The performance appraisal meeting is, by far, the most dreaded part of the performance appraisal process. In order to handle the performance appraisal like a rock star, you must be doing the right things year round. The foundation for an effective performance appraisal meeting is built one stone at a time, throughout the course of the performance period. During performance planning, individual performance goals and measures are agreed upon. This process creates a mutually acceptable yardstick for evaluating performance effectiveness. Through the monitoring of performance and periodic performance update sessions, the employee acquires a clear understanding of interim performance. Thus, the path has been paved for reduced subjectivity and stress in the performance appraisal meeting.