Jedi Mind Tricks: Due to cutbacks, the old "good cop, bad cop" tactic is now performed by one person

Stop me if you've heard this before on a date:

"You're really attractive, have a great personality, and I've enjoyed spending time with you. I'm sure you'll make someone a wonderful husband/wife."

But......

Yes, that's the old "good cop, bad cop" dating version. You build the person up before dumping them to soften the blow, sort of like offering a condemned prisoner anything for a last meal before throwing the switch on the electric chair and frying said prisoner.

Back in the day the newsroom version of this was a skill set employed by the News Director and either his Assistant or the Executive Producer. Whoever was playing the good cop would build you up, usually just before a contract negotiation, and then the other would drop the hammer. Or, the bad cop character would lay the groundwork for a lousy offer by repeatedly focusing on your shortcomings, so when the good cop came by with an offer you were glad to sign.

Alas, lots of stations have done away with some of these positions, so the ND gets to play a dual role, and we're not talkin' Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday.

Depending on the News Director, you can get one of two scripts. The ND can lead off with the good cop, but the end result will be an offer you're not too pleased with. Or he can start with the bad cop, which results in a lousy offer that you'll be thrilled to accept.


Scenario Number One: "You've done some really great work here the past few years, and you're a valuable member of the team. I know I can always count on you to go the extra mile, you're a positive influence on the newsroom and I'd really like you to stay. We've got some long term plans for you if you can make a commitment."

(At this point you're pumped, smiling, sitting up straight, and waiting for the offer that will change your lifestyle. You're already picking out the color for your new car. Now stand by for the "but" part of this script.)

"But.... as you know the economy is not great and we've had to tighten our belt. (ND shifts in chair as he realizes he's sitting on the keys to his Mercedes.) I really wish I could offer you a lot more since you are soooooo valuable to the newsroom. Anyway, I hope you'll consider this offer as it's the absolute best we can do." (ND has fingers crossed behind his back, and the words "go to confession" are written on his desk calendar for Saturday.)

At this point the ND hands you a contract which is as convoluted as the health care bill. You quickly scan it for numbers and see that the proposed increase in pay will allow you to buy the ramen noodles with the little shrimp instead of the plain ones.


Scenario Number Two: "Well, I know this job has been a struggle for you and I appreciate the effort. I was hoping you would have made more progress at this point, and every time you seem to be taking your work to the next level you do something that makes me wonder if your head's in the game. It's basically two steps forward, two steps back with you."

At this point you're beginning to break out in a cold sweat. Uh-oh, I'd better get more resume tapes out. When is my last day here? How long can I pay my rent before I have to pack up and move into Mom's basement? And just when you've heard enough from the bad cop to make you think you're outta here, the good cop gallops in on a white horse and hands you a contract. Surprise!

"But, I still believe in your potential and would like to see you fulfill that potential. So we've decided to offer you an extension. Of course, I'll expect you to work harder to avoid all those little things that have been setting you back."

You exhale your tension as you flip through the contract, searching for those numbers. There they are! A three year deal with no outs! And a salary increase that will allow you to buy an extra soda each week from the break room vending machine! Sweet! And a few minutes ago you thought you were out the door. Whew, what a relief! Gimme a pen, where do I sign?


You must be aware that in any contract negotiation, mind games will be played. Also keep in mind that the first offer is almost always the lowest one because part of a News Director's job is staying under budget. There's almost always room for polite negotiation, and I must emphasize the word polite. Play hardball and take a firm tone, and the bad cop could escort you out the door.