Appraisals are a natural forum to discuss learning and development needs with employees and are normally carried out on a one:one basis. The purpose of these discussions is to align business needs to personal needs, and to ensure that the managers have an accurate assessment of the development needs in the organisation.

The benefit of a proper needs analysis ensures that needs are identified which will genuinely benefit the individual and the organisation.

Importantly all managers should be trained in how to carry out fair and
motivational appraisals:

	How to listen
	How to ask the right questions
	How to set fair and relevant goals

It is also worth training the staff on how to be an 'appraisee' so they get the most from the process. More often that not, people end up listing 'wants' that cost the business money, but add no value because there is no business benefit.