way or the other.
On a faithful day, I got dressed and made my way to a radio station I had been following for a while in this state. It took a while to identify the exact location.
When I got there, the first obstacle was the gateman. He had a stern look and didn’t seem ready to allow me in.
He asked who I was and what I wanted. At that point, I knew my response was crucial. I didn’t want to sound desperate or one of those wannabes seeking a major break (They get to see them on a regular).
After a quick thought, I said I was here to make inquiries. Satisfied I wasn’t a "wannabe" he asked me to punch a button at the side of the gate.
That button had been there but why did he have to interrogate me when he could have directed me there?
Well, I will never know.
I did what he asked. The person at the other end asked a similar question before the gatekeeper was to let me in. I walked in and carried out my assignment then I left.
As I walked away, the power a gatekeeper yielded was replaying in my head. I have been to a couple of other stations after this. The odds were in my favor before I understood and respected the gatekeepers. Yet, there was this time that it didn’t work. Well, that is one in a hundred.
On the flip side of this, without effective gatekeepers, the gate would be porose. A typical example is what the country is currently bedeviled with at its borders.
There had been reports that the movement of people and goods into the country illegally. This is a result of our poor gatekeeping.
Also, the term gatekeeper can be a metaphor. This is where we would be focusing on. They perform the role of gatekeepers but they guard a figurative territory. They are the top 1% that call the shot in places.
You might have experienced something of this nature. In our local community, nothing happens without certain gatekeepers being aware of them.
Whenever things happen, they are the go-to people. Give them a few days and they will find the solution.
For every territory, some gatekeepers call the shot. For every industry, some people are the gatekeepers.
To receive the blessings in those regions, you need the support and endorsements of these gatekeepers.
Knowing who a gateman is and what they stand for is essential. Without their approval, you can’t gain access to the premises. They are not the CEO. But you need their clearance to access the CEO.
Also, there are many levels of gatekeepers.
A wise man once said you are three people away from your biggest breakthrough. These three people act as gatekeepers.
Sometimes these gatekeepers may be more than three or less, but the concept remains. You need them to push you further.
In the corporate world, this concept is bureaucracy. You may not like it, but it is how life works in this part of the world.
Understanding where people rank shapes how you interact with them. A lot of people have lost opportunities by looking down on these gatekeepers.
If you are a Nigerian, you don’t want to joke with this concept. Keep reading to find out why.
In my short stay on Earth and study of successful people, I have realized to succeed in Nigeria you need two things.
They may be more than two. But these two form the basis for any transformation and sudden rise to the top.
A large number of us, may not like the second thing, but it is what it is. You must remember this concept didn’t start in Nigeria. It is the way life works. Even in Bible days, this was a common practice.
Also, it is important to know that these two factors need some level of work on your part. We can consider them as Internal action and External.
The first part is easy, but the second takes longer to meet. Unless, of course, some people were born with the second.
Get Good at What You Do.
In a world where competition is stiff, what gives you the edge is how good you are. Getting so good that you can’t be ignored. Our world may be experiencing some level of moral decadence. But some people put a premium on merit. If you are a person of faith, you should have come across this passage in scripture.
Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.1
From the above, the stand a higher chance of working with kings if you are a competent worker. Let’s match this with a couple of other scriptures that remind you of the need to be good at what you do.
The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.2
The one who is lazy becomes poor, but the one who works diligently becomes wealthy.3
No matter how much you want, laziness won't help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough. 4
You can’t afford to be good at what you do. Time reveals someone is skillful and a joker.
Have Good Connections.
It is sad to note that a lot of talented people will go to the grave unknown. Not because they weren’t good, but no one knew them enough to recommend them to higher grounds.
Most people focus on getting good at what they are doing, that’s perfect, but the connection is also crucial.
You might be the best, but if no one knows you, it won’t matter. It’s like a beautiful lady in a dark room. Of what importance is that beauty?
Some of us in this part of the world have grown to see “connection” with disdain. Painting it as bad and those who enjoy it, considered corrupt. As a result, they shy away from it.
But, the connection is neither good nor bad. It is an opportunity to have an advantage over the rest.
Let's consider this, would you rather stand outside in the rain? Or have someone of influence give you access to a building even though tons of others are outside?
I will leave you with that thought.
Whatever part of the spectrum you belong it's up to you. To succeed in Nigeria, any part of the world actually, requires some form of connection.
The big opportunities depend on these two factors. If you want to succeed in Nigeria, you need them. As I said, we don't all agree, but it is what it is.
You might be good at what you do but don't have anyone to refer you through certain doors, you will remain in one spot.
Nobody blows in Nigeria without solid connections.
You might get to the top with connections, but if you're not good, your fall will be eminent.
As they say, connection brings you into the room, but your competence keeps you in that room.
A combination of Competent and Connection is the formula for winning in Nigeria. Again, do we all agree? Nay, we don't. But it is what it is.
Make these two prayer points daily if you're in Nigeria. It applies globally, but I'm writing particularly to you.
Father, I receive grace and wisdom to become exceptionally good at what I do that no one can ignore me.
Father, may I find favor in the sight of men and cause them to mention my name for good in places that matter.
In all honesty, if you commit to praying this every day and put in the relevant work daily, you will be amazed at the doors that will open unto you from all sides.
May your name be mentioned for good in places that matter. I pray for exceptional wisdom upon you and all that you commit to doing.
Got questions? Shoot me a mail.
Until I write again, stay well.
jamesIRORO ©️ irorospeaks
Proverbs 22:29 NLT
Proverbs 24:2 NASB 1977
Proverbs 10:4 NET Bible
Proverbs 13:4 CEV