In some recent comments on a performance appraisal post that I wrote, a strong anti-managerialism line came back from a particular commentator.  Quoting Skinner and others, the commentary showed some frustration and anger with HR and managers.

I am sure many of us have experienced bad management practice and all systems and processes can be manipulated.  I have a simple belief around this topic.  If the values of the organisation or a manager are wrong then that is what needs to be dealt with first.  Once that is achieved, then good processes and systems have an opportunity to take hold.

It is too easy to group all management as bad, all organisations as corrupt.  Rarely do I meet people with bad intentions.  Much more often I find people implementing a process that is likely to lead to unintended poor consequences through a lack of knowledge, experience, or time. 

Bowland Solutions was created because of a set of beliefs and values.  I do believe that organisations who have good intentions listen to advice, consider how they can best implement that advice in their organisation and create better processes than they otherwise would have done.  I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure working with the HR and Senior Managers that we have worked with.

360 feedback and performance reviews can be done badly.  But, great feedback does help people to make great choices.   Whether you have a current project or just want to discuss this, I would be delighted to receive your comments through this blog or email me on brendan@bowlandsolutions.com.

Brendan