[marysc]

What is the benefit or value of a performance review or appraisal to you--beyond the potential for receiving a pay increase?

[kdyer]

If done properly, a performance appraisal or review can be worth a great deal of value to you -- and not just in the form of a raise. Performance appraisals allow you to talk face to face with your boss/manager(s) about how you bring value to the workplace. Employees bring value through their technical skills as well as their compentencies in areas of time management, relationship building, etc. By showcasing how you excel in both areas - (the "what's" you do and "how" you do them) gives your boss/manager time to reflect on you and take stock of your many accomplishments. Your boss may not know about or remember some of the terrfic things you've done through the year. The review gives you both time to talk through what has worked well in the past year - as well as any challenges you might have encountered. If you have quarterly reviews, you are both able to better keep track of the goals/objectives for the year and stay on target. This can also be a time where you talk about development opportunities you would like to pursue--seminars, additional schooling, etc. When I have reviews now, I turn in the information I am going to talk about with my boss at least 1 day ahead - and keep a copy for myself. It gives him an opportunity to review the information ahead of time - and makes me better prepared. As you can see, I believe the performance review/appraisal can bring a lot of value to a person in many ways --most importantly - better understanding and communication between all parties involved.