[aigel]

Remember that your manager usually sits in a performance review meeting when you are graded against all your peers, including those in other departments. The goal is to get the manager to pull for you and to put you in the top category. This means he will have to stick his neck out for you and explain why you are better than all the other guys. If they know you expect a (justified) raise, they will do better at this than if they haven't heard from you all year regarding your expectations on compensation.

G