We recently acquired Sky+ .  As an example of unintended consequences, we are now building up a great archive of Cagney and Lacey repeats.  It turns out this is my wife's favourite programme of all time.  So, we were watching another "classic" last week.  Cagney (not the one married to Harvey) had recently been made sergeant and the Lieutenant asked her to complete the annual appraisal on her colleagues / subordinates.

What followed was a classic list of stereotypical responses to the appraisal process.  Bearing in mind this was recorded in the 80's I had to smile at some of the predicaments Cagney found herself in.

Half of the people immediately started to ingratiate themselves with her.  Victor (muscular guy who always makes a play for Cagney) being the worst example.  It turns out that under the appraisal system, Cagney has to rank the people in order.  This creates a tension.  Initially Lacey is ok about the whole process as she "trusts Cagney to be fair".  This ends badly though as Cagney feels then need to be harder on her friend so that noone suspects her of favouritism.

What is the point of these ramblings?  Well, one it is to show that over a 20 year period the wrong way of doing an appraisal hasn't changed.   Also,  that the human condition - even when dramatised in a US sitcom - hasn't changed a great deal either.

To get appraisal right you have to set the system (by which I mean process rather than online system) right.  If you don't then you set everyone up to fail.

Getting online appraisal systems right is something we work very hard to achieve.  Whether for a 360 degree appraisal or the annual appraisal it is the process that will matter....then the people can be free to "do the right thing".

Right, back to the next Cagney and Lacey!

Brendan