240 Essential Performance Review Phrases
Performance reviews can be tricky to navigate for both the manager and employee. What you say, and how you say it, impacts a team member’s engagement and morale.
Performance review phrases in Human Resources (HR) serve as a foundational tool designed to facilitate clear, concise, and effective communication between managers and employees regarding job performance. These phrases are crafted to accurately reflect the individual's contributions, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Over the years, I’ve recognized performance appraisals as a chance for mutual constructive feedback. Performance management tools enhance this process, allowing for data-driven, specific feedback. This method clarifies achievements, motivates, and supports professional growth.
Using personalized feedback in reviews is crucial for effective communication and development, making appraisals more beneficial for all.
I’ve broken them down into the following key categories to focus on, with each divided into strengths and weaknesses. Use them as a starting point to get inspiration for your employee evaluation process:
- Creativity
- Communication
- Accountability
- Quality of Work
- Achievement
- Teamwork & Cooperation
- Training & Development
- Management Skills
- Productivity
- Expertise
- Dependability
- Taking Initiative
- Attitude
- Adaptability
- Attendance
- Positivity
- Process Improvement / Iteration
- Planning
- Customer Service
- Professionalism
- Drive & Motivation
- Time Management
Use our compendium (don’t get to use that word often) of performance review example phrases to help you conduct an effective performance appraisal.
Example Phrases about Creative Problem Solving
Strengths
- Displays the ability to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Applies creative thinking with creative solutions to specific tasks.
- Possesses interpersonal skills for solving problems with others.
- Is able to come up with multiple solutions when the opportunity arises.
- Is willing to think up creative ideas for not just their assigned tasks, but helping coworkers with challenges they’re tackling.
- Active participant in team meetings helping others work through problems.
Weaknesses
- Shows hesitation in approaching complex problems with innovative solutions, could benefit from more creative risk-taking.
- Struggles to think outside the box when faced with challenging situations, leading to missed opportunities for innovation.
- Tends to rely on conventional methods rather than exploring new ideas or perspectives, which can limit problem-solving effectiveness.
- Has difficulty adapting to new problem-solving techniques, which can hinder team innovation efforts.
- Needs to develop a more proactive approach in seeking creative solutions to unforeseen challenges.
Example Phrases about Communication Skills
Strengths
- Demonstrates strong communication skills with coworkers, managers, customers, and stakeholders.
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills while working with others.
- Provides constructive feedback to others.
- Can clearly articulate their thought processes in difficult situations.
- Is in constant communication with others regarding timelines and deliverables.
- Is able to deliver feedback to others in a concise manner.
- Can communicate clearly and calmly, even when handling difficult customers.
- Ensures questions and concerns are answered before working on a project.
- Can break down complex topics into simple, digestible explanations.
Weaknesses
- Often misses key details in communication, leading to misunderstandings or incomplete tasks.
- Struggles with effectively expressing ideas clearly and concisely, impacting team alignment.
- Shows reluctance in actively listening to feedback or differing opinions, which can impede collaborative efforts.
- Has difficulty adapting communication style to different audiences, sometimes causing disengagement.
- Needs improvement in non-verbal communication cues, which can sometimes contradict verbal messages.
Example Phrases about Accountability
Strengths
- Takes ownership and pride in their work.
- Takes ownership when something gets off track or mistakes are made.
- Shows a strong understanding of learning from their mistakes.
- Gives credit to coworkers who helped them with a specific task or problem.
- Displays exceptional commitment to ethical standards, ensuring transparency and integrity in all actions
Weaknesses
- Sometimes avoids taking responsibility for mistakes, hindering learning and growth opportunities.
- Has difficulty setting and meeting personal and team deadlines, affecting project timelines.
- Shows reluctance to provide updates on progress, leading to gaps in team communication.
- Can improve on proactively addressing issues before they escalate, ensuring smoother project execution.
- Needs to enhance follow-through on commitments to build trust and dependability within the team.
Example Phrases Related to Quality of Work
Strengths
- Consistently delivers high-quality work in a timely manner.
- Seeks continuous feedback and constructive criticism to improve their job performance.
- Has demonstrated helping out a coworker or team with a problem to help deliver a quality end result.
- Is able to identify their weaknesses in their work and how to address them.
- Pays attention to detail and works hard to improve work quality.
- Develops sound strategies to achieve goals without sacrificing the quality of work.
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Weaknesses
- Work often requires revision due to attention to detail lacking, impacting project timelines.
- Inconsistency in delivering work that meets the established quality standards.
- Struggles with maintaining a high level of precision in tasks, leading to errors.
- Needs improvement in organizing and prioritizing work to enhance overall quality.
- Shows difficulty in applying feedback to improve work quality consistently.
Example Phrases about Achievement
Strengths
- Include specific examples of tasks that said employee has achieved since the last performance review.
- Has met or exceeded set performance goals.
- Motivated by achievement and strives to break records.
- Demonstrates remarkable progress in achieving complex objectives, contributing significantly to team and organizational goals
Weaknesses
- Has shown difficulty in meeting set targets within the designated timelines.
- Occasionally sets goals that are not aligned with team or organizational objectives, leading to misdirected efforts.
- Struggles with maintaining focus on long-term achievements, often getting sidetracked by immediate tasks.
- Needs to develop a more strategic approach to goal-setting and achievement to maximize impact.
- Demonstrates a lack of initiative in seeking out opportunities for personal or professional growth, hindering progress and advancement.
Example Phrases Related to Teamwork and Cooperation
Strengths
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills when working to come up with solutions.
- Is quick to welcome new employees to the org and assist with onboarding.
- Has demonstrated initiative in improving teamwork with their team.
- Can handle difficult conversations with team members and is considerate of the feelings of others.
- Operates cross-functionally and looks to forge strong working relationships across the org.
- Is punctual when attending meetings and respects other’s time.
- Upholds core values and seeks to improve company culture.
- Appreciates the distinct work style of team members and honors their set boundaries.
- Considers the interests of the team and works to help the team succeed.
- Is comfortable sharing ideas, resources, and techniques with team members.
- Regularly receives positive feedback from other team members
Weaknesses
- Shows reluctance in sharing knowledge or resources with team members, hindering collective success.
- Has difficulty accepting and incorporating diverse perspectives, limiting team innovation.
- Struggles with effective collaboration, often working in isolation which affects team cohesion.
- Needs improvement in supporting team decisions, which can impact unity and progress towards shared goals.
- Demonstrates a tendency to dominate team discussions or decision-making processes, overshadowing input from other team members and diminishing collaboration.
Example Phrases about Training and development
Strengths
- Seeks out training in order to achieve greater understanding to help achieve performance goals.
- Actively seeks out new projects and assignments with a view to learning new skills.
- Is able to absorb feedback through training and coaching to improve at their role.
- Helps others through coaching to help them achieve better job performance.
Weaknesses
- Struggles to stay engaged with ongoing professional development opportunities, impacting skill advancement.
- Hesitates to seek out additional training that could enhance job performance and career growth.
- Shows limited interest in applying new skills or knowledge gained from training sessions to daily tasks.
- Has difficulty identifying personal development areas that could benefit from targeted training.
- Rarely takes initiative to mentor or share newly acquired skills with team members, missing opportunities for collective growth.
Example Phrases about Management Skills
Strengths
- Demonstrates a strong level of leadership.
- Has an understanding of what their team is working on and can delegate effectively.
- Gives flexibility to their team in how they want to tackle problems.
- Does not micromanage employees' tasks and provides them the space to do their best work.
- Is quick to help out their team with any issues that arise
- Demonstrates strong communication skills with their team and their own manager(s).
- Helps keep their team engaged in their work.
- Provides constructive feedback and elicit valuable feedback from direct reports.
- Leads by example and takes initiative to lead projects.
- Willing to support juniors and coworkers to get them up to speed.
- Gets in touch with team members to understand a project’s progress and lends their expertise wherever required.
- Fosters team building and encourages learning and development.
- Ensures team members are comfortable asking questions and listens attentively to their queries before responding.
- Sets clear and measurable performance expectations.
- Facilitates open communication between team members and the wider organization.
- Fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.
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Weaknesses
- Challenges in effectively delegating tasks, leading to workload imbalances.
- Struggles with providing clear, constructive feedback to team members.
- Limited ability to motivate and inspire team towards common goals.
- Inconsistency in enforcing policies and procedures, affecting team discipline.
- Difficulty in managing team conflicts constructively, impacting team harmony.
- Shows hesitation in making decisive decisions, delaying project progress.
- Shows reluctance in adopting new management practices that could improve team efficiency.
- Needs improvement in strategic planning, affecting the team's ability to meet long-term objectives.
- Lacks consistency in following up on tasks, leading to issues with task completion and accountability.
Example Phrases about Productivity
Strengths
- Demonstrates strong time management skills.
- Seeks to continuously improve in all areas of their work.
- Is able to complete their assigned tasks on time without sacrificing quality work.
- Is well-organized and formulates plans to use their time efficiently.
- Respects the time of coworkers and their project deadlines.
Weaknesses
- Often misses deadlines, affecting overall project timelines.
- Struggles with prioritizing tasks, leading to inefficiencies in workflow.
- Frequently distracted by non-work-related issues, reducing focus on tasks.
- Limited use of productivity tools or techniques to streamline tasks.
Example Phrases related to Expertise
Strengths
- Helps build out the team’s knowledge base by sharing their expertise.
- Explains subjects and tasks to coworkers in a way that they can easily understand.
- Has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to bring new solutions or a new outlook to prior problems.
- Keeps up to date with industry trends to ensure we’re leveraging the latest knowledge and ideas.
Weaknesses
- Limited understanding of the latest industry trends and practices.
- Struggles to apply theoretical knowledge to practical work scenarios.
- Needs to enhance technical skills relevant to the job role.
- Shows difficulty in grasping complex concepts quickly.
- Lacks initiative in seeking out learning opportunities for professional growth.
Example Phrases about Dependability
Strengths
- Can be trusted to complete tasks in a timely matter along with delivering quality work.
- Has demonstrated consistency with their work output, no matter the task or project.
- Has demonstrated that they are a reliable team member that others can go to and expect quality results from.
- Is always quick to follow up and answer correspondence.
- Is a loyal and valuable part of the team.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally fails to meet deadlines, causing delays in project completion.
- Shows inconsistency in attendance or punctuality.
- Relies heavily on others to complete tasks, instead of taking ownership.
- Demonstrates difficulty in following through on commitments.
- Sometimes overlooks details critical to task completion, leading to errors or rework.
Example Phrases related to Taking Initiative
Strengths
- Can work with minimal supervision.
- Shows initiative to seek out additional work or new tasks to tackle.
- Enthusiastically takes on new challenges outside their comfort zone.
- Has taken an entrepreneurial approach to providing new solutions to problems.
Weaknesses
- Often waits for instructions rather than proactively identifying and addressing issues.
- Shows reluctance to volunteer for new projects or tasks outside of assigned responsibilities.
- Demonstrates hesitancy in proposing innovative ideas or solutions to challenges.
- Needs improvement in seizing opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Lacks initiative in seeking out ways to improve processes or enhance efficiency within the team or organization.
Example Phrases about Attitude
Strengths
- Is willing to take on tasks outside their job description.
- Generally demonstrates a positive attitude towards work.
- Shows willingness to set goals and works hard to accomplish them.
- Approaches confrontation calmly and is willing to accept other’s point of view.
- Bounces back after failure with a positive mindset.
- Maintains a favorable approach to work and builds genuine relationships with team members.
- Doesn’t let difficult situations dampen their work ethic and can work well under pressure.
Weaknesses
- Displays a negative attitude towards assigned tasks or colleagues, impacting team morale.
- Struggles to maintain a positive outlook during challenging situations, affecting team dynamics.
- Shows resistance to feedback or constructive criticism, hindering personal growth.
- Occasionally exhibits a lack of enthusiasm or motivation towards job responsibilities.
- Needs improvement in demonstrating a proactive and solution-oriented mindset in the workplace.
Example Phrases about Adaptability
Strengths
- Can pivot between tasks and take on new assignments outside their remit.
- Receptive to trying new ideas and ways of working.
- Can handle shifting priorities and change focus quickly.
- Can admit when they’re wrong and are willing to learn from their mistakes.
- Is always calm in the face of adverse situations.
- Is happy to collaborate with other departments and take their advice and expertise into account whenever required.
- Is quick to adopt new technologies and HR software solutions.
Weaknesses
- Has difficulty adjusting to changes in work processes or procedures.
- Shows resistance to new technologies or tools introduced in the workplace.
- Struggles to effectively navigate transitions in team dynamics or organizational structure.
- Demonstrates rigidity in mindset, making it challenging to embrace new ideas or perspectives.
Example Phrases about Attendance
Strengths
- Reports to work on time every day and has a history of perfect attendance.
- Arrives early for meetings, seminars, and workshops.
- Meets the attendance policies of the organization without fail.
- Don't take leave without prior information.
- Reaches the workplace fully prepared for the day.
Weaknesses
- Frequently arrives late to work or meetings without prior explanation.
- Shows inconsistency in adhering to scheduled breaks or lunch times.
- Demonstrates a pattern of unexcused absences, impacting team productivity.
- Struggles to maintain regular attendance due to personal reasons or external commitments.
- Tends to leave work early without prior authorization, disrupting workflow and impacting team productivity.
Example Phrases about Positivity / Fun
Strengths
- Consistently maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Actively contributes to a fun and inclusive team environment.
- Uses humor appropriately to enhance team spirit.
- Makes work enjoyable and engaging for others.
- Always encourages colleagues in a positive and uplifting manner.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally overlooks opportunities to inject humor or light-heartedness into team interactions.
- Shows reluctance to participate in team-building activities or social events.
- Struggles to create a positive and enjoyable work environment for colleagues.
- Demonstrates a lack of creativity in organizing engaging and enjoyable activities for the team.
- Needs improvement in balancing fun with productivity, ensuring work objectives are still met effectively.
Example Phrases about Process Improvement / Iterations
Strengths
- Continuously seeks ways to improve processes and outcome
- Actively seeks and incorporates feedback for betterment.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and growth.
- Quickly recovers and learns from setbacks.
- Consistently identifies inefficiencies and proposes innovative solutions for optimization.
Weaknesses
- Tends to repeat the same mistakes without learning from past experiences.
- Struggles to adapt to changing circumstances or feedback, leading to stagnant progress.
- Demonstrates resistance to trying new approaches or methods, hindering innovation.
- Shows difficulty in accepting and incorporating diverse perspectives or ideas into iterative processes.
- Lacks consistency in seeking feedback and iterating on work or projects to improve outcomes.
Example Phrases about Planning
Strengths
- Displays strong strategic planning abilities.
- Anticipates needs and plans accordingly.
- Pays close attention to details in planning.
- Can anticipate future trends and needs and incorporate them effectively into planning strategies.
- Excels in collaborating with team members and other departments, ensuring comprehensive and cohesive planning efforts.
Weaknesses
- Often fails to develop comprehensive plans before starting projects, leading to disorganized execution.
- Struggles with prioritizing tasks effectively within planning frameworks, causing delays and missed deadlines.
- Shows inconsistency in reviewing and adjusting plans as needed, resulting in inefficient use of resources.
Example Phrases about Customer service
Strengths
- Consistently prioritizes customer satisfaction, resulting in positive feedback and repeat business.
- Shows outstanding problem-solving abilities to resolve customer issues efficiently and effectively.
- Exhibits a high level of empathy and understanding in dealing with customer concerns.
- Maintains a positive and helpful attitude, contributing to a pleasant customer experience.
- Pays close attention to customer needs and details, ensuring thorough and personalized service.
- Responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and requests
- Possesses extensive product knowledge, providing accurate and helpful information to customers.
Weaknesses
- Demonstrates difficulty in empathizing with customer concerns or complaints, leading to dissatisfaction.
- Occasionally fails to follow up with customers promptly or adequately address their inquiries.
- Struggles to communicate effectively with customers, resulting in misunderstandings or frustration.
- Shows inconsistency in providing accurate information or solutions to customer queries.
- Needs improvement in handling difficult or irate customers calmly and professionally.
- Lacks initiative in proactively seeking feedback from customers to improve service quality.
Example Phrases about Professionalism
Strengths
- Consistently upholds high ethical standards and demonstrates integrity in all aspects of work.
- Maintains a professional demeanor in all situations, setting a positive example for the team.
- Handles sensitive information and situations with discretion and professionalism.
- Strictly adheres to company policies and guidelines, promoting a culture of compliance and professionalism.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally displays unprofessional behavior, such as inappropriate language or attire.
- Shows inconsistency in adhering to company policies and procedures, compromising professionalism.
- Demonstrates a lack of respect for colleagues or superiors, undermining a professional work environment.
- Struggles to maintain confidentiality or handle sensitive information with discretion, risking trust and integrity.
Example Phrases Related to Drive and motivation
Strengths
- Shows exceptional self-motivation, consistently taking initiative and going above and beyond expectations.
- Demonstrates a strong focus on setting and achieving ambitious goals, driving positive outcomes for the team and organization.
- Exhibits persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles and challenges, maintaining momentum towards objectives.
- Displays a genuine passion for their work, inspiring others with their enthusiasm and commitment.
- Effectively motivates and energizes team members, fostering a high-performance work environment.
Weaknesses
- Occasionally lacks enthusiasm or initiative in tackling challenging tasks or projects.
- Shows inconsistency in maintaining high levels of motivation over extended periods.
- Demonstrates reluctance to take on additional responsibilities or seek out opportunities for growth.
- Struggles to stay focused and engaged during periods of low interest or motivation, impacting productivity.
Example Phrases about Time management
Strengths
Demonstrates exceptional ability to manage time efficiently, ensuring tasks are completed within deadlines.
Effectively prioritizes tasks, focusing on what is most important and impactful for timely completion.
Conducts meetings efficiently, respecting the time of all participants and ensuring productive use of allocated time.
Could benefit from more effective time management strategies to meet deadlines consistently.
Weaknesses
- Often underestimates the time needed to complete tasks, leading to delays.
- Struggles to prioritize tasks effectively, resulting in inefficient use of time.
- Shows difficulty in adhering to deadlines, causing stress and rushed work.
- Demonstrates a tendency to get easily distracted, impacting focus and productivity.
How to write impactful performance review phrases
- Set Clear Goals: Start with the goals set at the review's outset, providing a clear focus.
- Use Real Examples: Specific examples add credibility and clarity, showing what works and what doesn’t.
- Balance Feedback: Highlight successes and pinpoint areas for growth, motivating employees towards improvement.
- Provide Actionable Steps: Offer clear, practical advice for development, including resources and goals.
- Encourage Dialogue: Make reviews a two-way conversation, valuing employee feedback.
- Check-in Regularly: Keep the momentum going with frequent updates and support.
Why it's important to give precise performance reviews
Precise performance reviews are essential for building a transparent, trustworthy workplace. Performance management aligns individual achievements with company goals, fostering a motivated, engaged team.
Remember, shoot for clear feedback that is concise in its delivery. This isn’t like the report cards you would get back in school which had those short little blurbs that didn’t really give much insight. Great feedback helps employees grow, boosting overall organizational health.
How to apply our performance review example phrases
To make performance review phrases genuinely impactful, here’s how to tailor them for a morale boost and constructive feedback:
- Make It Personal: Adapt phrases to fit the individual's specific achievements and growth areas. Show you recognize the employee's unique contributions and challenges.
- Emphasize Growth: Always link feedback to opportunities for development. Highlight how improvements can lead to personal and professional advancement.
- Stay Positive: Keep your tone uplifting. Begin with strengths, address improvements, and end on a high note to motivate and encourage.
- Be Clear and Objective: Use direct, specific examples to back up your points. Focus on behaviors and results, steering clear of personal judgments.
- Invite Dialogue: Ask for their input. This makes feedback feel more tailored and engages the employee in their development journey.
- Collaborate on Goals: Set clear, achievable goals together, ensuring they resonate with the employee's aspirations and the organization's objectives.
- Check In Regularly: Offer ongoing support and touch base often to discuss progress, showing your commitment to their growth.
Enhancing Feedback Quality Through Effective Employee Evaluations
If you’re still doing annual reviews, I strongly suggest you consider moving them to a more frequent basis, such as quarterly reviews. You’ll be able to deliver much more effective feedback with shorter timeframes and give less of a chance for things to fall in between the cracks.
For further support on performance reviews and performance management, join the People Managing People Community, a supportive community of HR and business leaders sharing knowledge to help you grow in your career and make greater impact in your organization.