Preparation is the key to success. Your boss needs to do this for more than one person. This means that you can be helpful and set your own objectives. This way, you can ask for things like training, books, a new computer etc. In fact the whole appraisal process should be used as a means to tell your employer that you need more stuff. I know several people who got the courses they requested and then left the firm with revitalised CVs.

At least one of your objectives must be - help my boss achieve his objectives. you can't fail this one without your boss failing his objectives.

Trawl through your e-mail to remind yourself of what you did during the year. Cut 'n' paste is your friend.

When you are done with all of this you need to talk to the HR department about getting a nice new chair for your bad back and a 'daylight' desk lamp for your winter blues.

Some of this is from experience. The rest from Dilbert...

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