It has been very noticeable as we have entered a recession that there has been a change of language from 'developing' and 'investing' toward 'cost reduction' and 'saving'. 

It affects Bowland Solutions in how we present ourselves on our website, in our marketing materials and in a lot of our presentations.  Often we have to capture interest in a split second and so we have to capture the current mood but I do believe that the phrases are not mutually exclusive and we need to take care.

One of the great benefits of putting 360 degree appraisal or performance review on-line is that it reduces an administrative burden.  The assumption being of course that you were going to enter the exercise anyway.  The annual performance review is pretty much set in stone for most organisations, and so the cost-saving angle is obvious.  360 feedback is less set in stone.  My argument is that through a sensible investment in a cost-effective solution a good return on investment is achievable.

Let's look at 360 feedback.  Costs are going to range from £10 per respondent to £125 per respondent depending on scale.  Even allowing for some set-up costs it is hard to believe that a manager with heightened self-awareness and understanding of the impact of their behaviours will not improve their output by this scale of investment.  There is a strong business case for developing managers through these tools.

During tight financial times it is essential that we use cost-effective measures and tools to support people in their development.  Not getting feedback when times are tough is not something most managers would welcome and we need to ensure we make a strong business case for their development.


Brendan