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31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

Jump to section

You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review , 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal.

The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management , effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making , problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist. Start using effective performance review questions to help better guide your workforce's development. 

Problem solving appraisal comments: you're doing great

• You always maintain an effective dialogue with clients when they have technical problems. Being clear and articulate makes sure our customers' faults are attended to promptly.
• You constantly make sure to look beyond the obvious you never stop at the first answer. You’re really good at exploring alternatives. Well done!
• Keeping the supervisors and managers informed of status changes and requests is important. You’re really good at communicating the changes to the projects at all times. Keep it up!
• You stay cool and collected even when things aren’t going according to plan or up in the air. This is a great trait to possess. Well done!
• You’re excellent at giving an honest and logical analysis. Keep it up! Effectively diagnosing complex problems and reaching sustainable solutions is one of your strong points.
• Your ability to ability to make complex systems into simple ones is truly a unique skill to possess. Well done!
• You often identify practical solutions to every roadblock. You’re a real asset to the team! Great job.
• You always listen actively and attentively to make sure you understand what the exact problem is and you come up with solutions in an effective manner.
• You have an amazing ability to clearly explain options and solutions effectively and efficiently. Well done!
• When driving projects, you can shift to other areas comfortably and easily. making sure the project runs smoothly. Great job!

Problem solving performance review phrases: you should think of improving

• You always seem too overwhelmed when faced with multiple problems. Try to think of ways to make problems more manageable so that they can be solved in a timely and effective manner.
• Avoiding conflicts constantly with people is not a good idea as you will only build up personal frustration and nothing will be done to remedy the situation. Try to face people when there are problems and rectify problems when they occur.
• Don’t allow demanding customers to rattle your cage too much. If they become too demanding, take a step back, regulate your emotions , and try to make use of online support tools to help you rectify problems these tools can help a lot!
• It’s necessary that you learn from your past mistakes . You cannot keep making the same mistakes , as this is not beneficial to the company.
• You tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Try to listen more attentively or take notes when colleagues are answering!
• Providing multiple solutions in an indirect and creative approach will allow you to be more effective at problem-solving . if you struggle with this typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
• You fail to provide staff with the appropriate amount of structure and direction. They must know the direction you wish them to go in to achieve their goals .
• You need to be able to recognize repetitive trends to solve problems promptly.
• You tend to have problems troubleshooting even the most basic of questions. As a problem solver and customer support person, it’s imperative that you can answer these questions easily.
• Read through your training manual and make sure you fully understand it before attempting questions again.

Performance review tips to improve problem solving

• Try to complain less about problems and come up with solutions to the problems more often. Complaining is not beneficial to progression and innovation.
• As a problem solver, it’s important to be able to handle multiple priorities under short deadlines.
• You need to be able to effectively distinguish between the cause and the symptoms of problems to solve them in an efficient and timely manner.
• Try to anticipate problems in advance before they become major roadblocks down the road.
• Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and thrive at the challenge of solving the problem.
• Remember to prioritize problems according to their degree of urgency. It's important that you spend the majority of your time on urgent tasks over menial ones.
• When putting plans into place, stick to them and make sure they are completed.
• When solving problems, try to allocate appropriate levels of resources when undertaking new projects. It is important to become as efficient and as effective as possible.
• Try to learn to pace yourself when solving problems to avoid burnout . You’re a great asset to the team and we cannot afford to lose at this point.
• Meeting regularly with your staff to review results is vital to the problem-solving process.
• Staff that has regular check-ins understand what it is that is required of them, what they are currently achieving, and areas they may need to improve. Try to hold one-on-one meetings every week.

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Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

How a performance review template improves the feedback process

25 performance review questions (and how to use them), agile performance management: how to improve an agile team, 53 performance review examples to boost growth, 5 tactics for managing managers effectively — and why it matters, managers have a strong effect on team performance, for better or worse, how stanford executive education embraces vulnerability as a form of resilience, awakening human potential: developing people and driving performance in the new world of work, uk leaders develop future-minded skills with betterup, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, teamwork skills self-appraisal comments: 40 example phrases, your complete guide to self-assessments (with examples), 30 communication feedback examples, 30 customer service review examples to develop your team, 15 tips for your end-of-year reviews, 37 innovation and creativity appraisal comments, 8 creative solutions to your most challenging problems, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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60+ Performance Appraisal Comments: Constructive Feedback for Growth

What is performance appraisal, what are performance appraisal comments, types of performance appraisal comments, what not to say/write in performance appraisal comments.

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Performance Appraisal Comments for Quality of Work

• “Consistently produces high-quality work that meets or exceeds our standards.”
• “Attention to detail is exceptional; consistently delivers error-free reports.”
• “Demonstrates a commitment to delivering work of the utmost quality.”
• “Quality of output is consistently reliable and of a very high standard.”
• “Efforts in maintaining and improving work quality are commendable.”
• “Occasionally, work quality has fallen short of the expected standards.”
• “Needs to double-check work for accuracy to reduce errors.”
• “Could benefit from more thorough review and quality control measures.”
• “Has room for improvement in consistently meeting quality benchmarks.”
• “Quality standards need to be consistently maintained for all tasks.”

Performance Appraisal Comments for Leadership

• “Displays strong leadership skills by motivating and guiding team members.”
• “Leads by example, setting a positive tone and inspiring others.”
• “Effectively delegates tasks and empowers team members to excel.”
• “Provides clear direction and encourages collaboration among team members.”
• “Demonstrates the ability to make tough decisions and take ownership of outcomes.”
• “Could enhance leadership presence by communicating expectations more clearly.”
• “Opportunity to delegate more effectively to optimize team performance.”
• “Needs to actively seek and incorporate team members’ input and ideas.”
• “Should work on fostering a more inclusive and collaborative team environment.”
• “Could benefit from developing conflict resolution skills for team harmony.”

Performance Appraisal Comments for Communication Skills

• “Exceptional communicator who ensures clarity and understanding in all interactions.”
• “Active listener who values others’ perspectives and feedback.”
• “Effectively conveys complex ideas and information to diverse audiences.”
• “Clear and concise in both written and verbal communication.”
• “Facilitates open and constructive dialogue among team members.”
• “Occasionally, communication lacks clarity, leading to misunderstandings.”
• “Needs to work on active listening skills to better understand colleagues.”
• “Could improve written communication to make reports more reader-friendly.”
• “Struggles with conveying ideas concisely and often provides excessive detail.”
• “Should focus on improving feedback delivery to be more constructive and supportive.”

Performance Appraisal Comments for Teamwork

• “A strong team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues.”
• “Promotes a sense of unity and cooperation within the team.”
• “Shares knowledge and resources to help team members excel.”
• “Encourages and appreciates diverse contributions from team members.”
• “Plays a vital role in fostering a positive team atmosphere.”
• “Could work on more actively seeking input and ideas from team members.”
• “Occasionally, resists team decisions or appears disengaged during group discussions.”
• “Needs to be more open to others’ perspectives and feedback.”
• “Opportunity to enhance participation and engagement in team activities.”
• “Should focus on conflict resolution skills to address team conflicts more effectively.”

Performance Appraisal Comments for Goal Achievement

• “Consistently meets or exceeds performance goals and targets.”
• “Efforts have directly contributed to achieving team and organizational objectives.”
• “Reliably delivers on assigned tasks within specified timelines.”
• “Sets and pursues ambitious goals, inspiring others to do the same.”
• “Maintains a strong commitment to personal and professional growth.”
• “Occasionally, falls short of meeting established performance goals.”
• “Needs to prioritize tasks and manage time more effectively to meet deadlines consistently.”
• “Should focus on setting more specific and measurable goals.”
• “Could benefit from more proactive goal tracking and progress reporting.”
• “Opportunity to align personal goals more closely with team and organizational objectives.”

Performance Appraisal Comments for Ownership

• “Takes full ownership of assigned tasks and responsibilities, ensuring their completion.”
• “Demonstrates a strong sense of accountability for outcomes and results.”
• “Proactively seeks solutions and takes initiative to address challenges.”
• “Committed to the success of projects and the organization as a whole.”
• “Reliable and consistent in meeting commitments and deadlines.”
• “Occasionally, exhibits a lack of ownership, leading to delays or incomplete tasks.”
• “Needs to develop a stronger sense of responsibility for project outcomes.”
• “Could benefit from more proactive problem-solving when obstacles arise.”
• “Should focus on improving follow-through on commitments.”
• “Opportunity to take more initiative and contribute ideas for process improvements.”

Performance Appraisal Comments for Problem Solving

• “A creative problem solver who consistently finds innovative solutions to challenges.”
• “Analyzes complex issues thoroughly and generates effective problem-solving strategies.”
• “Demonstrates resilience and adaptability when faced with unexpected obstacles.”
• “A valuable resource for tackling complex and critical problems.”
• “Consistently contributes to process improvements and efficiency gains.”
• “Occasionally, struggles to identify effective solutions for complex problems.”
• “Needs to work on enhancing critical thinking skills to address challenges more effectively.”
• “Could benefit from seeking input and collaboration when encountering difficult issues.”
• “Should focus on maintaining composure and clarity when confronted with unexpected obstacles.”
• “Opportunity to enhance problem-solving skills by seeking training or mentorship.”
• Personal attacks:  Avoid derogatory or offensive language attacking an employee’s character or personality. Focus on behaviors and performance-related aspects.
• Bias or discrimination:  Do not base your comments on an employee’s gender, age, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic. Ensure that your feedback is fair and unbiased.
• Assumptions:  Do not make assumptions about an employee’s intentions or motivations. Stick to observable facts and behaviors.
• Legal risks:  Be cautious about making promises or commitments in writing that could have legal implications, such as job security guarantees or future promotions.
• Non-professional language:  Keep the language in appraisal comments professional and appropriate for the workplace. Avoid slang, jargon, or offensive language.

Ready to elevate your communication skills in performance appraisal comments?

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5 Unique Benefits Of Online Leadership Coaching

Performance management training: empowering managers to manage better, manager development goals and how to reach them: opportunities and areas to focus on, grooming for management: the key to building a sustainable leadership pipeline.

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Performance evaluation template, with examples and tips

A performance evaluation is a formal check-in process used to evaluate team members progress. Though evaluations can be stressful, a performance evaluation template can help standardize the process. When your team member knows exactly what you’ll be discussing, they’re able to prepare and have a more productive conversation. Plus, if you pair evaluations with goal-setting, you can focus the conversation not just on current impact but also on future goals. In this article, learn how a performance evaluation template can simplify and improve the feedback process.

Performance evaluations can bring up memories of when you were a new team member in the hot seat. The anticipation before each 1:1 meeting was likely stressful if you didn't know what the format would look like or what you'd talk about. But now that you’re a manager, you can see things from a different perspective and create a more positive experience. 

What is a performance evaluation?

A performance evaluation is a formal check-in process used to evaluate team members based on their past work and to give feedback for future success. Sometimes called a performance review, performance evaluations usually occur in quarterly, bi-annual, or annual cycles. 

During a performance evaluation, you’ll review each team member's overall performance and break down the competencies they aim to master. You and your employee will walk through specific examples of things your team member did well and areas where they have room for improvement. Some companies use virtual performance evaluation software, but you can also go through the process without using a dedicated HR management tool.

Performance evaluations as self-assessments

Performance evaluations are an opportunity for growth. They’re a chance to have a conversation about each team member’s impact and how they can move forward in their role. 

Oftentimes, performance evaluation templates will have a self-assessment component. This gives your team member a chance to drive their own career by sharing their successes and future goals. You can then start the performance evaluation conversation by asking them to share what they think they're doing well and the areas in which they think they need improvement. This can make the evaluation feel less scrutinizing and more like a dialogue.

How do you write a performance evaluation?

A performance evaluation template can help you prepare for the evaluation process by giving you a standardized format to follow. Though you should tailor this template to your team's goals, make sure your team members see the template in advance so they know what the conversation will be about. This allows them to prepare and encourages conversation on how to move forward. A collaborative approach will feel less daunting than a traditional, one-sided performance evaluation form.

1. Identify core competencies

Although you want your performance evaluation template to meet the needs of your team members, it’s also important to standardize your template to provide a fair assessment across the board. This means considering what competencies make the most sense for your entire department. 

Core competencies that can measure performance in various team roles include:

Knowledge of job skills

Quality/quantity of work

Customer service skills

Inclusiveness

In addition to these categories, you can include an area in the evaluation form for specific goal-setting and further discussion. This will allow you to get more personal with each team member when you meet with them individually. 

Tip: You can add sub-competencies below each category to make your performance evaluation more detailed. For example, under the “quality/quantity of work” competency, add things like: looks for ways to improve quality; performs a full range of duties; achieves goals; and meets deadlines. 

2. Choose a rating scale

Once you’ve chosen the competencies for your performance evaluation template, choose how you want to rate your team members. There are two main values of a rating scale:

Provides a shared language to discuss successes and strengths versus areas of opportunity.

Provides something to look back to and see team members career growth.

However, avoid a numerical scale if possible. That way, team members focus less on their “grade” and more on their competencies. The key to your rating scale is to make sure it’s clear to everyone.

Rating scale example:

Exceeds expectations

Often exceeds expectations

Consistently meets expectations

Needs development

Make sure you align your team with what the rating scale means. For example, two people might mentally define "consistently meets expectations" differently, so keeping everyone on the same page can set the stage for a healthy and productive evaluation conversation.

3. Set an evaluation cycle

Setting your evaluation cycle will let you and your team members know how much time you have to prepare between sessions. Common review cycles are quarterly, bi-annually, and annually, and your company may pre-determine these. But if you have a choice, you may choose based on the nature of your workplace. For example, if your work culture is hands-off, you can hold monthly performance evaluations to ensure team members get frequent feedback. If your work culture is highly collaborative, your team may not need frequent reviews.  

Some review periods are better for short-term goals while others focus on long-term goals . For example, quarterly review periods provide enough time between evaluations for your team members to take past feedback into consideration and work on any goals you’ve set together. Once you’ve set your evaluation cycle, it’s important to stick to it so everyone knows what to expect moving forward. 

Tip: You can also take advantage of the time you have between evaluation cycles to observe job performance in action and offer opportunities for professional development . Helping your team members meet their performance goals benefits the entire team.

4. Prepare a list of questions

Now that you’ve nailed down the basics of your performance evaluation template, you can prepare for the individual meetings you’ll have with your team members. In these meetings, you’ll want to have a list of questions to ask that can move the conversation forward. Some questions you can ask include:

What is something from this quarter that you’re proud of?

Which goals did you meet? Which goals fell short?

What are two or three things you can focus on next quarter to help you grow professionally?

To ease the pressure of the evaluation meeting, standardize these questions for all team members.

Tip: Make sure you choose questions that get team members thinking about their work progress and goals. While the rating system on the performance evaluation is useful for long-term comparisons, the conversation is where your team members can verbalize issues and feel good about their accomplishments.

5. Share questions in advance

The best thing you can do to prepare team members for a performance evaluation meeting is to let them know up front that it's happening and exactly what they can expect. Sharing the questions you’ve prepared in advance can give everyone time to think about them and process them. This reduces nerves and makes it a more collaborative and constructive conversation.

You can also share the format of the review with them so they can get an idea of how the conversation will go. For example, will you expect them to share first or will you lead?

Tip: Aside from sharing the questions with your team members, you can let them know what to expect by asking them about their accomplishments during the interim between evaluation cycles.

6. Have the conversation

Set aside dedicated time outside of your traditional meetings to have your performance evaluation meetings. Plan to meet individually with each team member for between 30 and 45 minutes. If possible, give your team members about a week’s notice so they can plan for them.

Tip: Don’t forget to ask team members for their opinions during the conversation. Aside from the standard questions about past performance and future goals, ask for feedback about your management style or the company culture . You can also ask where or if they hope to grow in the company over the long term.

7. Create a goal-setting framework

The questions you ask team members during evaluations should flow into goal-setting sessions. When you end the performance review process with a set goal, team members have a clear idea of what they need to work on between evaluations. Two goal-setting options include SMART goals and OKRs :

SMART goals:

Objective 1

Key result 1

Key result 2

Key result 3

After you give team members a framework to follow, let them be the visionaries of their goals while you facilitate. 

Tip: When you take a backseat in the goal-setting process, your team members will feel more in control of their future growth. It can also make evaluations more enjoyable because they become less bureaucratic. 

8. Be open to feedback

You should always ask team members about your performance as a manager so you can continue to meet their needs. Sometimes, team members won’t feel comfortable providing honest feedback in a 1:1 meeting. So if you want genuine responses, consider asking for feedback anonymously. You can:

Send an anonymous survey

Set up a physical or virtual comment box 

Hold a team feedback meeting

Emphasize that you’re open to any feedback your team members have for you, whether it’s positive or constructive. You can use their feedback to become a better manager and improve your future performance evaluations. 

Tip: If you’re having trouble thinking of ways to get team feedback, ask your co-workers what methods they use. Other managers may have strategies to share and ideas for evaluation templates as well. If you see areas that overlap between your departments, you can borrow ideas for your performance review form.

Performance evaluation template and example

Below, you’ll see a filled-out example of what a performance evaluation template may look like. You can offer this template as a self-assessment for team members, which should spark meaningful discussion about their work progress and future goals. 

You can download a blank version of this performance evaluation template below to customize it for your company and department.

You can download a blank version of this performance evaluation template below to customize for your company and department.

Types of employee performance review templates

The process of conducting employee performance reviews is pivotal for both employee growth and the continuous improvement of your organization. By using a variety of employee performance evaluation templates, you can ensure that these assessments are both comprehensive and effective.

Below, we'll explore different types of employee performance evaluations that help human resources departments offer constructive feedback, improve team performance, and increase employee engagement.

Simple performance review template

A simple performance review is an essential tool for any human resources professional or team leader. It's designed to streamline the evaluation process by focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) and core competencies.

This template is particularly useful for routine assessments and is a great starting point for those new to performance evaluations. It simplifies how to do a performance review by providing a clear, concise framework for feedback.

Example: A sales associate, for example, might be evaluated on specific KPIs such as sales volume and customer satisfaction, providing clear metrics for assessment and discussion.

Self-evaluation form

The self-evaluation form , which encourages employees to engage in self-reflection, is an important part of the performance review process. This form allows individuals to assess their own performance, highlighting their achievements and identifying areas of improvement.

Example : A software developer could use the form to reflect on their completed projects, coding proficiency improvements, and teamwork contributions. This helps the team member identify their strengths and areas for further professional development.

By integrating self-assessments into your performance evaluation form, you can foster a culture of self-awareness and continuous development.

Peer review template

The peer review template fosters a collaborative review process in which employees can provide feedback on their coworkers' performance. Peer reviews complement traditional performance evaluation forms by adding depth to the understanding of an employee's impact within the team.

This form provides a thorough perspective that might not be apparent to supervisors alone and aids in understanding how peers perceive an employee's progress.

Example: For instance, a graphic designer might receive feedback from their peers on their creativity, ability to meet deadlines, and collaboration on team projects, offering a comprehensive view of their performance from those who work closely with them.

30-60-90 review template

Designed for new hires, the 30-60-90 review template sets clear milestones for the first 90 days of employment. It's a dynamic tool that helps managers and employees establish mutual performance expectations and goals, making new employee onboarding a success.

Example : Consider, a new marketing specialist who is expected to learn the company's marketing strategy in the first 30 days, contribute to a campaign by the 60th day, and lead a small project by day 90.

The 30-60-90 review focuses on the quality of work and alignment with the job description and incorporates a career development plan that includes mentoring. This ensures the new hire is effectively integrated into the team, with clear expectations for their initial months.

360-degree feedback template

The 360-degree feedback template is a comprehensive approach to performance evaluation, incorporating feedback from supervisors, peers, subordinates, and sometimes even clients.

This holistic view provides a well-rounded perspective on employee strengths and any areas that need improvement.

Example: Consider a team leader whose 360-degree feedback reveals a lower performance rating in communication skills compared to other areas. Based on this feedback, the leader is placed on a performance improvement plan specifically designed to enhance their communication skills. The plan includes targeted workshops, mentoring sessions with a communication coach, and regular feedback sessions to monitor progress. This approach ensures that the leader receives the support needed to develop their abilities and positively impact their team's performance.

One-on-one meetings

Performance evaluation templates can be helpful for jotting down notes during face-to-face meetings, but with many teams moving to remote work , online software is more useful than ever. Virtual one-on-one meeting agendas clarify that you're here for your team members and are always willing to chat. They're a great place for casual feedback and to build psychological safety and trust. By developing this relationship with your direct report, you can set yourself up for success when you have a bigger performance review conversation.

Even if you work in person, you can use one-on-one meeting agendas to stay connected with team members throughout the year.

A one-on-one project also gives team members the chance to choose what they want to talk about with you. Think of the one-on-one as their time. You've set 30 minutes aside for them to use in whatever way is most beneficial for them. Sometimes, they might want to talk about their favorite TV show because they need some time to unwind. Other times, you may get into some serious brainstorming or problem-solving together.

Quarterly performance review template

Focusing on short-term goals and achievements, the quarterly performance review template allows for more frequent assessments of an employee's progress. This performance appraisal is beneficial for tracking progress towards annual goals and adjusting objectives as needed. Quarterly reviews are an excellent way to keep employees motivated and aligned with the company's strategic direction.

Example : For instance, a project manager might be reviewed on their ability to meet project milestones, with adjustments made to their next quarter goals based on the latest project outcomes and feedback.

Annual performance review template

The annual performance review template provides a comprehensive overview of an employee's performance over the year. It's an opportunity to reflect on long-term achievements, set future goals, and discuss career development opportunities.

Incorporating feedback from this template into the next performance review ensures continuous improvement and effective performance management. Additionally, it sets the stage for meaningful one-on-one discussions, allowing managers and employees to follow up on progress and celebrate wins.

Example : For example, imagine an employee who has consistently met their sales targets throughout the year. The annual review not only acknowledges this achievement but also explores areas for further growth. This might involve setting higher targets for the upcoming year, discussing new responsibilities, or identifying training opportunities.

Why performance evaluations are important

Performance evaluations are important for both managers and team members because, when work gets hectic, communication can fall short. A “good job” here and there can go a long way, but team members need scheduled facetime for individual feedback in order to stay on track and grow.

Performance evaluations can provide the following benefits:

For managers:

Informs hiring practices

Offers feedback on management style

Provides updates on team member wellbeing

For team members:

Improves communication with leadership

Provides a safe space to address concerns

Offers feedback on individual performance

While performance evaluations can feel nerve-wracking, they’re also motivating and give team members clarity on how to improve. Over time, thoughtful performance evaluations build trust and show your team members that you support them and their career paths.

Enhance performance evaluations with goal-setting software

With Asana’s goal-setting software, your team can receive more frequent updates on how they’re doing, which lessens the pressure on everyone when performance evaluations roll around. 

Goal-setting enhances the performance evaluation process by focusing more on future progress. When your team can watch their progress in action, they’ll feel more invested in doing their best work.

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How to accomplish big things with long-term goals

Performance review phrases for employee evaluation (with examples)

The purpose of employee performance reviews is to evaluate an employee’s work performance, provide feedback on strengths and areas for improvement, set goals for future development, and foster communication and alignment between employees and management regarding expectations and objectives. The important thing is to communicate feedback in a way that is objective as possible and easy for employees and managers to understand . This list of performance review phrases will help you conduct evaluations fairly and effectively .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Performance review comments example

Phrases for employee strengths and weaknesses, performance review career goals examples.

PHRASES FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

• Collaboration performance review comments
• Teamwork performance review comments
• Professionalism and Commitment phrases
• Attendance performance review comments
• Productivity and Quality of Work phrases
• Adaptability performance review comments
• Communication Skills/Interpersonal skills phrases
• Innovation and Creativity performance review comments
• Accountability performance review comments
• Customer Focus and Customer Satisfaction phrases
• Decision making and problem solving phrases
• Dependability and Reliability performance review comments
• Integrity performance review comments
• Flexibility performance review comments
• Leadership and Management performance review comments
• Initiative performance review comments
• Job knowledge performance review comments
• Planning and Organization performance review comments
• Time Management performance review comments
• Attitude performance review comments

Performance review closing comments

• Do performance reviews with software ✅

There are many different types of employee performance reviews , using a variety of performance management tools such as a 9-box grid . Another type of review employs 360 degree feedback which is a common feature of continuous performance management .

The way the phrases listed in this article could be used are demonstrated in the performance review comment example below:

During an annual employee performance review , a manager might provide a comment such as “John consistently demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills, effectively resolving complex challenges.” This comment serves as an example of John’s strength in problem-solving and can be used to highlight his positive contributions and areas of expertise within the team. Additionally, it can serve as a basis for discussing specific accomplishments and areas for further development during the performance review discussion.

Employee strengths and weaknesses can be gauged in a performance review through objective metrics, self-assessment, manager evaluation, 360-degree feedback, performance appraisal forms, behavioral interviews, and skill assessments. These methods provide a comprehensive understanding of an employee’s performance, helping to identify areas of excellence and areas needing improvement.

When phrasing employee strengths and weaknesses during a performance review, it’s important to be specific, objective, and constructive. Here are some tips:

• Be Specific: Use concrete examples and evidence to support your assessments rather than generalizations.
• Focus on Behaviors: Describe observable behaviors and actions rather than making assumptions about personality traits.
• Use Positive Language: Frame strengths positively to acknowledge achievements and motivate further development. For weaknesses, use constructive language that emphasizes opportunities for improvement.
• Provide Context: Consider the employee’s role, responsibilities, and the organization’s goals when evaluating strengths and weaknesses.
• Offer Support: For weaknesses, suggest strategies for improvement and offer resources or training opportunities to help the employee develop.
• Balance: Recognize that every employee has strengths and weaknesses, and aim to provide a balanced assessment that acknowledges both.
• Remove bias: Removing bias from reviews involves objectively evaluating employees’ performance based on measurable criteria and avoiding subjective judgments or preconceived notions.

Take a look at the following examples on how employee strengths and weaknesses can be phrased during a performance review cycle.

Performance review strength

Example Phrases for addressing employee strengths:

• “Sarah consistently demonstrates strong leadership skills by effectively guiding her team to achieve project milestones ahead of schedule.”
• “Tom’s exceptional communication skills foster a positive team dynamic and enhance collaboration across departments.”
• “Lisa’s attention to detail ensures accuracy and precision in all her work, contributing to the high quality of deliverables.”

Performance review weakness

Example Phrases for addressing employee weaknesses:

• “While John excels in technical skills, he could benefit from improving his time management to meet project deadlines more consistently.”
• “While Rachel demonstrates creativity in problem-solving, she occasionally struggles with accepting feedback and incorporating it into her work.”
• “David’s excellent interpersonal skills could be further enhanced by actively seeking out opportunities to mentor junior team members.”

Now that you know how to conduct performance reviews and phrase feedback in a way that is useful to employees and managers, read through the examples below to find the phrases you need for all situations.

Although performance reviews can be stressful for managers and employees alike, they provide an excellent opportunity to connect with employees and understand their career aspirations . By engaging in these discussions, managers can gain valuable insights into employees’ goals and preferences, helping to align organizational objectives with individual development paths . This proactive approach fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.

Performance review phrases collaboration

Giving employees feedback on collaboration is crucial. It helps improve teamwork, resolves conflicts, and builds trust. Feedback also guides continuous learning and ensures everyone is working towards the same goals.

Use these phrases to give employees constructive performance review feedback on collaboration.

Meets or Exceeds Expectations

• Demonstrates assistance to coworkers with tasks, even if outside direct responsibility.
• Consistently aids coworkers facing task difficulties.
• Effectively promotes cooperation to ensure team productivity and meet deadlines.
• Displays willingness to offer assistance.
• Receives constructive criticism positively.
• Ensures assignments are followed through and followed up with.
• Volunteers to aid other teams in meeting their goals.
• Readily shares information and resources with colleagues.
• Strives to understand diverse perspectives and find common ground.
• Recognizes and credits others’ contributions.
• Facilitates constructive conflict resolution by considering all sides.
• Treats all colleagues equally regardless of role or level.
• Keeps others informed of progress for collaborative input.
• Demonstrates flexibility in reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
• Respects others’ time by communicating delays and being punctual.
• Supports team decisions even when differing from personal viewpoints.
• Assists in the integration of new coworkers and their role understanding.
• Identifies opportunities for effective coworker collaboration.
• Promotes unity around shared goals.
• Considers multiple viewpoints when evaluating alternatives.
• Facilitates cooperation across departments and organizational boundaries.
• Aids in orienting newcomers to workplace norms and policies.
• Takes initiative to maintain positive working relationships.
• Shows active interest in coworkers’ work and offers assistance.
• Expresses appreciation for contributions to team success.
• Maintains an open mind and reevaluates assumptions.
• Acknowledges personal limitations and involves others as needed.
• Prioritizes team needs over personal preferences.
• Shares credit and deflects praise onto coworkers.
• Makes an effort to connect with coworkers beyond work responsibilities.
• Advocates for the team’s interests when interacting with other groups.
• Helps foster an environment conducive to cooperation and mutual support.
• Brings out the best in coworkers through respect, support, and positivity.
• Integrates cooperation and collaboration into regular work approach.

Below Expectations

• Demonstrates unwillingness to collaborate and prefers solitary work.
• Unwilling to assist coworkers, even upon request.
• Professional in work but hesitant to offer advice to others.
• Demonstrates reluctance to work with others.
• Least likely to offer assistance when needed.
• Adapts to new tasks effectively but fails to communicate with and train others.
• Withholds information and resources rather than sharing.
• Dismisses others’ viewpoints without consideration.
• Takes credit for joint work without acknowledging contributions.
• Tends to argue rather than seek consensus.
• Fails to make an effort to understand perspectives different from own.
• Shows favoritism towards certain coworkers.
• Keeps teammates uninformed about progress and plans.
• Unwilling to compromise on issues important to others.
• Misses deadlines without communicating delays appropriately.
• Undermines group decisions that don’t align with preferences.
• Fails to help new coworkers or ensure they understand their roles.
• Fails to identify ways for coworkers to work together effectively.
• Allows disagreements to divide the team rather than unite them.
• Considers only personal perspective rather than multiple viewpoints.
• Fails to facilitate cooperation between departments.
• Fails to help orient newcomers or introduce workplace standards.
• Does little to build positive relationships with coworkers.
• Uninterested in others’ work and does not offer assistance.
• Fails to acknowledge others’ contributions to success.
• Closedminded and does not rethink assumptions.
• Takes on too much personally rather than involving others.
• Prioritizes selfinterests over team needs.
• Takes credit for self and does not recognize others.
• Detached from coworkers outside of work responsibilities.
• Does not represent team interests to other groups.
• Fosters an individualistic rather than cooperative culture.
• Fails to bring out the best in coworkers.
• Cooperation is not a regular part of work approach.

Performance review teamwork phrases

During a performance review cooperation and teamwork are among the most important qualities that need to be evaluated. Check out these performance review comments on teamwork and choose the ones to ask employees during your next evaluation period.

Performance review phrases for teamwork

Meets expectations

• Shows a high level of team spirit, readily cooperating with team members to get the job done.
• Respects every team member.
• Works well with others.
• Always helps out to achieve the goals of the group.
• Has a great willingness to help fellow teammates.
• Is a good team member, very cooperative and helpful in times of need.
• Actively participates in team discussions and shares workload.
• Respects different opinions and encourages open dialogue.
• Maintains harmonious relationships and resolves conflicts constructively.
• Acknowledges contributions of others and praises the success of teammates.
• Shares knowledge and resources willingly to help teammates succeed.
• Maintains transparency and keeps teammates informed of progress and issues.
• Respects deadlines of other departments and coordinates effectively.
• Respects commitments to teammates and delivers on assigned responsibilities.
• Maintains a collaborative approach and shares credit for team achievements.
• Seeks feedback to improve and respects feedback from other team members.
• Motivates teammates during difficult periods and boosts team morale.
• Respects team norms and establishes a cooperative working environment.
• Values different skills and backgrounds that teammates bring to projects.
• Is flexible and willing to take on additional responsibilities as required.
• Respects team boundaries and does not overstep limits of other roles.
• Is respectful towards teammates and uses polite, considerate language.
• Supports team decisions respectfully.

Below expectations

• Does not have a good relationship with team members and sometimes refuses to accept their opinion.
• Is not consistent in supporting teammates.
• Does not understand how to share tasks with others.
• Is more suitable to an individual-focused environment than a group-work environment.
• Does not know how to cooperate with colleagues in the team to achieve targets.
• Is reluctant to share work and seeks individual recognition over team achievements.
• Argues with teammates and does not respect different opinions and views.
• Fails to keep teammates informed of progress and roadblocks in a timely manner.
• Takes credit for team successes but blames others for failures or mistakes.
• Lacks flexibility and is unwilling to help teammates facing workload issues.
• Plays politics within the team and fails to establish trust and cooperation.
• Does not respect team norms and creates disruptions through unprofessional conduct.
• Fails to value different skills and backgrounds of teammates.
• Does not acknowledge efforts of others and is reluctant to praise teammates.
• Argues with feedback and disrespects suggestions from other team members.
• Discusses team matters outside inappropriately and damages confidentiality.
• Lacks commitment to team goals and allows personal needs to hamper collaboration.
• Is inflexible and unwilling to take on additional responsibilities as required.
• Fails to establish rapport with teammates and comes across as arrogant.
• Lacks initiative in resolving conflicts constructively and damages team harmony.

Performance review phrases professionalism

Professionalism isn’t just a quality; it’s also an attitude. A professional attitude can make working together much easier. Because of this, professionalism may also be evaluated during a review. In addition to phrases to evaluate professionalism in the workplace, this list also contains commitment performance review phrases.

Meets or exceeds expectations

• Demonstrates self-motivation and strives to complete all tasks on time.
• Exhibits perfectionism, persisting until achieving excellent results.
• Displays significant interest in the job, constantly generating new ideas.
• Possesses a high level of professional knowledge in the field.
• Takes initiative and continuously seeks ways to improve work.
• Maintains a positive attitude even during challenging times.
• Takes pride in work and aims for high-quality outcomes.
• Stays updated with ongoing learning in the field.
• Approaches problems with care, diligence, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Consistently delivers work exceeding role expectations.
• Demonstrates passion for the profession and enthusiasm for work.
• Represents the organization professionally in all interactions.
• Pays meticulous attention to detail and rectifies errors.
• Assumes responsibility for work and refrains from making excuses.
• Manages time effectively to meet all deadlines.
• Proactively seeks to improve processes and find efficiencies.
• Maintains professional composure under pressure.
• Dedicates efforts to serving organizational goals and priorities.
• Exhibits high organization, ensuring well-documented work.
• Proactively anticipates problems and develops solutions.
• Takes on additional responsibilities voluntarily.
• Willing to work extra hours when needed to complete tasks.
• Maintains a high-quality portfolio of work achievements.
• Seeks feedback to enhance skills and performance.
• Sets an example of excellence motivating high performance.
• Demonstrates leadership and mentors less experienced colleagues.
• Displays full commitment to the organization’s success.
• Pursues continuous expansion of expertise in the field.
• Fails to fulfill required duties.
• Takes excessive breaks and shows reluctance in duties.
• Often attempts to leave the workplace early.
• Shows little genuine interest in the job.
• Punctuality and appearance are lacking.
• Misses deadlines and avoids responsibility.
• Produces sloppy work not meeting quality standards.
• Makes excuses for errors or problems.
• Resists feedback and lacks initiative.
• Knowledge in the field is outdated or insufficient.
• Represents the organization unprofessionally.
• Fails to anticipate issues, leaving problems for others.
• Avoids extra responsibilities and passes work to others.
• Unwilling to work additional hours when necessary.
• Ineffective in documenting or organizing work.
• Demonstrates lack of dedication to organizational goals.
• Disorganized, losing or misfiling important documents.
• Displays a negative attitude impacting others.
• Lacks punctuality, missing meetings or appointments.
• Portfolio lacks substance and accomplishments.
• Closed to feedback and unwilling to improve.
• Shows lack of passion for the profession or field.
• Fails to set a positive example for others.

Performance review phrases attendance

Recognizing employees for their punctuality and consistent attendance is crucial. Positive phrases may include highlighting their on-time arrivals, reliability in meeting deadlines, and adherence to company policies. This acknowledgment fosters a culture of reliability and contributes to a smooth workflow.

Attendance and punctuality performance review sample

Here’s a sample performance review comment addressing attendance and punctuality:

“Jane consistently maintains excellent attendance and punctuality, setting a reliable example for the team. Her consistent presence ensures that team meetings start promptly and deadlines are met without delay. Jane’s dedication to punctuality greatly contributes to the smooth operation of our department.”

Employee performance review phrases attendance

• Performance is always reliable, following the work schedule well.
• Manages the schedule efficiently, fully completing all assigned tasks for the week.
• Sets a standard with perfect attendance.
• Exemplifies an ideal employee, arriving and leaving on time, and taking breaks as scheduled.
• Arrives fully prepared to tackle responsibilities every day.
• Demonstrates reliability with no attendance concerns.
• Punctual for work and meetings.
• Always arrives prepared for work.
• Notifies managers well in advance of planned time off.
• Makes arrangements for coverage during absences.
• Present and engaged during scheduled working hours.
• Arrives early to prepare and stays late to complete work.
• Adheres strictly to scheduled start and end times daily.
• Always ready to start work promptly.
• Schedules personal appointments outside working hours.
• Coordinates schedules with coworkers to avoid disruptions.
• Exemplifies attendance standards.
• Ensures task coverage during absences with contingency plans.
• Always on time for shifts, meetings, and deadlines.
• Impeccable attendance and punctuality year after year.
• Committed to being present and productive during work hours.
• Optimizes schedule for productivity and availability.
• Takes initiative to swap shifts as needed.
• Reliable in unpredictable or emergency situations.
• Attendance sets a motivating standard.
• Communicates availability and schedule clearly.
• Exemplary attendance record with no issues.
• Demonstrates inconsistent attitude negatively affecting the team.
• Follows appropriate schedule but often returns late from off-site activities, impacting coworkers.
• Fails to meet punctuality standards.
• Does not respond to communications promptly.
• Frequently late for work, not adhering to attendance policy.
• Takes unapproved time off or exceeds allotted leave.
• Frequent absences or lateness without advance notice.
• Leaves early or takes extended breaks without permission.
• Unpredictable schedule disrupts coworkers’ work.
• Fails to make arrangements during absences, causing workload pile-up.
• Misses deadlines and appointments due to poor time management.
• Regularly late to meetings and appointments.
• Tardiness and absenteeism set negative example.
• Frequently unavailable during scheduled hours.
• Takes unscheduled days off with short notice.
• Requires excessive supervision and follow-up due to inconsistent schedule.
• Fails to adhere to attendance and punctuality policies.
• Unpredictable whereabouts and availability.
• Inconsistent response to communications.
• Inconsistent schedule disrupts operations.
• Attendance record shows repeated issues.

Performance review comments quality of work

Providing employees with feedback about productivity and quality of work is essential for their professional growth and contribution to organizational goals. By using performance review phrases tailored to productivity and quality of work, managers can offer specific guidance and set clear expectations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in the workplace.

Productivity and quality of work performance review examples

• Detail-oriented approach ensures consistently high-quality work.
• Maintains a high level of accuracy consistently.
• Upholds a good standard of productive work.
• Takes on new responsibilities independently.
• Demonstrates a strong grasp of job responsibilities.
• Ensures accuracy in all tasks.
• Attends to every detail in assigned tasks.
• Valued for high-quality, accurate performance.
• Developed [program/initiative] yielding [x] results.
• Improved output/production by [x]%.
• Surpassed start of year goals by [number].
• Delivers consistent, reliable results for clients/customers.
• Completes tasks efficiently well before deadlines.
• Initiates process improvements for increased efficiency.
• Minimizes rework or corrections in work.
• Sets a high standard with work performance.
• Maintains meticulous records and documentation.
• Finds innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Work product exceeds role requirements.
• Completes extra tasks beyond normal duties.
• Receives consistent praise from customers/clients.
• Achieves results exceeding performance targets.
• Delivers work on time and within budget.
• Solutions are well-conceived and enduring.
• Rarely achieves monthly performance targets.
• Produces a higher defect rate compared to peers.
• Work does not meet required output standards.
• Demonstrates low knowledge of required work procedures.
• Reluctant to take on new responsibilities.
• Struggles to concentrate on work.
• Unaware of job requirements.
• Unreliable quality of work.
• Fails to check work thoroughly before submission.
• Unable to perform job without assistance.
• Lack of concentration leads to high error rate.
• Work doesn’t pass inspection by team members.
• Overlooks task details.
• Misses key task requirements.
• Fails to meet basic quality standards.
• Work requires excessive corrections.

Performance review phrases adaptability

Providing employees with feedback about adaptability is crucial because it helps them understand their strengths and areas for improvement in navigating changes and uncertainties within the workplace. By acknowledging adaptability through feedback, employees are encouraged to embrace new challenges, learn from experiences, and develop resilience, ultimately contributing to their professional growth and the overall success of the organization.

• Maintains a calm and composed demeanor under stressful situations.
• Acknowledges and recognizes proposals for change.
• Promptly tackles changes while completing assignments.
• Welcomes criticism to improve the business.
• Willing to explore more effective business methods.
• Adjusts approach when facing obstacles.
• Considers different perspectives before deciding on action.
• Incorporates feedback to improve work methods.
• Remains open-minded towards new ideas and suggestions.
• Readily accepts additional responsibilities when needed.
• Flexible enough to take on varied tasks.
• Adapts communication style to different personalities.
• Makes necessary adjustments to changing priorities.
• Alters approach based on unique situation demands.
• Tailors solutions according to target audience.
• Reworks procedures in response to shifting business needs.
• Modifies plans readily with new information.
• Fine-tunes methods to optimize performance.
• Varies problem-solving techniques for differing issues.
• Adjusts easily to new teams and working environments.
• Alters traditional methods for more effective options.
• Diversifies skill set through ongoing training.
• Reconsiders solutions in response to changing needs.
• Tweaks established processes with new developments.
• Modifies deadlines and timelines to accommodate changes.
• Reworks content for various presentation formats.
• Streamlines operations by refining ineffective practices.
• Upgrades skills continuously to stay ahead of changes.
• Slow to confront changes.
• Unwilling to accept even minor changes.
• Easily confused about “out of plan” changes.
• Unwilling to accept last-minute changes.
• Struggles adjusting to unexpected obstacles.
• Resists considering different viewpoints.
• Fails to incorporate constructive criticism.
• Dismisses new ideas without proper evaluation.
• Declines additional responsibilities outside scope.
• Struggles shifting between diverse tasks.
• Uses a rigid communication approach.
• Difficulty adjusting to shifting priorities.
• Applies a one-size-fits-all solution method.
• Struggles tailoring solutions for different audiences.
• Slow to modify procedures in response to changes.
• Fails to update plans with new information.
• Does not fine-tune methods for better performance.
• Uses a standardized problem-solving approach.
• Difficulties adjusting to new teams and environments.
• Clings to outdated methods despite better options.
• Fails to expand skillset through ongoing learning.
• Slow to reconsider solutions that no longer fit.
• Uses a one-size-fits-all communication style.
• Resists tweaking processes for new developments.
• Does not refine strategies in line with market changes.
• Teaches all learners uniformly regardless of needs.
• Inflexible about deadlines and timelines.
• Presents content in a rigid format.
• Clings to ineffective practices rather than streamline.
• Fails to upgrade skills to adapt to changes.

Performance review communication skills comments

Providing employees with feedback about communication is essential as it enhances teamwork, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. Through performance review comments on communication and interpersonal skills, managers guide employees to understand how their communication impacts work relationships . By using performance appraisal communication skills examples and evaluation phrases, managers help employees improve their ability to convey ideas, resolve conflicts , and foster positive relationships.

Performance review phrases communication skills

• Communication skills, both verbal and written, are highly effective.
• Friendly communicator, building rapport with every division in the company.
• Positive attitude and willingness to listen are highly appreciated.
• Regularly gives constructive feedback.
• Makes new employees feel welcome.
• Provides accurate and timely information, both written and orally.
• Actively listens to others.
• Involves others in problem-solving.
• Provides clear instructions and expectations.
• Accepts criticism, is open to new ideas, and handles conflict constructively and diplomatically.
• Articulates ideas in a clear and organized manner.
• Communicates effectively with all levels of staff.
• Establishes rapport easily with both internal and external contacts.
• Shares credit and recognizes others’ contributions.
• Gives and receives feedback professionally and productively.
• Builds strong working relationships across departments.
• Expresses empathy when listening to others.
• Facilitates discussions to reach agreement.
• Communicates appropriately for each audience and situation.
• Addresses concerns respectfully and seeks mutually agreeable solutions.
• Presents information compellingly to different groups.
• Encourages open dialogue and the sharing of perspectives.
• Mediates disagreements constructively to find common ground.
• Maintains an approachable demeanor to foster collaboration.
• Keeps others informed proactively through regular updates.
• Clarifies expectations to ensure shared understanding.
• Negotiates diplomatically to reach mutually agreeable solutions.
• Fosters an environment of trust and respect among colleagues.
• Expresses disagreement respectfully and proposes alternative options.
• Welcomes diverse viewpoints and new ideas from all levels.
• Facilitates cooperation across teams to accomplish goals.
• Connects people to build new relationships and opportunities.
• Keeps an open door to address any staff concerns constructively.
• Makes others feel heard by paraphrasing their perspectives.
• Brings people together, finds common ground, and moves discussion forward productively.
• Acknowledges others effectively to build morale and engagement.
• Resolves interpersonal issues diplomatically to maintain cohesion.
• Keeps an even temper when under pressure or during disagreement.
• Fails to communicate with team members effectively.
• Must improve foreign language skills.
• Not adept at documenting verbal communication.
• Should work on this skill over the next 90 days.
• Should communicate project status updates more frequently.
• Seen as unapproachable by many coworkers.
• Needs to work on listening to others.
• Works well with own team but has an “us” against “them” mentality towards others within the company.
• Struggles articulating ideas clearly.
• Fails to communicate effectively across levels.
• Difficulty establishing rapport externally.
• Takes credit individually rather than recognizing others.
• Gives feedback in an unproductive manner.
• Lacks strong working relationships across departments.
• Does not show empathy when others speak.
• Does not facilitate discussions to reach agreement.
• Uses inappropriate communication style.
• Fails to address concerns respectfully to find solutions.
• Presents information poorly to different groups.
• Discourages open dialogue and sharing of perspectives.
• Handles disagreements in an unconstructive manner.
• Maintains an unapproachable demeanor.
• Fails to provide regular updates proactively.
• Lacks clarity on expectations.
• Negotiates in an adversarial rather than cooperative spirit.
• Fosters an environment lacking trust and respect.
• Expresses disagreement disrespectfully.
• Discourages diverse viewpoints and new ideas.
• Fails to facilitate cooperation across teams.
• Does not connect people to build opportunities.
• Inaccessible to address staff concerns.
• Does not acknowledge others’ perspectives.
• Moves discussions in an unproductive direction.
• Fails to acknowledge others effectively.
• Loses temper during disagreement or pressure.

Performance review phrases for innovation and creativity

Providing employees with feedback about innovation and creativity is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. By acknowledging and encouraging innovative thinking through feedback, employees are motivated to generate new ideas, solve problems creatively, and drive positive change. This feedback helps employees understand the value of their innovative contributions and reinforces a culture that values creativity, ultimately leading to improved organizational performance.

Creativity performance review phrases

• Demonstrates the ability to develop creative solutions to solve problems.
• Thinks outside the box to find the best solutions to particular problems.
• Regularly contributes suggestions on how to improve company processes.
• Constantly searches for new ideas and ways to improve efficiency.
• Has launched creative initiatives such as [specific example].
• Creates breakthrough and helpful ideas in meetings.
• Trusted for a helpful and creative solution when facing difficulty.
• A creative individual who often finds effective solutions to problems.
• Develops innovative concepts for new products and services.
• Approaches challenges with an imaginative mindset.
• Generates fresh perspectives on existing problems.
• Encourages the team to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
• Fosters a culture of creativity and innovation within the team.
• Recognizes and rewards creative thinking and innovation within the team.
• Provides opportunities for the team to develop creativity and innovation skills.
• Collaborates with the team to generate new and innovative ideas.
• Willing to experiment with new approaches or ideas, enabling the team to innovate.
• Seeks out new and innovative solutions to problems.
• Receptive to feedback or suggestions from the team regarding creative solutions.
• Prioritizes creativity and innovation in the team’s goals and objectives.
• Invests in training or development programs to enhance the team’s creativity and innovation skills.
• Provides a safe and supportive environment for the team to take creative risks.
• Encourages the team to challenge the status quo and think outside the box.
• Recognizes and appreciates the value of creative thinking and innovation in achieving business goals.
• Proactive in seeking out new and innovative opportunities for the team.
• Provides the necessary autonomy and freedom for the team to explore creative solutions.
• Empowers the team to take ownership of their creativity and innovation efforts.
• Recognizes and addresses barriers that may hinder the team’s ability to be creative and innovative.
• Provides the necessary support and resources for the team to implement creative solutions.
• Fosters a culture of experimentation and learning from failure.
• Adapts to changing circumstances and finds creative solutions to new challenges.
• Consistently comes up with fresh and innovative ideas to improve business operations.
• Inspires the team to think creatively and embrace new ideas.
• Balances creativity with practicality to find effective solutions.
• Skilled at identifying opportunities for innovation and implementing them successfully.
• Encourages a collaborative approach to problem-solving, leading to creative solutions.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and creative manner.
• Passionate about exploring new ideas and finding innovative solutions to problems.
• Does not encourage the team to find creative solutions.
• Demonstrates a lack of interest in contributing creative or innovative ideas.
• Has a difficult time thinking “outside of the box” and creating new solutions.
• Tends to act before thinking, causing problems when pushing untested or unexamined ideas forward too quickly.
• Discourages creative solutions from the team.
• Rarely considers new and innovative ideas from the team.
• Shows little interest in exploring creative solutions to problems.
• Tends to stick to traditional methods instead of exploring new and innovative approaches.
• Not open to new ideas and tends to shut down creative suggestions from the team.
• Lacks the ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
• Does not value creativity and innovation in the team.
• Resistant to change and new ideas, limiting the team’s ability to innovate.
• Does not provide the necessary resources or support for the team to be creative and innovative.
• Does not foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the team.
• Not willing to take risks or try new things, hindering the team’s ability to innovate.
• Does not encourage the team to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
• Does not recognize or reward creative thinking and innovation within the team.
• Does not provide opportunities for the team to develop creativity and innovation skills.
• Does not collaborate with the team to generate new and innovative ideas.
• Not willing to experiment with new approaches or ideas, limiting the team’s ability to innovate.
• Does not seek out new and innovative solutions to problems.
• Not receptive to feedback or suggestions from the team regarding creative solutions.
• Does not prioritize creativity and innovation in the team’s goals and objectives.
• Does not invest in training or development programs to enhance the team’s creativity and innovation skills.
• Does not provide a safe and supportive environment for the team to take creative risks.
• Does not encourage the team to challenge the status quo and think outside the box.
• Does not recognize or appreciate the value of creative thinking and innovation in achieving business goals.
• Not proactive in seeking out new and innovative opportunities for the team.
• Does not provide the necessary autonomy and freedom for the team to explore creative solutions.
• Does not empower the team to take ownership of their creativity and innovation efforts.
• Does not recognize or address barriers that may hinder the team’s ability to be creative and innovative.
• Does not provide the necessary support and resources for the team to implement creative solutions.

Accountability performance review phrases

Providing employees with feedback on accountability encourages responsibility, trust, and high performance, contributing to your company’s success.

Performance review accountability

In performance reviews, accountability is crucial for assessing employees’ reliability and commitment to their roles . Feedback on accountability evaluates their ability to take ownership of their work, meet deadlines, and fulfill commitments. It reinforces the importance of responsibility and reliability while setting clear expectations for future performance. By recognizing instances of accountability and addressing areas for improvement, managers cultivate a culture of trust and integrity within the organization, ultimately leading to improved employee engagement and productivity.

• Demonstrates responsibility by assisting team mates with their tasks willingly.
• Takes full accountability for actions and never avoids responsibility.
• Assists coworkers promptly in response to workload changes.
• Offers assistance to others proactively.
• Volunteers assistance even when not expected.
• Displays empathy towards others’ needs.
• Strives to foster a positive work atmosphere.
• Shows awareness of external environmental needs.
• Efficiently utilizes time consistently.
• Welcomes feedback on work openly.
• Takes ownership of tasks from start to finish autonomously.
• Identifies when additional help is needed and finds solutions without compromising quality or deadlines.
• Acknowledges mistakes as opportunities for growth.
• Considers impacts of actions and decisions on others.
• Leads by example with a strong work ethic.
• Maintains integrity and earns trust through consistent demonstration of competence.
• Respects organizational hierarchy while contributing innovative ideas.
• Finds purpose in work beyond self-interest.
• Considers multiple perspectives and builds consensus before deciding on solutions.
• Gives credit to others and shares team accomplishments.
• Meets commitments reliably while adapting plans to new information.
• Maintains a positive, solution-oriented mindset under stress.
• Advocates for process improvements based on objective data.
• Builds cooperative relationships across departments to enhance coordination.
• Leads with compassion and mentorship.
• Remains solutions-focused under pressure.
• Admits gaps in knowledge and seeks guidance.
• Approaches conflicts with empathy, fairness, and good faith.
• Holds self to high standards with diligence.
• Focuses on completing tasks before moving to new priorities.
• Proactively leads and anticipates challenges.
• Sets vision and strategy while empowering others.
• Fosters a growth culture where all contribute.
• Maintains a learning mindset to optimize outcomes.
• Fosters collaboration for maximum impact.
• Frequently shifts responsibility onto others.
• Reluctant to acknowledge failures.
• Struggles with accepting responsibility.
• Often makes excuses for failure.
• Blames processes and policies for shortcomings.
• Resists feedback that challenges assumptions.
• Takes credit for team accomplishments while avoiding blame.
• Focuses on others’ mistakes rather than supporting improvement.
• Fails to follow through on commitments.
• Makes excuses for missed deadlines.
• Acts entitled and resistant to additional responsibilities.
• Avoids owning up to subpar work.
• Plays the blame game instead of resolving issues constructively.
• Lacks self-awareness and initiative.
• Needs constant supervision and prompting.
• Becomes defensive when standards are enforced.
• Acts entitled when asked to improve.
• Lacks ownership over projects.
• Misses obvious problems.
• Avoids difficult conversations and decisions.
• Fails to acknowledge missteps.
• Lacks attention to detail and quality.
• Acts entitled when given feedback.
• Lacks initiative and ownership.
• Plays the victim rather than taking responsibility.

Performance review customer focus

Providing employees with feedback about customer focus is crucial as it reinforces the importance of prioritizing customer needs and customer satisfaction . This feedback aligns employee behavior with organizational goals, empowers employees to understand the impact of their interactions on customer experiences, and improves customer retention and business outcomes.

Performance review phrases for customer focus

• Demonstrates skill in finding the right approach with any client, even the most critical.
• Maintains politeness and friendliness with customers, avoiding interruptions during conversations.
• Commits to fulfilling promises made to clients without fail.
• Prioritizes the comfort and convenience of clients.
• Goes above and beyond job requirements consistently to satisfy customers.
• Exhibits proficiency in working with clients, receiving no complaints from them.
• Handles difficult customers gracefully.
• Achieves consistently high marks on customer satisfaction surveys.
• Provides consistent, quality service to all customers.
• Follows up with customers promptly.
• Ensures customers are accurately informed, making an extra effort to do so.
• Actively listens to customers, seeking to understand their needs and preferences.
• Responds to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Takes ownership of customer issues and diligently works to resolve them.
• Anticipates customer needs and offers proactive solutions.
• Demonstrates empathy and understanding when customers express frustration.
• Maintains a positive attitude even when dealing with challenging customers.
• Takes responsibility for customer outcomes and aims to exceed expectations.
• Builds rapport and trust with customers through consistent high-quality service.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to changing customer needs.
• Possesses a deep understanding of the products or services provided to customers.
• Seeks feedback from customers to improve service and product offerings.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of customer interactions and needs.
• Responds to customer complaints urgently and resolves them quickly.
• Proactively identifies and addresses potential customer issues.
• Exhibits patience and persistence in resolving complex customer issues.
• Stays informed about competitors and industry trends to better serve customers.
• Can handle everyday customer service situations but lacks flexibility and knowledge in complex issues.
• Needs to reduce average time per call, especially when it is high.
• Handles phone customer service well but struggles with face-to-face interactions.
• Receives consistently low marks in customer satisfaction surveys.
• Needs improvement in active listening skills.
• Attendance and participation in customer service training sessions are lacking.
• Frequently passes challenging issues to others instead of addressing them personally.
• Demonstrates frustration with clients who ask questions.
• Struggles with difficult customers, often deferring to a supervisor.
• Lacks initiative in finding solutions to challenging customer issues.
• Displays impatience or irritation with customers who have complex needs.
• Fails to take ownership of customer issues and often passes them to others.
• Lacks timely and effective follow-up with customers.
• Shows a lack of empathy and understanding with dissatisfied customers.
• Communicates poorly with customers, leading to misunderstandings.
• Does not take responsibility for customer outcomes and tends to blame external factors.
• Provides inconsistent service quality to customers.
• Fails to anticipate customer needs or proactively offer solutions.
• Does not seek or utilize customer feedback for improvement.
• Neglects to maintain accurate records of customer interactions.
• Responds slowly to customer complaints and does not resolve them promptly.
• Lacks patience and persistence in resolving complex customer issues.
• Lacks understanding of products or services offered to customers.
• Fails to adapt to changing customer needs.
• Does not maintain professionalism in high-pressure situations.
• Lacks understanding of the importance of customer service.
• Fails to proactively address potential customer issues.
• Does not take customer feedback seriously or use it for improvement.
• Fails to fulfill commitments made to customers, leading to dissatisfaction.
• Shows reluctance to learn and improve in customer service skills.

Performance review phrases decision making

Providing employees with feedback about problem-solving and decision-making skills is essential for fostering innovation and efficiency. By acknowledging strengths and addressing areas for improvement, feedback empowers employees to develop critical thinking and sound judgment, leading to better problem resolution and increased productivity. Use these performance review phrases tailored to decision-making and problem-solving to provide employees with specific and actionable feedback .

Performance review phrases problem solving

• Skillful at analyzing situations and working out solutions.
• Clearly defines problems and seeks alternative solutions.
• Demonstrates decisiveness in difficult situations.
• Makes sound, fact-based judgments.
• Carefully analyzes issues and explores different resolutions.
• Demonstrates creativity and innovation in problem-solving.
• Prioritizes competing demands and makes tough decisions.
• Displays good judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Identifies root causes of problems and addresses them effectively.
• Considers all factors before determining the best course of action.
• Thinks through potential consequences before finalizing plans.
• Objectively weighs pros and cons to arrive at well-reasoned conclusions.
• Solicits input from others to gain diverse perspectives.
• Maintains composure under pressure and makes level-headed choices.
• Approaches issues with an open mind to find optimal solutions.
• Thinks creatively to tackle challenging problems.
• Learns from past experiences to improve decision making.
• Breaks large problems down into manageable pieces.
• Balances the bigger picture with important details.
• Gathers relevant facts from reliable sources.
• Adapts decisions based on new information.
• Finds practical solutions within constraints.
• Evaluates outcomes and adjusts as needed.
• Foresees potential obstacles or consequences.
• Balances risks and potential benefits in decision making.
• Draws logical conclusions based on evidence.
• Considers diverse viewpoints to develop plans.
• Prioritizes and tackles important issues first.
• Remains open to new information and perspectives.
• Re-evaluates solutions against goals and refines as needed.
• Anticipates second and third order effects of choices.
• Applies overly complex approaches to problem-solving.
• Struggles with difficult problems.
• Avoids awkward situations.
• Loses focus when faced with complexity.
• Makes hasty decisions without considering factors.
• Fails to acknowledge flaws in reasoning.
• Makes inconsistent decisions without rationale.
• Does not re-evaluate choices when needed.
• Fails to consider implications of decisions.
• Does not gather sufficient information.
• Allows emotions to cloud judgment.
• Rejects contradictory input.
• Becomes flustered under pressure.
• Approaches issues with closed mind.
• Focuses on single solutions.
• Fails to see broader implications.
• Does not learn from past errors.
• Makes excuses for unsuccessful solutions.
• Avoids responsibility for consequences.
• Jumps to conclusions without facts.
• Struggles to break problems down.
• Loses sight of overarching goals.
• Relies on anecdotes over data.
• Fails to re-examine assumptions.
• Does not establish evaluation criteria.
• Ignores potential challenges.
• Struggles to prioritize effectively.
• Fails to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Proposes unrealistic solutions.
• Rushes through decisions without analysis.

Performance review phrases for dependability

Providing employees with feedback about dependability is crucial for maintaining trust and efficiency within the organization. It reinforces the importance of reliability and meeting deadlines , helping employees understand how their performance impacts team dynamics and productivity. By addressing areas needing improvement, feedback empowers employees to enhance their dependability and contribute more effectively to organizational success, fostering a culture of accountability and reliability.

Performance review phrases reliability

• Willing to work overtime until the project is finished.
• The go-to person if the task absolutely must be completed by a given time.
• Dependable and turns in good performance each day. Never fails to impress.
• Shows faithful commitment to getting the job done, consistently performing at or above expectations.
• Known for dependability and willingness to do what it takes.
• Can be counted upon for steady performance.
• Consistently demonstrates solid performance in all aspects of work.
• Handles projects conscientiously from start to finish.
• Meets deadlines reliably and completes work within expected timeframes.
• Follows through consistently and honors commitments.
• Accepts responsibility for tasks and sees them through to completion.
• Maintains a consistent level of quality and effort in all duties.
• Work is thoroughly done right the first time with few errors.
• Can be counted on to handle important tasks independently.
• Punctual and dependable in attendance and timekeeping.
• Keeps others informed of progress and potential delays.
• Maintains focus and follows through to the end of projects.
• Colleagues trust that work assigned will be done reliably.
• Accountable and takes ownership of responsibilities.
• Performance level remains consistent even under pressure.
• Maintains composure and continues working steadily.
• Proactive in preventing delays or issues with deadlines.
• Work habits demonstrate discipline and dependability.
• A rock others can lean on in times of heavy workload.
• Performance level is unwavering despite distractions.
• Delivers on commitments with consistent effort and quality.
• Cannot depend on him. Better to assign tasks to someone else.
• Productivity is not as good as coworkers’.
• Very loyal but cannot be depended on. An irresponsible person.
• Demands reliability from others, but not from himself.
• Energy, drive, and performance levels are inconsistent and unpredictable.
• Makes promises that aren’t kept.
• Guarantees deadlines will be met, but consistently misses them.
• Reliable when it suits him, constantly needs reminders for disliked tasks.
• Work quality and effort levels vary unpredictably.
• Does not demonstrate consistent ownership of responsibilities.
• Makes excuses when failing to follow through on commitments.
• Others cannot rely on him to manage important duties independently.
• Work is error-prone, quality is not maintained.
• Easily distracted or sidetracked from tasks.
• Productivity decreases significantly under normal pressure.
• Unreliable and inconsistent in following instructions.
• Does not take initiative or demonstrate accountability.
• Struggles to multi-task or manage deadlines effectively.
• Colleagues cannot depend on tasks being done right the first time.
• Becomes overwhelmed and makes poor choices when busy.
• Struggles to maintain focus and follow projects through.
• Misses important details and fails to deliver quality work.
• Does not keep others informed of progress or delays.
• Work cannot be depended on to meet professional standards.
• Easily distracted by unrelated tasks or personal matters.

Performance review phrases integrity

Providing employees with feedback about integrity is crucial for upholding trust and ethical standards within the organization. It reinforces the importance of honesty, transparency, and adherence to organizational values, helping employees understand the impact of their actions on the workplace culture and reputation. Addressing any integrity concerns empowers employees to uphold ethical standards and contribute to a positive work environment, fostering honesty and trustworthiness throughout the organization.

Performance appraisal phrases for integrity

• Very honest, never abusing company benefits for personal purposes.
• Highly principled, treating all coworkers equally, regardless of gender, age, or any other factor.
• Has the ability to resolve disputes with clients and partners peacefully.
• Discourages gossip or other negative discourse at the workplace, forming a good working climate.
• Understands legal responsibility to the company very well.
• Strong sense of integrity underlies all dealings with vendors.
• Makes decisions that consistently reflect a strong commitment to acting reputably.
• Never shares confidential company information with outsiders without proper authorization.
• Reports any violations of company policies or code of conduct witnessed.
• Handles all customer complaints with empathy, respect, and care.
• Takes responsibility for own mistakes and learns from them.
• Gives credit to colleagues for their contributions and does not take sole credit for teamwork.
• Leads by example with high ethical standards in all dealings.
• Honest and transparent in all communication with management and peers.
• Handles conflicts of interest appropriately and does not let personal interests influence professional decisions.
• Respects privacy and protects sensitive information of customers, partners, and the company.
• Makes well-considered decisions keeping long-term interests of stakeholders in mind.
• Takes a principled stand against unfair treatment or discrimination.
• Acts with utmost integrity in all internal and external interactions.
• Takes responsibility for ensuring team follows the company code of conduct.
• Leads by setting an example of high ethical values in day-to-day work.
• Honest and transparent in documenting work progress and results.
• Takes initiative to clarify and understand expectations to avoid misunderstandings.
• Respects and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Handles sensitive information with discretion and does not misuse authority or access.
• Truthful and factual in preparing any documents and records.
• Leads by personal example of ethical and lawful conduct.
• Occasionally made misleading statements that needed correction.
• Accusations from customers of being untruthful.
• Integrity does not seem to rank particularly highly on priorities.
• Expects integrity from others, but doesn’t always display it himself.
• Demonstrates acceptable levels of integrity only intermittently.
• Showed several recent lapses in integrity.
• Violates company standards and expectations regarding employee integrity.
• Cost the company customers and money because of disingenuous behavior.
• Integrity seems flexible when it suits purposes.
• Lack of integrity undermines effectiveness and damages credibility.

Performance review phrases flexibility

Feedback on flexibility in performance reviews is important as it encourages employees to adapt to change and new ideas. It helps create a culture of innovation and agility in the organization. Ultimately, addressing flexibility promotes individual growth and organizational success.

• Ready to make new and carefully considered decisions if the situation has changed and the previous actions have become inappropriate.
• Ready to work extra hours if urgent and essential issues must be solved by the end of the day.
• Strong and confident but at the same time open-minded. Always ready to consider proposals from colleagues.
• Always stays aware of market changes to be able to react immediately. This awareness helps the company develop and flourish.
• Shows initiative and is flexible when approaching new tasks.
• Ready to consider new perspectives and adjust views if compelling counterarguments are presented.
• Willing to take on additional responsibilities outside normal role when the team needs support.
• Adapts smoothly to changing priorities and demands without becoming frustrated or overwhelmed.
• Remains open to alternative solutions even after committing to a particular course of action.
• Embraces diverse viewpoints and values the unique perspectives of all team members.
• Receptive to feedback and uses it constructively to strengthen performance.
• Transitions between tasks seamlessly thanks to ability to stay focused yet flexible.
• Brings a versatile skill set to each new challenge and finds innovative ways to add value.
• Tailors approach based on the unique needs of diverse clients and stakeholders.
• Readily takes on different roles to ensure all work gets done to a high standard.
• Handles unforeseen complications calmly and creatively without compromising quality or deadlines.
• Maintains a high level of performance despite unpredictable demands and shifting company priorities.
• Embraces change proactively and sees it as an opportunity rather than a disruption.
• Finds the upside in difficulties and uses challenges to strengthen adaptability.
• Approaches each new task with an open and inquisitive mindset rather than rigid preconceptions.
• Does not excel at activities which require a high degree of flexibility.
• Can change point of view without analyzing or defending it. Should be more certain about proposals.
• Tends to resist activities where the path is unknown.
• Becomes uptight when the plan changes.
• Not comfortable when the agenda changes unexpectedly.
• Prefers sticking to a set routine and gets uneasy with unexpected deviations.
• Adapting to new situations does not come naturally and would benefit from being more open to change.
• Gets stuck in rigid thinking and has difficulty considering alternative perspectives.
• Shows reluctance to adjust approach even when presented with a better option.
• New information that contradicts preconceptions can make defensive rather than open-minded.
• Last-minute changes can frustrate as likes advance preparation and scheduling.
• Tendency to get stuck in rigid ways of thinking instead of considering different perspectives.
• Adjusting to alternative solutions requires more effort than sticking to original idea.
• Shows reluctance to modify strategies even when circumstances change.
• Openness to alternate viewpoints is an area that can further develop for improved flexibility.
• Demonstrates rigidity in thinking patterns and could benefit from strengthening adaptability skills.
• Going outside prescribed processes to get work done can be challenging.

Performance review for leadership

Providing employees with feedback about leadership skills during performance reviews is essential for their career growth and the organization’s success. This feedback helps employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement in leading teams and projects, aligning their behavior with organizational goals and values. By addressing any gaps in leadership capabilities, feedback empowers employees to enhance their skills and positively impact team performance, fostering a culture of effective leadership within the organization .

• Distributes resources in an appropriate manner depending on the priority of assignments.
• Establishes a corporate culture of reliability and caring.
• Is ready to share information and knowledge for the common development of all staff.
• Is very helpful when mentoring entry-level staff getting used to their jobs.
• Creates a culture of dialogue.
• Recognizes staff for a job well done.
• Allocates tasks appropriately based on the prior assignments.
• Understands people and the different ways to motivate them to get the job done.
• Provides constant coaching and guidance to employees.
• Cultivates an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation.
• Leads by example with integrity and strong work ethic.
• Empowers staff to take initiative within clear guidelines.
• Encourages open communication up and down the chain.
• Provides regular constructive feedback and coaching.
• Celebrates both individual and team achievements.
• Makes oneself available as needed for guidance.
• Helps staff set and pursue career development goals.
• Delegates appropriately based on competencies.
• Gives credit to staff for accomplishments.
• Removes obstacles to allow staff to excel.
• Provides stretch assignments for growth opportunities.
• Leads with a vision that inspires commitment.
• Empowers staff to find innovative solutions.
• Cultivates an inclusive environment of respect.
• Confuses the employees through different directions and guidance.
• Rarely shows appreciation for good performance.
• Fails to explain procedures to subordinates clearly. Lacks the qualifications to be an effective mentor.
• Gets frustrated easily with new team members and fails to offer any support.
• Often impatient and unhelpful.
• Sends mixed signals to the team regarding goals and day-to-day activities.
• Rarely shows any recognition to the team.
• Sets unreasonably high expectations for the team.
• Provides inconsistent direction without clarity.
• Does not recognize contributions publicly.
• Lacks patience when explaining procedures.
• Appears unsupportive of new staff questions.
• Shows irritation easily instead of calm guidance.
• Sends conflicting cues about priorities.
• Sets unrealistic targets without resources.
• Does not cultivate an atmosphere of trust.
• Delegates poorly without clarity on expectations.
• Does not connect staff to learning opportunities.
• Lacks vision and fails to inspire commitment.
• Plays favorites within the team.
• Shows lack of interest in staff development.
• Fails to build an inclusive work culture.
• Lacks integrity and consistency in leadership.
• Is unavailable and unapproachable as needed.

Performance review comments initiative

Providing feedback on initiative during performance reviews is important because it encourages employees to take action and contribute ideas. It helps create a culture where employees feel empowered to drive progress and innovation . Ultimately, addressing initiative promotes success for both individuals and the organization.

• Doesn’t wait for instructions, shows initiative to find new tasks.
• Requires minimal supervision, shows initiative independently.
• Goal-oriented, sets own priorities to accomplish job.
• Takes initiative in overcoming obstacles and finding resolutions.
• Considered best person in group for innovative ideas and effective working methods.
• Never minds taking on new tasks, even the most difficult ones.
• Consistently looks for ways to add more value through continuous improvement.
• Willingly takes on additional responsibilities outside core job scope.
• Proactively seeks out new challenges and stretches continuously.
• Takes ownership and drives tasks from start to finish without needing oversight.
• Solves problems independently before escalating issues.
• Identifies needs and opportunities others may miss and acts quickly.
• Leads by example, inspires others through high levels of self-motivation.
• Identifies and implements efficiencies to optimize performance.
• Initiates collaborative relationships for mutual benefit.
• Takes on additional work during peak periods without needing to be asked.
• Approaches challenges with a can-do attitude, finds solutions independently.
• Identifies and acts on opportunities for organizational improvement.
• Proactively manages workload and workstreams with little supervision.
• Implements best practices to continuously raise performance.
• Takes ownership of projects, driving them proactively.
• Applies skills to new areas for organization’s benefit.
• Builds strong internal and external working relationships proactively.
• Contributes innovative ideas at team meetings and discussions.
• Takes on stretch assignments eagerly to accelerate learning and growth.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives independently.
• Implements new processes or systems for enhanced effectiveness.
• Pitches in to help others complete their work as needed.
• Takes actions independently to advance organizational priorities and strategy.
• Seems too difficult for him to do job on his own.
• Poor abilities to establish priorities and courses of action for self, lacks planning and follow-up skills to achieve results.
• Needs close supervision when performing assignments.
• Doesn’t seek out opportunities to learn and grow within role.
• Passively waits to be told what to do rather than driving tasks proactively.
• Lacks motivation, relies heavily on external direction.
• Fails to identify needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Does not look for ways to add more value or take on additional responsibilities.
• Avoids or is slow to take on new challenges and stretch assignments.
• Escalates issues prematurely rather than solving problems independently.
• Struggles to work independently, not self-starting.
• Lacks proactive, solution-oriented approach to tasks and challenges.
• Fails to identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Relies on others to identify additional work needed during peaks.
• Lacks can-do attitude, depends on others to solve problems.
• Ineffective at independent time management and workload prioritization.
• Does not initiate implementation of industry best practices.
• Lacks ownership over projects, depends on significant oversight.
• Rarely contributes innovative ideas or suggestions proactively.

Employee performance review comments job knowledge

Giving employees feedback about job knowledge during performance reviews is essential to ensure they have the skills needed for their roles . It reinforces the importance of continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends. Addressing job knowledge promotes competence, growth, and excellence within the organization.

Performance review job knowledge phrases

• Possesses perfect knowledge and skills useful for the job.
• Has deep knowledge of products and particular characteristics of company’s products.
• Takes available opportunities to increase knowledge of relevant job skills.
• Completes assignments accurately and efficiently.
• Maintains up-to-date level of professional and technical knowledge.
• Demonstrates knowledge of job on a daily basis.
• Always applies new knowledge to work and keeps up with changes in field.
• Has excellent grasp of technical aspects of role.
• Seeks out opportunities for continuous learning and skills development.
• Demonstrates expertise when answering questions from others.
• Applies specialized skills and knowledge effectively to all tasks.
• Troubleshoots issues efficiently using in-depth product understanding.
• Keeps well-informed of best practices and emerging standards.
• Delivers work to expert level through extensive learning.
• Takes advantage of all training opportunities provided.
• Shares knowledge and expertise willingly with others.
• Learns quickly and applies new skills independently.
• Stays well-informed on industry news and competitor offerings.
• Contributes insights based on in-depth knowledge and research.
• Provides expert guidance to others regularly.
• Enhances knowledge continuously through self-study.
• Makes complex topics easily understood for others.
• Recommends process improvements based on leading practices.
• Mentors less experienced team members effectively.
• Incorporates feedback to enhance skills and performance.
• Cannot fulfill duties due to lack of necessary knowledge of job.
• Not as knowledgeable about job and its requirements as expected.
• Doesn’t know key fundamentals of job, always asks for other people’s instruction.
• Repeatedly asks same questions about job duties, does not retain important information.
• Skill set does not meet requirements for job.
• Not taking advantage of available learning resources to expand job knowledge.
• Relies too heavily on others rather than developing greater self-sufficiency.
• Learning plan needed to strengthen job knowledge and skills.
• Consistently demonstrates lack of understanding of job requirements and expectations.
• Job knowledge falls short of what is necessary to perform duties effectively.
• Frequently makes mistakes due to inadequate knowledge of job.
• Struggles to keep up with demands of job due to limited understanding of its complexities.
• Has not demonstrated necessary proficiency in job duties despite attempts to improve performance.
• Has not shown significant improvement in job knowledge since hire date.
• Frequently requires assistance from colleagues to complete tasks within job knowledge.
• Appears to have limited understanding of company’s policies and procedures.
• Has not demonstrated ability to apply job knowledge to real-world situations.
• Lacks necessary training and experience to perform job duties effectively.
• Has not demonstrated understanding of importance of job duties to company’s success.
• Consistently fails to meet expectations set for job performance.
• Struggles to keep up with changes in industry due to limited job knowledge.
• Has not shown initiative to improve job knowledge or seek additional training.

Planning and organizing performance review phrases

Giving feedback on planning and organizing during performance reviews helps employees work more efficiently . It reminds them to set goals, prioritize tasks , and manage time effectively. Improving these skills leads to better results for the organization.

Meets or exceed expectations

• Demonstrates good organizational and planning skills.
• Adheres to deadlines and meets production benchmarks.
• Prioritizes tasks effectively based on importance and urgency.
• Allocates sufficient time and resources to complete projects according to deadlines.
• Schedules work systematically and maintains detailed work plans.
• Anticipates risks and roadblocks in advance to plan contingencies.
• Delegates tasks based on skills and workload of team members.
• Monitors progress regularly and makes adjustments to plans proactively.
• Maintains organized documentation, records, and reports on ongoing work.
• Schedules important meetings to ensure timely coordination and progress.
• Plans budgets effectively and completes projects within allocated cost estimates.
• Manages time efficiently and completes tasks as scheduled without delays.
• Establishes standard operating procedures for efficient task completion.
• Plans for potential emergencies and contingencies in advance.
• Schedules work in a manner that prioritizes quality over quantity.
• Ensures proper coordination between different teams and departments.
• Maintains a calendar of important dates and deadlines to track progress.
• Schedules work in a manner that balances multiple ongoing projects.
• Plans and schedules work to achieve objectives within given timeframes.
• Prioritizes new tasks based on strategic organizational goals and objectives.
• Schedules tasks for optimum resource utilization and efficiency.
• Finds it difficult to plan an action without instruction.
• Fails to resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Finds it challenging to determine priorities among competing demands on time.
• Has trouble planning work schedule around deadlines and commitments.
• Requires frequent supervision to stay on track and complete tasks.
• Gets easily distracted and has difficulties managing interruptions.
• Fails to anticipate resource requirements and bottlenecks in advance.
• Struggles to adapt plans when priorities change or issues arise.
• Finds it hard to delegate tasks and monitor progress independently.
• Does not maintain documentation and records work updates properly.
• Has difficulties coordinating with others and sharing status updates.
• Lacks attention to detail and often misses important planning steps.
• Unable to estimate time requirements accurately for projects.
• Does not consider quality standards while scheduling work.
• Fails to identify and mitigate risks proactively in project plans.
• Unable to adapt to changes in priorities or scope without issues.
• Struggles to think ahead and anticipate future planning requirements.
• Unable to allocate budgets effectively for projects and tasks.
• Requires reminders to schedule important client or vendor meetings.

Performance review phrases time management

Giving feedback on time management during performance reviews helps employees work more efficiently and meet deadlines. It reminds them to prioritize tasks and manage their workload effectively. Improving time management skills leads to better performance and outcomes for the organization.

Performance review time management phrases

• Performs tasks with dedication and always accomplishes them on time.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage various tasks and complete them punctually.
• Uses time effectively to address both major and minor responsibilities weekly.
• Divides time logically to achieve set goals.
• Sets clear priorities and objectives to remain focused on important tasks.
• Prioritizes tasks and efficiently completes them within given timeframes.
• Prepares detailed schedules and accurately estimates task durations.
• Avoids distractions to maximize productivity.
• Allocates sufficient buffer time for contingencies and revisions.
• Multitasks effectively without compromising work quality.
• Periodically re-evaluates schedules and adjusts timelines proactively.
• Delegates tasks appropriately for optimal workload distribution.
• Regularly monitors progress against schedules and deadlines.
• Consistently completes tasks on time and manages time effectively.
• Respects others’ time and fulfills commitments as promised.
• Transparently shares status and challenges regarding timelines.
• Manages time effectively, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Highly organized and effectively manages time to meet all deadlines.
• Unable to manage time effectively, repeatedly missing project deadlines.
• Needs to improve time management skills for better efficiency.
• Should create weekly work plans to optimize task performance.
• Struggles to complete tasks due to ineffective time management.
• Takes excessive time to complete tasks, requiring better weekly planning.
• Fails to prioritize tasks and loses focus on critical assignments.
• Underestimates task durations.
• Procrastinates and delays tasks until the last minute.
• Easily distracted by social media or non-work related activities.
• Lacks planning and scheduling skills to manage work effectively.
• Ineffective in delegating tasks.
• Fails to communicate proactively about delays or missed deadlines.
• Does not set clear objectives or priorities for work.
• Unable to estimate realistic timelines for tasks and projects.
• Does not regularly monitor progress against schedules and deadlines.
• Disregards others’ time and frequently misses commitments.
• Does not take ownership of work and blames external factors for delays.

Performance review phrases attitude

Providing feedback on attitude during performance reviews is important for a positive workplace . It emphasizes the value of teamwork and productivity, helping employees understand how their behavior affects colleagues and the organization’s culture .

• Builds an atmosphere of trust within the team.
• Cheerful attitude uplifts others in his presence.
• Never complains about the job or colleagues.
• Focuses on the positives when dealing with problems.
• Enthusiastically motivates other team members.
• Finds opportunities to praise others for their efforts and accomplishments.
• Maintains a positive outlook even during stressful times.
• Energy and optimism are contagious.
• Makes others feel valued and respected.
• Looks for solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
• Smile and friendly manner create a pleasant work environment.
• Finds the good in every situation.
• Positivity raises the morale of those around him.
• Makes others feel heard and encourages open communication.
• Optimism is contagious and lifts the spirits of colleagues.
• Looks for lessons in failures and mistakes.
• Encouragement and support motivate others to do their best.
• Brings a sense of fun to work.
• Finds ways to acknowledge others for their efforts regularly.
• Friendly demeanor puts others at ease.
• Expresses appreciation for colleagues and their contributions.
• Enthusiasm is contagious and inspires hard work.
• Focuses on shared goals and teamwork rather than individual accomplishments.
• Positivity makes him a pleasure to work with.
• Finds ways to learn from both successes and failures.
• Can-do attitude boosts productivity.
• Makes others feel their contributions are valued.
• Upbeat manner keeps the team working together harmoniously.
• Language and voice level can be inappropriate.
• Tends to trigger problems between coworkers.
• Displays an overly sensitive and pessimistic personality, focusing too much on negatives.
• Talks negatively about other team members.
• Needs to focus on the positive aspects of the job and team.
• Complaints undermine team morale.
• Dwells excessively on problems rather than seeking solutions.
• Contributes to tension and friction within the team.
• Often has troubles with coworkers, easily angered and argumentative.
• Pessimism saps the energy of colleagues.
• Finds fault easily and fails to acknowledge others’ efforts.
• Takes criticism too personally and becomes defensive.
• Blames others and refuses to accept responsibility for mistakes.
• Lacks tact and consideration in interactions.
• Needs to control temper and attitude, avoiding strong reactions to negatives.
• Fails to acknowledge colleagues’ good work.
• Irritability negatively impacts morale and team cohesion.
• Criticism of colleagues breeds resentment and mistrust.
• Sees setbacks as personal failures rather than learning opportunities.
• Complaints and criticisms distract from productive discussions.
• Contributes more problems than solutions.
• Lacks emotional control and self-awareness in interactions.
• Focuses excessively on minor issues rather than larger goals.

Ending a performance review with closing comments is an opportunity to summarize key points, express appreciation, and set expectations for the future.

Here’s how you could do it:

“Thank you for your dedication and commitment throughout this review process. Your hard work and achievements are greatly valued and appreciated. As we move forward, I encourage you to continue building on your strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Thank you again for your contributions to our team.”

For a simple, yet effective method of employee evaluation, download this free 9 box grid template or this free 360 degree feedback template .

Performance evaluation software

Conducting performance reviews can consume a significant amount of your valuable time and require considerable effort to ensure efficiency. Consequently, they are often overlooked or not taken seriously. However, they are among the most useful tools for enhancing workforce productivity and fostering teamwork, thereby sustaining the organization in the long term.

The most effective way to conduct performance reviews is through HR (human resources) software. Factorial, an HR software solution , offers a comprehensive set of performance management tools and analytics . To learn more about how Factorial can streamline your HR processes by centralizing them in a single platform —rather than scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and paperwork— book a demo to chat with an HR product specialist by clicking the banner below or the button in the top right corner!

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100 Employee Performance Review Comments and Phrases!

by Emre Ok July 3, 2024, 6:36 pm updated August 2, 2024, 2:01 pm 92k Views

In this freshly updated list, you will find 100 of the best performance review comments on some of the most relevant performance appraisal topics today.

We know that every leader and reviewer has their own rapport with their employees and the performance review phrases they use will rely heavily on that very relationship.

The performance review comments and phrases in this list are only meant to serve as a structural guide for reviewers as they respond to their employees during performance appraisals. You can also refer to performance review summary examples for additional context and ideas.

While the sample review phrases on this list can simply be used as they are, what we recommend is that you make adjustments using examples from real cases and occurrences from that employee’s performance through the review period.

Before we move on with our list of performance review comments examples, we also wanted to provide you with one of the easiest ways you can respond to performance reviews!

Table of Contents

Can I use AI to write performance review comments? 

Yes, you can! For those reviewers who have too many performance reviews to comment on but still want to respond to them personally effectively, using an AI writing assistant is a solid idea.  

Teamflect’s digital performance review templates come with a built-in AI writing assistant that allows reviewers to enhance their review responses and comments with the help of AI! When responding to a performance review, you have the option: 

• Lengthen 
• Shorten 
• Formalize 
• Spell Check 
• Regenerate 

Your review comments, as well as check for biased language! You can try this feature alongside customizable digital performance review templates right inside Microsoft Teams by clicking the button below. 

Performance Review Phrases About Communication Skills 

While communication skills are a key aspect of employee performance and have a place in performance appraisals, performance review comments or phrases about communication skills have a very thin line to walk. Out of all the supervisor comments examples on this list, review phrases about communication skills have the most risk of making the employee feel like this is a direct attack on their personality. 

While many aspects of employee performance or position-related competencies depend on voluntary decisions and planned actions, how individuals communicate is more natural and reflexive. To help you navigate this area, here are sample performance review phrases about communication skills. 

Positive Performance Review Phrases:  

• “You consistently impress with how you communicate your ideas and feedback so clearly and effectively. You ensuring everyone understands your perspective and that is a huge asset to your team.  
• “You excel at active listening and it helps you address concerns and provide thoughtful responses to your team members.”  
• “You regularly use clear and concise language in your written communications. Messages from you are always easy to understand, leaving no room for misunderstandings.”  
• “Regardless of the situation, you always maintain a positive and approachable demeanor and it hasn’t gone unnoticed! You easily encourage open communication and collaboration among your colleagues.”  
• “You effectively facilitate meetings, ensuring all participants have a chance to contribute and feel heard.”  

Constructive Performance Review Comments:  

• “You could benefit from providing more detailed explanations when sharing complex information to ensure all team members fully grasp the concepts.”  
• “You sometimes dominate conversations, which can make it difficult for others to share their thoughts. Try to balance speaking and listening.”  
• “You might improve your communication by considering the audience’s perspective and tailoring your messages accordingly.”  
• “You tend to rely heavily on email for important communications. Incorporating more face-to-face or virtual meetings could enhance clarity and understanding.”  
• “You could work on managing your tone and body language during stressful situations to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a positive work environment.”  

Examples of Quality of Work Performance Review Phrases  

Performance review comments about quality of work form the backbone of the performance appraisal process. More often than not the quality of an employee’s work is one of the most simple and direct indicators of high or low performance. As is the case with all different performance feedback types, there are some areas to be mindful of. 

Regardless of an individual’s seniority in the organization, whether we are writing performance review comments for managers or direct reports, we need to keep in mind that people have a tendency to fall in love with their work. When that work is criticized without care, it may damage the relationship. Below you will find performance review comment examples on quality of work: 

Positive Phrases:  

• “The work you deliver is consistently at a very high quality. This not only reflects well on your performance and benefits the organization but also sets a high standard for your teammates..”  
• “You pay great attention to detail. We’ve noticed that your work is always crisp, accurate and free from errors.”  
• “This review period, you’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, regularly going above and beyond to produce outstanding results.”  
• “I can see that you show a deep understanding of your tasks, which is reflected in the high quality of your outputs.”  
• “You take pride in your work, consistently producing thorough and well-researched deliverables.”  

Constructive Phrases:  

• “You could benefit from dedicating more time to reviewing your work to ensure it meets the expected quality standards.”  
• “You sometimes rush through tasks, leading to avoidable errors. While we appreciate your desire to be more productive, slowing down and double-checking your work could enhance its quality.”  
• “You might improve the quality of your work by seeking feedback from peers and incorporating their suggestions.”  
• “You tend to overlook minor details, which can affect the overall quality of your work. Paying closer attention to these details could improve your results.”  
• “You could work on enhancing the thoroughness of your work by ensuring all aspects of a task are fully addressed before considering it complete.”  

Performance Review Comments About Role-Related Competencies 

One of the core goals of a performance review is the development of talent. Employee performance should be evaluated with the intention of helping that employee grow and develop their skills in order to improve that very performance within the upcoming review period.  

In order to achieve that very goal, discussing role-related competencies is a must. While the performance review comments and phrases in this section are on the more general side when it comes to employee competencies, these example phrases can be customized to match the competency framework your organization uses. 

• “Throughout the review period, you’ve demonstrated a high level of expertise in your role, consistently applying your knowledge and skills to achieve excellent results.”  
• “You are proficient in using the tools and technologies required for your job, which enhances your efficiency and productivity.”  
• “You continuously seek to improve your competencies by staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.”  
• “You effectively apply your problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and find innovative solutions.”  
• “You exhibit strong analytical abilities, enabling you to make data-driven decisions that benefit the team and organization.”  
• “You could benefit from further developing your technical skills to better meet the demands of your role.”  
• “You might improve your job performance by seeking out additional training or professional development opportunities.”  
• “You sometimes struggle with applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Gaining more hands-on experience could help bridge this gap.”  
• “You could work on enhancing your decision-making skills by thoroughly analyzing all available information before taking action.”  
• “You tend to rely on familiar methods and approaches. Exploring new techniques and innovative solutions could improve your job performance.”  

Examples of Initiative Performance Review Phrases  

Taking initiative at work is a great indicator of a high-performing employee. That is why the discussion of taking initiative is always welcome in performance appraisals. Taking initiative not only shows the employee has taken ownership of their role and responsibilities but also how they are willing to take on more work.  

The discussion of initiative in performance reviews can quite easily facilitate conversations of succession planning and career pathing . The initiative performance review phrases below are there to help you kickstart those conversations in self reviews . 

• “You’ve shown a strong tendency to take the initiative to identify and tackle problems before they escalate. This is a sign of your proactive attitude.”  
• “You are always willing to take on additional responsibilities and go above and beyond your regular duties.”  
• “On many different occasions, you’ve proposed new ideas and improvements. This shows your commitment to enhancing our processes and outcomes.”  
• “You take the lead on projects, coordinating efforts and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.”  
• “You demonstrate strong self-motivation, regularly seeking out opportunities to contribute to the team’s success.”  

Constructive Review Phrases:  

• “We know you are capable of contributing more. You could be a bit more proactive in identifying areas where you can help without waiting for direction.”  
• “You sometimes hesitate to take on new challenges. Embracing a more proactive mindset could help you grow in your role. We trust your judgement. So should you.”  
• “You have the potential to be more effective by simply taking the initiative to address issues as they arise, as opposed to waiting for them to be assigned.”  
• “You could work on suggesting solutions to problems you identify, rather than just pointing them out.”  
• “You tend to rely on others to drive projects forward. Taking more ownership and initiative could enhance your impact on the team’s success.”  

Performance Appraisal Comments About Problem-Solving 

While each role may have its own set of competencies associated with it, the ability to solve problems as they arise is a competency shared by almost any role in an organization. So it is only natural to have performance evaluation phrases about problem solving.  

Below are 10 supervisor comment examples about an employee’s problem-solving skills. While these review phrases can be used as they are, we strongly recommend you customize them to reflect specific instances where an employee’s problem-solving skills were on display.  

• “It hasn’t gone unnoticed that you demonstrate strong problem-solving skills. You quickly identify the root causes of issues and nd develop effective solutions.”  
• “You approach challenges with a positive attitude, using creative thinking to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.”  
• “You excel at analyzing complex problems and breaking them down into manageable components. On many occasions, you’ve made it easier to find solutions.”  
• “You actively seek out information and resources to address problems, demonstrating resourcefulness and initiative.”  
• “The way you effectively collaborate with team members to brainstorm and implement solutions has enhanced the overall problem-solving process in our organization.”  
• “We believe you are capable of developing a more structured approach to problem-solving, and ensure all potential solutions are thoroughly evaluated.”  
• “There have been instances in which you’ve focused on the symptoms of a problem rather than the underlying cause. Identifying the root issue could lead to more effective solutions.”  
• “You might improve your problem-solving skills by seeking input from colleagues and considering diverse perspectives.”  
• “You have the tendancy to rush through the problem-solving process. This in turn can result in overlooking important details. Slowing down and being more thorough could enhance your effectiveness.”  
• “You could work on becoming more proactive in identifying potential problems before they arise, allowing for preemptive action.”  

Performance Review Comments About Time Management 

Another key area that has gained more and more prominence in performance appraisals is time management. Performance review comments and questions about time management skills have over time evolved to reflect an employee’s ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Creating a culture where your employees know just how much you value their work-life balance can help immensely with issues such as employee disengagement and feeling burnt out.  

• “You regularly complete tasks ahead of schedule, demonstrating excellent time management skills and reliability.”  
• “We appreciate the way you prioritize your workload. You always ensure that high-priority tasks are completed on time and with high quality.”  
• “You are adept at managing your time during meetings, keeping discussions focused and productive.”  
• “You set an example with your use of productivity tools and techniques to stay organized and manage your time efficiently.”  
• “You balance multiple projects seamlessly, meeting all deadlines without compromising the quality of your work.”  
• “We’ve noticed that you could be setting clearer priorities to ensure that high-impact tasks are completed on time.”  
• “You sometimes take on too many tasks at once, which can lead to missed deadlines. Delegating when appropriate might help manage your workload more effectively.”  
• “We appreciate the amount of work you are taking on. Perhaps you could make your life easier by breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks with specific deadlines.”  
• “There have been instances where we noticed that you underestimate the time required for some tasks. Allocating buffer time could help in managing unforeseen delays.”  
• “You could work on minimizing distractions during work hours to enhance your focus and productivity.”  

Leadership Performance Review Comments  

Performance reviews are often meant to be followed up with succession planning . Whether that includes using the 9-box talent grid or mapping out career paths for employees, this process more often than not includes the employee moving on to roles that rely more heavily on their leadership skills. 

For that and many other reasons beyond counting, we put together a list of performance review phrases about leadership. These review comments are centered around recognizing the areas in which an employee’s leadership skills shined as well as discussing some areas of improvement. 

• “You demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, consistently guiding your team towards achieving their goals with clarity and motivation.”  
• “You lead by example, maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism that inspire others to follow.”  
• “You excel at delegating tasks effectively, ensuring that team members are empowered and tasks are completed efficiently.”  
• “You possess strong decision-making abilities, confidently addressing challenges and making informed choices that benefit the team.”  
• “You foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration among all team members.”  
• “Improving your communication with team members can help ensure everyone is aligned and informed about key objectives.”  
• “You still have some room to grow when it comes to providing constructive feedback. Developing this skill could help team members grow and improve their performance.”  
• “You could improve leadership effectiveness by being more open to input and ideas from your team.”  
• “You could work on better managing conflict within the team, addressing issues promptly and fairly to maintain a harmonious work environment.”  
• “You tend to take on too many tasks yourself. Delegating more effectively could help you focus on strategic priorities and develop your team’s skills.”  

Performance Review Comments About Creativity

The last “specific” performance review comment area we want to highlight on this list is perhaps the most versatile of them all. Performance review phrases about creativity and innovation are truly necessary. Whether you are praising an employee’s creativity or simply encouraging them to be more innovative, the discussion of creativity in performance appraisals is gaining more importance every single day. 

• “You bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table. We’ve seen how this helps drive the team’s creative efforts forward.”  
• “You have, throughout the review period, demonstrated a strong ability to think outside the box, finding unique solutions to complex problems.”  
• “You are always willing to experiment with new approaches, and they often lead to successful and innovative outcomes.”  
• “You inspire creativity in others by encouraging a collaborative and open-minded work environment.”  
• “You regularly contribute original and valuable ideas that enhance our projects and processes.”  

Areas of Improvement Phrases:  

• “We appreciate your consistency but we believe you could benefit from taking more risks with your ideas, even if they are unconventional, to foster greater innovation.”  
• “You tend to focus on traditional methods, which can limit creativity. Embracing a more open approach could lead to more innovative solutions.”  
• “We know you have a lot of creative potential. You can improve your creative output by seeking inspiration from a wider range of sources and industries.”  
• “Have you considered working on developing your brainstorming techniques to generate a broader array of creative ideas.”  
• “Your commitment to excellence sometimes results in you overthinking new ideas. This can stifle innovation. Trusting your instincts more could help unleash your creative potential.”

Overall Performance Comments 

We didn’t want to provide you with just very specific appraisal comments. Below we included some overall performance review comments and phrases that can be used in a variety of different performance appraisal scenarios. 

Positive Overall Performance Review Phrases:  

• “You have exceeded expectations in your role and demonstrated exceptional performance alongside a strong commitment to our organization’s goals.”  
• “You show remarkable dedication and enthusiasm for your work, consistently delivering high-quality results.”  
• “You are a reliable and valued team member who regularly contributes innovative ideas and solutions.”  
• “You exhibit excellent leadership qualities, effectively managing your responsibilities and inspiring your colleagues.”  
• “You have shown significant growth and development over the past year, continuously improving your skills and performance.”  
• “We’ve noticed that you could be setting clearer goals and priorities to help focus your efforts and improve your overall performance.”  
• “You on occasion struggle with meeting deadlines. Enhancing your time management skills could lead to more consistent results.”  
• “We appreciate your effort but we believe there is still room to grow. You could build upon your overall performance by seeking regular feedback and actively working on areas for development.”  
• “You have a tendency to rely heavily on established methods. Being open to new approaches and ideas could enhance your effectiveness.”  
• “You could work on building stronger relationships with your colleagues to improve teamwork and collaboration.”  

Examples of Self-Appraisal Comments by Employees 

No performance review would be complete without a self-review on behalf of the employee. So here are some examples of self-appraisal comments by employees. If you have a performance appraisal coming up and you are not quite certain how you should phrase the self-review section, these employee self-review examples can surely be of assistance! 

• “I believe I always strive to exceed expectations in my role by delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines efficiently.”  
• “I take pride in my ability to collaborate effectively with my team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.”  
• “I have demonstrated strong leadership skills by successfully managing projects and guiding my team to achieve our objectives.”  
• “I am committed to continuous improvement, regularly seeking out opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.”  
• “I have effectively managed my time and resources, balancing multiple tasks and projects to ensure timely and successful completion.”  
• “I recognize that I need to improve my time management skills to better prioritize tasks and meet all deadlines consistently.”  
• “I acknowledge that I could benefit from seeking more feedback from my colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for growth.”  
• “I am working on enhancing my communication skills to ensure that my ideas and feedback are clearly understood by the team.”  
• “I realize that I sometimes hesitate to take on new challenges, and I am committed to being more proactive in seeking out opportunities.”  
• “I understand the importance of delegating tasks more effectively to empower my team and focus on strategic priorities.”  

How to write performance review comments?

When you’re writing performance review comments, there are some things you should make sure your performance review comments always are. Three key things to keep in mind as you’re writing your performance review comments are:

1. Start with positive feedback: Begin your comments with positive feedback to set a constructive tone and make the employee feel valued.

2. Focus on behavior: Focus on the employee’s behavior, rather than their personality. This helps the feedback feel less personal and more actionable.

3. Avoid vague language: Avoid using vague language like “good job” or “needs improvement.” Instead, be specific about what the employee did well or what they need to work on.

What should I avoid saying in performance reviews?

Performance reviews are a crucial part of employee development and growth within any organization. They provide an opportunity for constructive feedback and goal-setting. Delivering effective performance appraisal comments can be challenging, and using the wrong words or phrases can have a detrimental impact on your team’s morale and productivity. So in this particular section, we’ll explore what you shouldn’t say in performance reviews and provide examples to steer clear of these pitfalls. Negative Language Avoid using harsh or negative language in your performance appraisal comments. Phrases like “You always” or “You never” can be demotivating and unproductive. Instead, focus on specific behaviors or incidents and provide constructive feedback. Example: Instead of saying, “You always miss deadlines,” try, “I noticed a few instances where deadlines were not met. Let’s work together to improve your time management skills.” Comparative Statements Refrain from making direct comparisons between employees in your performance review examples. Using phrases like “You’re not as good as [colleague]” can create unhealthy competition and resentment among team members. Instead, concentrate on individual strengths and areas for improvement. Example: Avoid saying, “You’re not as efficient as Sarah,” and opt for, “I believe you can further improve your efficiency by implementing time-saving techniques.” Vague Feedback Performance review phrases that lack specificity can be frustrating for employees. Avoid vague comments like, “You need to do better” or “Your work has room for improvement.” Instead, provide clear examples and suggest actionable steps for improvement. Example: Say, “Your recent project lacked detailed documentation. To improve, please make sure to document all processes thoroughly for future projects.” Personal Criticisms Keep your performance appraisal comments focused on work-related matters. Avoid making personal criticisms or judgments about an employee’s character or personality. Example: Don’t say “You’re too introverted for this role,” and opt for, “To excel in this role, consider taking on more proactive communication and teamwork initiatives.”

How to make supervisor comments and recommendations?

As a supervisor, it is your job to offer supervisor comments and recommendations to your direct reports. While this may seem like a mundane task at first, effective supervisor comments and recommendations can prove to be the most valuable out of all your performance review comments.

1. What is the point of your supervisor comments and recommendations? Many leaders fall under the false impression that since they are a supervisor, they are under the obligation to offer comments and recommendations. Unless there is a distinct purpose behind your supervisor comments and recommendations, you should abstain from handing them out. Or you will start skirting the dangerous line into the micro-management territory!

2. Do your homework first! To make sure your comments and recommendations as a supervisor are hitting the mark, you need to do your research and do it well! Some of the best ways to gather that information include:

Pulse Surveys 360-Degree Feedback Anonymous Feedback Check-in Meetings

3. Focus on solutions instead of problems. Instead of just pointing out problems, provide recommendations for improvement. Better yet, turn your feedback session into a discussion where you and your direct reports brainstorm on fixing any existing problems together. Supervisor comments and recommendations are opportunities to show your team that you’re in it together.

Here is a quick video tutorial on just how you can gather 360-degree feedback inside Microsoft Teams:

Related Posts:

Written by emre ok.

Emre is a content writer at Teamflect who aims to share fun and unique insight into the world of performance management.

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Self-evaluation examples: 60 of the best sample answers for employees and managers

Self-evaluations are essential for employee, and organisational development and help employees reflect on their performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement.

Self-evaluations provide several benefits, including improved self-awareness, increased ownership, better communication, trust, and development planning.

To aid in the self-evaluation process, it's helpful to have a set of examples to draw inspiration from. This article provides 60 of the best sample answers for employees and managers preparing for a self-evaluation.

How teams benefit from self-evaluations

Self-evaluations can provide valuable insight and help create a more positive and productive performance review process. Let’s look the some of the top benefits.

Improved self-awareness

Self-evaluations help employees reflect on their performance and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This can lead to improved self-awareness and personal growth.

Increased Ownership

When employees are involved in the evaluation process, they take more ownership of their work and are more committed to meeting their goals and objectives.

Better Communication

Self-evaluations allow employees to communicate their accomplishments, goals, and concerns to their managers. This helps to establish open and honest lines of communication, which can improve the team's overall performance.

Objectivity

Self-evaluations can help reduce the subjective bias that can sometimes occur during performance evaluations solely by managers. This can lead to a more objective and fair assessment of an employee's performance.

Development Planning

Self-evaluations can help employees identify areas where they need to improve and then work with their managers to develop a plan to address those areas.

Increased Trust

Employees who feel their contributions and efforts are recognised and valued are more likely to trust their managers and the organisation. This can increase engagement and commitment to the company's goals and objectives.

What is typically covered in a self-evaluation?

Self-evaluations typically cover a range of topics that assess an employee's performance, contributions, and development over a given period. Some common topics that are covered in self-evaluations include:

Accomplishments

This includes reviewing significant projects, tasks, and achievements the employee has accomplished over the review period.

Goals and Objectives

This includes an assessment of the employee's progress towards their individual goals and objectives and any changes or updates to their goals for the upcoming period.

Contributions to the Team and Organisation

This includes evaluating the employee's contributions to the team and organisation, such as collaboration, communication, and leadership.

Skills and Competencies

This includes a self-assessment of the employee's current skills and competencies and any areas where they need further development.

Professional Development

This includes an evaluation of the employee's efforts to further their professional development and growth, such as taking on new responsibilities, seeking additional training and development opportunities, and seeking feedback from others.

These are some of the most common topics covered in self-evaluations, but the exact content can vary depending on the organisation and the individual employee's role and responsibilities.

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for personal growth, which can be greatly facilitated by structured self-evaluations. Roslin's self-evaluation tools allow you to reflect accurately on your performance, using tailored feedback that aligns with your career aspirations. Dive deeper into your professional journey and discover how Roslin can transform your self-assessment process.

Leadership examples

Positive comments.

• "I am proud of my ability to lead by example and consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic. I have inspired my team to work towards common goals, increasing productivity and morale."
• "I have successfully led multiple projects this year, ensuring they were completed on time and within budget. My strong organisational skills and attention to detail have allowed me to manage complex projects and delegate tasks effectively to my team."
• "I have made a conscious effort to foster a positive and inclusive work environment by promoting open communication and encouraging collaboration. This has resulted in a more cohesive and motivated team better equipped to meet our organisational goals."

Areas for improvement

• "I must improve my public speaking skills and become more confident in presenting to large groups. I plan to attend a public speaking course and seek opportunities to practice my skills."
• "I have sometimes struggled with delegating tasks effectively, leading to feelings of burnout and overwork for myself and my team. I plan to improve my delegation skills by setting clear expectations, providing ongoing support, and allowing team members to take ownership of their responsibilities."
• "I recognise that I can be too focused on the big picture and neglect to provide regular feedback and recognition to my team. I plan to make a more conscious effort to provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive, and to recognise the contributions and achievements of my team members."

Collaboration and teamwork examples

• "I have demonstrated strong teamwork skills by actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with others and build positive relationships with my colleagues. I have consistently been able to find common ground and work towards shared goals, resulting in more efficient and effective work processes."
• "I have effectively supported my team members by sharing my knowledge and expertise and providing guidance and mentorship. This has resulted in a more cohesive and supportive work environment and has allowed my team to achieve better outcomes."
• "I have shown strong conflict resolution skills by navigating and resolving disagreements and challenges professionally and respectfully. This has helped to maintain positive and productive relationships within my team and across departments."
• "I recognise that I can sometimes be too focused on my own goals and tasks, neglecting to consider the needs and perspectives of others fully. I plan to be a more active listener and seek input and feedback from my colleagues to ensure everyone's needs and priorities are considered."
• "I have sometimes struggled to effectively communicate and coordinate with team members, leading to misunderstandings and delays. I plan to improve my communication skills by being clearer and more concise in my messaging and by making a greater effort to involve all team members in decision-making processes."
• "I recognise that I need to improve my time management skills, as this can impact my ability to collaborate with others effectively. I plan to prioritise my tasks, set clear deadlines, and seek support from my team when needed to ensure that all collaborative projects are completed on time and to the best of my ability."

Communication examples

• "I have consistently demonstrated strong communication skills in person and in writing. I have effectively conveyed my ideas and messages to many audiences and received positive feedback on my clear and concise writing style."
• "I have made a concerted effort to be an active listener, seeking out the perspectives and opinions of others and providing empathy and understanding. This has helped to build positive relationships with my colleagues and has allowed me to understand and respond to their needs more effectively."
• "I have effectively used various communication tools and platforms to reach and engage with my audience, including email, video conferencing, and social media. This has allowed me to reach a wider audience and to more effectively convey important information and updates."
• "I sometimes struggle to articulate my ideas and thoughts clearly, especially in high-pressure situations. I plan to improve my public speaking skills by attending workshops and seeking opportunities to practice my skills."
• "I have sometimes struggled to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to improve my cultural competency and better understand and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds."
• "I recognise that I can sometimes be too direct or blunt in my communication style, leading to negative perceptions and misinterpretations. I plan to improve my interpersonal skills by being more mindful of the tone and delivery of my messages and by seeking feedback from others on my communication style."

Job Knowledge examples

• "I have demonstrated a strong understanding of my role and responsibilities and a deep knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends. This has allowed me to perform my job effectively and to make informed decisions that benefit my team and the organisation."
• "I have shown a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, regularly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. This has kept me at the forefront of my field and has allowed me to bring new and innovative ideas to my role."
• "I have effectively applied my job knowledge to solve complex problems and to complete challenging projects. My strong analytical skills and attention to detail have allowed me to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively, improving my work's overall efficiency and quality."
• "I recognise that I need to improve my technical skills in a specific area, as this will enhance my ability to perform my job and to provide value to the organisation. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."
• "I have sometimes struggled to keep up with new developments and changes in my field, leading to a lack of awareness of best practices and emerging trends. I plan to make a more conscious effort to stay informed and seek new learning opportunities regularly."
• "I recognise that I need to improve my project management skills, as this will enhance my ability to plan and execute projects effectively. I plan to seek out training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area and to apply my newfound knowledge to my current role."

Job performance examples

• "I have consistently exceeded expectations in the performance of my job duties, consistently meeting or exceeding project deadlines and delivering high-quality work."
• "I have taken the initiative to identify and address areas of improvement in my work and the work of my team, leading to increased efficiency and improved outcomes."
• "I have effectively collaborated with my colleagues and cross-functional teams, demonstrating strong teamwork skills and a positive attitude towards achieving common goals."
• "I must improve my time management skills to be more efficient and better prioritise my workload. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."
• "I have sometimes struggled to manage my workload effectively and to balance competing priorities, leading to stress and burnout. I plan to work on better prioritising my tasks and to seek out additional support when needed."

"I recognise that I need to improve my delegation skills to manage my workload effectively and to empower my team members. I plan to seek out training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area and to apply my newfound knowledge to my current role."

Time management examples

• "I have consistently demonstrated strong time management skills, effectively balancing my workload and meeting deadlines on time."
• "I have effectively prioritised my tasks and responsibilities, ensuring that high-priority items receive the attention they deserve."
• "I have implemented various time management techniques and tools, such as creating to-do lists and scheduling regular review sessions, which have greatly improved my efficiency and productivity."

"I recognise that I sometimes struggle with distractions and procrastination, leading to decreased efficiency and longer completion times for tasks. I plan to work on maintaining focus and reducing distractions to improve my time management skills."

Problem-solving examples

• "I have consistently demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, effectively identifying and addressing issues in a timely and efficient manner."
• "I have a curious and analytical mindset, which allows me to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems."

"I recognise that I need to improve my decision-making skills, as this will enhance my ability to solve problems and make informed decisions effectively. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."

"I have sometimes struggled to manage my emotions and biases effectively when solving problems, leading to suboptimal solutions. I plan to develop emotional intelligence and objectivity when approaching problems."

"I recognise that I need to improve my research and data analysis skills, as this will enhance my ability to gather and interpret information needed to solve problems. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."

Company values examples

• "I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the company's values, aligning my actions and decisions with the company's mission and goals."
• "I have been a role model for the company's values, inspiring my colleagues and team members to embody them in their work."
• "I have sought out opportunities to promote and reinforce the company's values, both within my work and interactions with others."
• "I must improve my understanding of the company's values and how they align with its mission and goals. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my knowledge in this area."
• "I have sometimes struggled to balance my workload and personal values effectively with the company's values, leading to conflicts. I plan to align my actions and decisions better with the company's values."
• "I recognise that I need to improve my communication skills. This will enhance my ability to effectively convey the company's values to others and promote a culture of values-driven decision-making. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."

Productivity examples

• "I have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to productivity, consistently delivering high-quality work on time and exceeding expectations."
• "I have implemented various productivity techniques and tools, such as time tracking and task management software, which have greatly improved my efficiency and productivity."
• "I recognise that I sometimes struggle with distractions and procrastination, leading to decreased efficiency and longer completion times for tasks. I plan to work on maintaining focus and reducing distractions to improve my productivity."
• "I recognise that I need to improve my time management skills, as this will enhance my ability to balance my workload effectively and to meet deadlines. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."

Customer experience examples

• "I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service, always going above and beyond to meet the needs of our customers."
• "I have effectively communicated with customers, building strong relationships and gaining their trust and loyalty."
• "I deeply understand our customers' needs and preferences and have effectively used this knowledge to enhance the customer experience."
• "I sometimes struggle managing customer complaints and conflicts, leading to dissatisfaction and negative experiences. I plan to develop my conflict resolution skills and seek additional training in this area."
• "I have sometimes struggled to effectively manage my workload and balance competing priorities, leading to longer response times and reduced customer availability. I plan to work on better prioritising my tasks and to seek out additional support when needed."
• "I recognise that I need to improve my empathy and emotional intelligence skills, as this will enhance my ability to understand and respond to the needs of our customers effectively. I plan to seek training and development opportunities to build my skills in this area."

As you plan your professional development, consider how a comprehensive evaluation tool can streamline this process. With Roslin's performance review software , you can not only track your progress but also set actionable goals based on insightful analytics. Empower your career development with Roslin and make your next self-evaluation your stepping stone to success.

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100 Performance Appraisal Comments For Your Next Performance Review

Conducting performance reviews can be tricky, especially for managers. Sometimes there's a vast difference between what they say and what they want to convey. To improve this, it's important that employers must practice the art of delivering constructive performance appraisal comments.

One in five employees isn't confident that their managers will provide regular, constructive feedback .

68% of employees who receive accurate and consistent feedback feel fulfilled in their jobs. (Source- Clutch )

A wholesome appraisal process will consist of both positive and negative appraisal comments. Therefore, understand appraisals as a program where you have to find faults or only praise someone. Instead, conduct feedback that gives employees an overall understanding of where they can improve and excel.

Furthermore, conduct your reviews in a regular and timely fashion.

65 percent of employees say they want more feedback, but nobody is giving it to them.

Regular appraisal and evaluation of an employee’s performance can help them get clarity of their actions. In addition, it will also direct them towards the areas where they need to improve. In short, effective review phrases can improve an employee’s performance and help them progress.

Examples Of Performance Appraisal Comments

So, how should a manager comment on the performance appraisal process ? Here are some sample employee evaluation comments that you can refer to while conducting the next appraisal review.

1) Attendance

Punctuality is one of the strongest virtues an employee can possess. They must arrive on time, take the designated time breaks to ensure efficiency and productivity.

However, you can't ignore that attendance is one of the touchiest topics, and employees don't like to discuss coming late or the reasons for exceeding their lunch breaks. But, if conducted properly, attendance appraisal processes can prove to be very useful.

a. “You always come in on time, follow your schedule and adhere to your designated lunch break time.” b. “She meets all company standards for attendance and punctuality.” c. “You schedule your time off in advance and can be relied upon for completing your tasks on time.” d. “He replies to emails and calls in time.”

NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT

a. “He takes too many personal calls in a day.” b. “You repeatedly exceed your lunch break time that interferes with your work schedule.” c. “You often come late to the office, causing scheduled meetings to start late. It also affects others’ schedules. You need to keep up with your schedule so your coworkers can keep up with theirs too.”

Managers are often confused about how to conduct a performance review, and as if things weren't bad enough, performance reviews are highly inefficient. To help you in this drilling process, here's our detailed analysis on Performance Reviews and How to get them Right !

2) innovation and creativity.

Creativity and the free exchange of ideas can only flow when employees have a healthy work environment . But interpersonal conflicts and strict hierarchical work culture can hinder an employee from expressing freely. As a manager, it is your responsibility to appreciate employees who help foster a creative environment and approach employees who have trouble doing so.

Here are a few employee performance appraisal comments to stir innovation and creativity:

a. “You often find new and innovative solutions to a problem.” b. “She has a knack for thinking outside the box.” c. “His creative skills are an asset to the team.” d. “You have a unique imagination and have come up with some of the most creative ideas we’ve ever seen.”

a. “You tend to avoid projects that require creative thinking.” b. “He likes to take a traditional and risk-averse approach to things over a creative one.” c. “You do not encourage your team to find creative solutions.” d. “You are too afraid of taking risks on a creative solution.” e. “Your approach to problems is often rigid and conventional.”

3) Leadership

Employees in managerial positions are people who are always looking after others, i.e., their team members. They are constantly guiding others to progress and advance. However, they need guidance to reach their goals too. Managers who receive feedback on their strengths are 8.9% more productive. They are more effective and profitable post-intervention.

Here are some critical appraisal comments for leaders and managers.

a. “You effectively manage your team and conduct specific exercises to strengthen the team .” b. “You are fair and treat every employee in your team equally and respectfully.” c. “She provides employees with the resources and training required to fulfill a responsibility.” d. “You hold employees responsible for their performance.” e. “He maintains a culture of transparency and knowledge-sharing across all levels in your department.” f. “You communicate openly with your team.” g. “You acknowledge accomplishments and recognize employees fairly.”

a. “You are biased and favor some employees more than others in your team.” b. “You get frustrated with new hires easily and don’t coach them properly.” c. “He provides no recognition to a team member’s effort and hard work.” d. “You can’t explain the goals and objectives of a task clearly to an employee.” e. “She often creates a communication gap and withholds information from her subordinates.” f. “You fail to delegate tasks effectively and fairly among your team.”

4) Communication Skills

Communication is one of the core functions of dynamic work culture. Clear communication makes employees comfortable with each other, makes sharing and exchanging ideas more frequent. It also bridges the gap between departments and makes everyone more productive. Effective teams can only be built when team members communicate with each other honestly and clearly.

Communication appraisal comments, if delivered correctly, can greatly improve an employee's communication skills.

a. “You are spoken highly of by your peers because of your ability to build good relationships .” b. "Your communication skills are great, and you can make others understand your point clearly." c. “She is precise in giving out directions and effectively communicates what she expects from her team members.” d. “Your willingness to listen to others and understand their point of view is highly appreciated by your peers.” e. “You are adept at communicating difficult messages and decisions skillfully.”

a. “You fail to communicate with your peers effectively, and this is causing a lot of misunderstanding within the team.” b. “Your direct and impersonal approach to handling discussions is ineffective in boosting the morale of those around you.” c. “You need improvement in replying to emails promptly.” d. “You humiliate peers on a regular basis.” e. “He interrupts others in discussions and important meetings.”

Related: The 10 Secrets to Strong Communication Skills in the Workplace

5) Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration drives results . When teams work together, they can reach solutions faster. They brainstorm ideas in order to arrive at a decision and generate these ideas together. In order to ensure collaboration, you need a healthy team environment. But not all employees are natural-born team players. But with appraisal comments, you can help employees overcome their personal conflicts and contribute to the team.

a. “You are a great team player. Your team members respect and appreciate you .” b. “You can be relied upon by team members.” c. “He works to be the best for the team and not be the best of the team.” d. “You support others in fulfilling their tasks and are always ready to help others.” e. “You respect others and give everyone equal opportunities to express their opinions.”

a. “You are inconsiderate towards’ others’ opinions and ideas.” b. “She tries to take credit for the work done by her team.” c. “You try to use your seniority to dominate your team members.” d. “He rarely comes up with concrete solutions that will help the team complete the project.” e. “You exceed expectations when working solo, but you seem to have trouble expressing ideas and opinions in a team.”

6) Time Management

In corporates, both big and small, where pressure is insurmountable , employees often have a hard time finishing work in time. They are unable to delegate and prioritize tasks. Time management appraisal comments can enable you to appreciate the ones who are managing effectively. Similarly, it gives you a way to encourage those who aren't being able to manage their time.

a. “You deliver urgent work without compromising on the details.” b. “You always meet your deadlines and make the best use of your time.” c. “She expertly prioritizes work without getting tangled in endless details.” d. “You exceeded our expectations by delivering more than assigned work despite the tight schedule.”

a. “You constantly push deadlines and fail to deliver on time.” b. “You are usually unable to calculate the time required to complete a task and therefore end up missing deadlines.” c. “She lacks a sense of urgency.” d. You have started delivering low-quality work just to finish your work on time."

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7) customer experience.

Customer focus and customer service is the key to building everlasting relationships with customers. Therefore, employees need to acquire skills that will help foster an enriching customer experience.

To improve customer experience in your organization, you can refer to these performance review comments:

a. “He works well with all types of clients.” b. “Clients usually seek your guidance and expertise.” c. “You are honest and always admit when you don’t have the knowledge about something.” d. “You regularly follow up with existing and new clients to make sure they feel valued and reminded about us.”

a. “She delays her responses to clients without giving them any reason for her delay.” b. “You need to tailor your customer service to suit individual customers’ needs. You ought to provide a diverse customer experience.”

8) Problem Solving

A much-required skill, its importance becomes more prevalent among higher authority employees. Problem-solving is the “skill of defining a problem to determine its cause, identify it, prioritize and select alternative solutions to implement in solving the problems and reviving relationships.”

a. "You are very articulate and explain your ideas and opinions clearly, leaving no room for miscommunication." b. "He gathers all the necessary facts and information before finding a solution to a problem." c. "Your best quality is that when faced with a problem, you listen first, take into account everything and then try to come up with a solution." d. "She always comes up with unique yet practical solutions."

a. "You need to be more assertive and decisive when giving out directions." b. "He is always hurrying in making his decisions without taking into account the full details of the problem." c. "You should collaborate with others more to come up with solutions together."

9) Work-Ethics

An employee’s work ethic involves everything from coming in time, working diligently, being honest to respecting everyone in the workplace. By analyzing an employee's ethics and morals assists in preventing the spread of demotivating and inappropriate workplace behavior.

a. "You are respectful and fair towards everyone in the organization." b. "He is regarded as highly credible by those working with him." c. "She is very punctual and understands the value of others’ time. She is never late to a meeting." d. "You have portrayed exemplary behavior in all aspects of work." e. "You abide by the company’s rules and policies."

a. "He sets integrity aside when pursuing his goals." b. "Your behavior towards colleagues isn't appropriate." c. "She is unresponsive to employees’ concerns regarding unfair treatment." d. "You play favorites and are biased in your judgments." e. "He doesn’t take into account other people’s opinions when making important decisions."

10) Productivity

The quality and quantity of work put in by an employee against the expectations set by the employer is the measurement of his/her productivity.

a. "You have displayed a highly consistent level of performance in your work." b. "She is always seeking opportunities to be more productive." c. "Your positive attitude to your work encourages others to perform well too." d. "She is a detail-oriented individual, which reflects positively in her work." e. "He shares his knowledge of industry trends and best practices to achieve enhanced outcomes in his job."

a. "Your work doesn’t comply with the required output standards." b. "You should take up more training and development courses to enhance your skills and knowledge." c. "The quality of your work has been unsatisfactory lately." d. "He needs to focus more on the details and nitty-gritty before handing over a project." e. "Instead of completing the urgent assignments first, she does the easier ones and puts off the urgent ones."

11) Interpersonal Skills

While interpersonal skills come naturally to some people, for others, they can be cultivated with experience and knowledge. Investopedia defines interpersonal skills as "an employee's ability to work well with others while performing their job." These skills can range from communication, basic etiquette to active listening. In other words, it's the qualities and behavior people use while interacting with others.

a. "You communicate your ideas and vision clearly so others can understand it easily and quickly." b. "He appreciates the efforts taken by others to achieve a target and encourages them to be better." c. "Even when disagreeing with others, you do it gracefully and respectfully." d. "You can adapt easily to various situations and different kinds of people." e. "You are equal in your treatment to everyone and communicate with your peers respectfully."

a. "He seems to find it difficult to express his emotions and feelings, which often causes misunderstandings." b. "When given any kind of feedback, you don’t take it in a positive manner." c. "She does not take the time to develop and sustain positive and beneficial relationships." d. "You don’t tend to listen to and take other people’s opinions into consideration." e. "He doesn't contribute effectively in his teams' activities."

This article is written by Shreya Dutta . She is a content writer and marketer at Vantage Circle She is passionate about all things literature and entrepreneurship. To get in touch, reach out to [email protected]

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February 20, 2020

Employee Self-evaluation Sample Answers for Key Soft Skills

These self-evaluation sample answers will help you to keep the management informed of your work progress and to encourage your personal development.

by Dominika Cechova

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We have previously explored the art of writing a self-assessment review and how to structure it, providing some useful examples for various industries and areas of work . In this article, we provide sample answers for assessing soft skills that are essential for each and every role .

Remember that once you are writing your self-evaluation you should always be critical and reflective but shouldn’t put yourself and your achievements down . Provide facts and figures to illustrate your achievements and make your statements stronger . Be specific and descriptive of both positive and negative attributes of your work.

For each of the areas, you should always consider the positive and negative attributes of your performance. Determine where did you exceed the expectations, where did you meet them and where and how you can continue to improve. Additionally, you might want to connect your self-assessment to the core values of the company.

1. Collaboration and Teamwork

Think about how other team members see you, how effective are you at collaboration and what are your relationships at work like. You might also want to think about your ability to come up with creative solutions as a part of a team.

Positive Sample Answer

“I believe that during the past quarter I have demonstrated strong teamwork skills. I have effectively collaborated with my department and team as well as I have shown my ability to work with external parties. During projects, I have shown confidence to express my creative ideas and opinions that added value to the team discussion.“

Negative Sample Answer

“I am aware I can be overly controlling and take over a project, not allowing others for enough space to contribute and develop their skills. I need to work on my ability to work effectively as a team and give others space to express their opinions and ideas. I need to learn how to take a step back and follow others rather than attempt to take a lead in every project.”

2. Self-motivation

Do you have a positive attitude towards your job and the company you work for? Do you meet the expectations of your role and maintain sufficient levels of productivity? Are you working to improve your knowledge and skills?

“Throughout my time at XX I have demonstrated high levels of self-management and motivation. I continuously manage to meet deadlines and finish my responsibilities in a timely manner.“

“I feel sometimes I get too focused on a task and take much longer than is appropriate due to my perfectionism. I have to learn to effectively dedicate resources to not only get work done well but also efficiently”

3. Leadership

Are you able to effectively manage people and work with others? Can you provide direction to your reports and teammates?

“I reckon I effectively lead by example and take actions and adopt behaviors I expect from my team. I feel I am defined by the actions I take at work rather than by what I say. I dedicate time to spend with my reports to help them resolve their challenges and issues and encourage their personal and professional development.”

“I think I should focus more on promoting the company culture and values around my team. Despite the fact I am effectively developing individual relationships across the team and support them through regular check-ins and one-to-ones, I should focus more on promoting team-spirit and collaboration across the team.”

4. Problem Solving

Are you able to effectively solve problems? Do you come up with creative solutions when a challenge occurs? What methods to solve problems do you use?

“I strongly feel problem-solving skills are one of my strongest characteristics. I usually manage to solve complex problems effectively by taking into consideration different perspectives and breaking down the problem to analyze it. When solving problems as a team I apply active listening to understand the issue thoroughly through the experience and knowledge of others. I seek clarification if the problem is not well understood.”

“I tend to get overwhelmed if an important decision needs to be made, and seek the support of others rather than looking at the facts myself. I need to work on how to prioritize and evaluate complex problems.”

5. Decisiveness

Are you able to make effective and informed decisions that are beneficial for you, your team and the whole business?

“I effectively prioritize the most urgent tasks and decisions. When a difficult decision needs to be made, I evaluate the positives and negatives and possible outcomes to make an informed decision. When analyzing a problem, I research it and request evidence from those who are more familiar with the theme.”

“I tend to rely too much on my past experiences and assumptions rather than putting effort into doing my research before coming to difficult decisions. Additionally, I should dedicate more time to self-reflection when things go wrong to eliminate bad habits and prevent the issue from happening again.”

6. Ability to work under pressure and Time Management

Are you able to work under pressure and manage your tasks? Do you manage your workload and avoid having unfinished commitments?

“I always meet my deadlines and effectively manage my workload. I believe I have a strong ability to prioritize the most important tasks. I am also aware of my lack of experience and thus I leave enough time to review completed tasks before I submit them to my manager.“

“I tend to struggle with time management. I often leave tasks that I find too challenging or boring last minute and then I do not have enough time to finish them to a required quality. If I am under stress, my attention to detail worsens.”

7. Communication

When evaluating your communication skills you should consider your written communication as well as verbal communication skills. Effective communication is key to a happy teamwork.

“I try to cultivate a culture of openness and sharing among the team. I appreciate critical conversations and positive confrontation over ignoring problems and challenges. I actively listen to my team and promote shared decision making. In my communication with clients I engage in professional manner and successfully build a positive rapport.”

“I sometimes get involved in miscommunication. Hence, I often spend too much time clarifying problems and tasks. I need to work on my ability to manage my emotions and not let them affect my professional relationships.”

8. Flexibility

Being flexible and adaptable is a must-have in a modern workplace. You have to be able to respond to change quickly and be able to adjust.

“I handle change with ease and often make improvements to make the transition easier. I also appreciate comments and criticism when adjusting to change to make it smooth. If things go wrong I remain calm and positive and aim to find a solution in a proactive manner.”

“I have to work on my ability to support others through change and avoid micromanagement. I also struggle to adopt new work assignments and tasks that I feel are outside of my job responsibilities.”

9. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Do you have a sufficient ability to negotiate deals for yourself and your business? Are you able to effectively resolve conflict?

“During my time at xx I have effectively negotiated xx deals and brought xx to the business. I believe that my analytical character and strong people skills allow me to be in control during the meetings and direct the manner to achieve results.”

“I think I have made great progress in my negotiation skills since I first stared at xx, yet I am aware of the areas of my improvement. I feel I approach the meetings in an appropriate manner and make the other part feel comfortable. However, I struggle to actively listen; I tend to interrupt the others, I also should, seek clarification when needed and thus I often jump into assumptions that are not 100% correct.”

10. Emotional intelligence

To get more examples on your performance read our article on 70 performance reviews phrases examples that will help you evaluate different areas of your job.

“I feel I am very aware of my strengths and weaknesses and thus I am able to manage my emotions and frustrations as well as to recognise the value of my colleagues ideas, opinions and challenges. I am an effective listener and always try to understand and listen to colleagues' objections.”

“I often get frustrated when other members of my team struggle to keep up. I get overly emotional and do not handle frustration, stress or anger well. I struggle to communicate and often engage in conversations that are off-putting to others and am too controlling. Therefore, I often get distracted and do not take others' points into account.”

Writing a self-evaluation can be tricky. To some, it can be difficult to recognize the areas of improvement while others struggle not to be overly critical. The most fundamental thing is be reflective , and to take a step back. Be objective. Highlight your achievements without bribing or giving yourself too little credit and also identify areas of improvement and how they can be reached.

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Problem-Solving Appraisal

Problem-solving appraisal refers to a person’s self-appraisal of his or her problem-solving abilities and attitudes (i.e., his or her self-evaluated capacity to resolve problems). Ever since John Dewey’s influential 1933 publication of How We Think, there has been a strong focus in psychology on how people cope with their daily life problems and major life events. Much of the earliest research examined laboratory problems involving water jars and strings. More recent research has also examined how people grapple with stressful personal problems, such as relationship and career problems. Not surprisingly, applied problem solving that focuses on real-life personal problems has received a great deal of attention in counseling psychology. In 1965, John Krumboltz proclaimed that the central reason for the existence of the counseling profession was because clients needed professional assistance with problems that they were unable to resolve on their own. More than 120 studies have been conducted on problem-solving appraisal using the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). This entry provides a brief history of psychological research on problem solving and explains how that has led to a focus on the construct of problem-solving appraisal. Then this article summarizes what is known about the influence of problem-solving appraisal on psychosocial adjustment, physical health, coping, and educational and career-related issues, as well as other implications.

Historical Overview of Applied Problem Solving

The earliest applied problem-solving research focused on discreet thought processes, such as sensitivity to problems, causal thinking, and the generation of alternatives. Early models of problem solving posited a stage-sequential process, and they assumed that problem solvers would rationally progress through stages such as identifying the problem, generating alternatives, and making decisions. More recently, however, psychologists have shifted their attention to higher-order or metacognitve variables that affect how and whether a person will even attempt to solve a particular problem.

People respond to personal problems in different ways. Some people tend to attack the source of the problem. Others become very anxious and try to regulate their negative emotions associated with the stress of a problem rather than to resolve the problem itself. Some people tend to problem solve in a very systematic and persistent fashion, while others tend to make sporadic and inconsistent attempts to resolve problems. In short, some people bring a great deal of resources to resolving their problems, but others have significant problem-solving deficits. An important individual difference that influences applied problem-solving behavior is a person’s problem-solving appraisal.

The PSI is the most widely used measure of problem-solving appraisal. The PSI consists of 35 items, each having 6 possible responses that vary from 1 = strongly agree to 6 = strongly disagree. The instrument provides measures of (a) Problem-Solving Confidence, defined as one’s beliefs in his or her problem-solving abilities; (b) Approach-Avoidance Style, defined as one’s general tendency to approach or avoid different problem-solving activities; and (c) Personal Control, defined as one’s beliefs in his or her emotional and behavioral control while solving problems. An extensive body of empirical research supports the construct, convergent, and discriminant validity of the PSI across a range of populations and cultures.

Psychosocial Adjustment

In the past 25 years, a broad range of studies have suggested that problem-solving appraisal is associated with general psychological and social adjustment, depression, hopelessness and suicide potential, anxiety and worry, alcohol use and abuse, eating disorders, childhood adjustment, and childhood trauma. This entry focuses on the first four areas.

General Psychological and Social Adjustment

Individuals who have a negative (as opposed to a positive) problem-solving appraisal tend to be less well adjusted psychologically, to have more personal problems, and to experience more difficulty establishing a personal identity separate from their parents. In addition, they have fewer social skills and experience more social distress. There appears to be a dysfunctional pattern in which avoiding their problems leads to lower problem-solving confidence, and subsequently, lower psychological adjustment. The more positively individuals appraise their problem solving, the higher their levels of psychological and social adjustment.

A positive problem-solving appraisal is associated with lower levels of depression. Individuals’ negative appraisal of their problem-solving talents is strongly predictive of depression for those experiencing high levels of stress, but not for those experiencing low levels of stress. Thus, people with a negative problem-solving appraisal are at a higher risk of depression when they are under high stress. Having a positive assessment of their problem-solving ability provides individuals with some protection against depression when they are confronted with high levels of stress.

Hopelessness and Suicidality

A negative problem-solving appraisal is associated with feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. A person’s problem-solving confidence, in particular, is a relatively strong predictor of his or her feelings of hopelessness. Individuals with a negative (as opposed to positive) problem-solving appraisal who are under high levels of stress tend to experience higher levels of hopelessness. Thus, problem-solving appraisal is a consistent predictor of hopelessness and suicidality.

Anxiety and Worry

People with a negative appraisal of their problem-solving abilities tend to experience higher levels of anxiety in general, and especially when under stress. In particular, problem-solving confidence and a sense of personal control were most strongly associated with both anxiety and worrying.

Physical Health

Problem-solving appraisal is associated with a range of physical health indexes including: (a) physical health complaints and health promotion, (b) physical health complications, and (c) physical limitations.

Problem-solving appraisal is related to health expectancies, specific health complaints (e.g., chronic pain and cardiovascular problems), and health problems in general. People with a negative (as opposed to a positive) appraisal of their problem-solving skills report more health complaints, lower health expectancies, and fewer health promotion behaviors. An individual’s feelings of personal control strongly relate to his or her physical health complaints. There is even some evidence that problem-solving appraisal demonstrated greater sensitivity than two standard neuropsychological problem-solving measures in (a) differentiating traumatic brain injured (TBI) patients from uninjured groups, (b) detecting treatment changes in the TBI patients’ problem solving, and (c) predicting independence and integration in the community of TBI patients. In short, problem-solving appraisal is a useful predictor of self-reported health and behavioral health indicators.

Problem-solving appraisal is related to cognitive and affective coping activities when dealing with stressful life problems. Specifically, there is a consistent association between a positive problem-solving appraisal and problem-focused coping (i.e., approaching and attempting to alter the cause of a stressful problem). A negative appraisal is more strongly related to task-inhibiting and emotion-focused self-statements and a tendency to feel powerless when dealing with interpersonal problems. In addition, problem-solving confidence and the approach-avoidance style appear to be the strongest contributors to reported problem-focused coping activities. A sense of personal control was particularly related to self-reported disengaging, denial, and emotion-focused coping.

People’s strategies for seeking and using helping resources are also related to their appraisal of their problem-solving skills. A positive (as opposed to negative) problem-solving appraisal is associated with more awareness of the availability of helping resources, higher rates of utilization, and more satisfaction with those resources. A more positive problem-solving appraisal also predicts more positive training experiences (e.g., problem-solving training) and better personal and career counseling outcomes. Thus, problem-solving appraisal is strongly associated with various coping activities and is predictive of associated cognitive and affective coping operations as well as outcomes of utilizing various helping resources.

Educational and Vocational Issues

Individuals’ appraisal of their problem-solving abilities is related to the presence of educational and vocational issues. Specifically, problem-solving appraisal is related to test anxiety, test irrelevant thinking, study skills in at-risk students, education level, and age, but not to measures of intelligence and academic aptitude. Consistent with several vocational theories (particularly maturity models), problem-solving appraisal is related to vocational identity, career decision-making variables (e.g., decision-making strategies), career planning (e.g., level of knowledge and certainty, multiple career roles for women), personality consistency, and differentiation of some types of career-undecided students. For example, people with a negative (as opposed to positive) appraisal of their problem-solving skills report lower levels of vocational identity, less certainty in their decisions about a career, less knowledge about career choices, and more dependent and intuitive decision-making strategies. More specifically, approaching problems is associated with rational decision-making and dependent decisional strategies; problem-solving confidence is related to rational and intuitive decision making; and lack of personal control is related to a need for more information for making career decisions. Thus, problem-solving appraisal is consistently and strongly associated with both career planning and decision making.

Implications

People’s appraisal of their problem-solving ability is related to a wide range of psychological adjustment and physical health indexes, to the approach they use in coping with stressful problems, and to their resolution of educational and vocational issues. There is a robust relationship between problem-solving appraisal and measures of psychological adjustment (e.g., depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation). Generally speaking, people who have a more positive appraisal of their problem-solving skills are more likely to report a positive self-concept, higher levels of self-efficacy, more social support, and lower levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, social uneasiness, and irrational beliefs. They report positive health expectancies and fewer health com-plaints and problems. They use problem-focused strategies to cope with stressful events and have a greater awareness, utilization, and satisfaction of coping resources. They use rational career decision-making styles, have a more well-developed vocational identity, possess greater knowledge and certainty in career planning, and experience less career indecision.

In essence, people’s appraisal of their problem-solving capability is useful for understanding a broad range of human behavior, and in many (but not all) cases problem-solving appraisal appears to overlap with actual problem-solving skills. That is, based on countless problem-solving trials, people’s appraisal of their problem-solving capabilities is often consistent with their actual performance in problem solving. Thus, how people evaluate their problem-solving capabilities is in general consistent with the implementation of their problem-solving skills across a range of stressful personal problems. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, some people overestimate or underestimate their problem-solving abilities for a variety of reasons, resulting in a mismatch between their problem-solving appraisal and performance. There may be complex interactions between a person’s appraisal of his or her problem-solving skills and personality characteristics (e.g., sociopathic personality styles) and life situation (incarcerated adults, substance abuse). Thus, problem-solving appraisal should not be considered as synonymous with problem-solving skills.

Considerably more research has chosen to examine problem-solving appraisal, rather than other applied problem-solving inventories, in racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States and other countries (e.g., Canada, China, England, Italy, Jordan, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey). Nonetheless, what is known about problem-solving appraisal is based on primarily White U.S. samples. More information is needed before researchers can be sure they understand the similarities and differences in real-life problem solving across cultures.

Knowing how people appraise their problem-solving capabilities is clearly useful in understanding human psychological, physical, and vocational adjustments. In counseling, understanding how clients appraise their problem-solving capabilities can help to assess clients’ strengths as well as diagnose weaknesses relative to their presenting problems, or identify students at risk. Problem-solving appraisal provides a useful perspective for promoting an understanding of clients’ problem-solving style and useful information in developing successful interventions to help clients resolve troublesome problems. Given that problem-solving appraisal is learned after countless trials, it also implies that people’s self-appraisal of their problem-solving skills is amenable to change. There are many promising possibilities for applied interventions to enhance problem-solving appraisal and ability to cope with stressful life events, and thereby to enhance people’s life satisfaction and well-being.

References:

• Heppner, M. J., Lee, D., Heppner, P. P., McKinnon, L. C., Multon, K. D., & Gysbers, N. C. (2004). Examining the role of problem-solving appraisal in the process and outcome of career counseling. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65, 217-238.
• Heppner, P. P. (1988). The Problem Solving Inventory (PSI): Manual. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
• Heppner, P. P., & Baker, C. E. (1997). Applications of the Problem Solving Inventory. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 29, 229-241.
• Heppner, P. P., & Lee, D. (2002). Problem-solving appraisal and psychological adjustment. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 288-298). New York: Oxford University Press.
• Heppner, P. P., & Wang, Y. (2003). Problem-solving appraisal. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Positive Psychology Assessment: Handbook of Models and Measures (pp. 127-138). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
• Heppner, P. P., Witty, T. E., & Dixon, W. A. (2004). Problem-solving appraisal and human adjustment: A review of 20 years of research using the Problem Solving Inventory. The Counseling Psychologist, 32, 344-128.
• Priester, M. J., & Clum, G. A. (1993). Perceived problem-solving ability as a predictor of depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation in a college population. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 21, 119-123.
• Rath, J. F., Hennessy, J. J., & Diller, L. (2003). Social problem solving and community integration in post acute rehabilitation outpatients with traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 48, 137-144.
• Witty, T. E., Heppner, P. P., Bernard, C. B., & Thoreson, R. W. (2001). Problem solving appraisal and psychological adjustment of chronic low back pain patients. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 8, 149-160.
• Counseling Psychology
• Personality Assessment

Apple TV+ can’t seem to solve its movie problem

Apple TV+ launched almost five years ago. In that time, the service has debuted a lot of great TV shows . Some have even become mainstream hits. But Apple’s relationship with movies has been more…complicated. The company has moved from one film strategy to another, with mixed success. And most recently, critical and box office failures have plagued Apple.

Here’s why the Apple TV+ movie strategy is more confusing than ever.

How it started: Oscar bait and critical acclaim

In line with the Apple TV+ goal of making prestige content, Apple found a lot of success with its early film strategy.

2021 film CODA set a high bar when it won the top prize for films in the US: the Academy Award for Best Picture.

This achievement was especially impressive because no other streamer had ever won Best Picture—not even Netflix, with its much bigger head start.

Other film highlights from Apple’s first few years included The Tragedy of Macbeth , Wolfwalkers , On the Rocks , Cha Cha Real Smooth , and Greyhound .

Largely the company focused on critical acclaim and awards. Box office revenue didn’t matter much, as long as the films were good.

For the most part, this strategy worked.

But in 2023, things started to change, as Apple set its eye on mainstream productions.

How it’s going: Mainstream bombs

Dating back to 2023 and into this year, these are Apple’s most noteworthy films that have been released. It’s not a comprehensive list, but these are the titles Apple has thrown serious marketing weight behind:

• The Family Plan
• The Beanie Bubble
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Fly Me to the Moon
• and soon, The Instigators

In a clear shift, most of Apple’s movies these days target mainstream crowds. Some are still award contenders—namely Killers and Napoleon—but most are simply crowd pleasers.

Out of those crowd pleasers, Apple has struggled to achieve anything approaching success…with a caveat.

Argylle was hated by critics, and became a huge box office disaster. What Apple hoped would be its first film franchise turned out to be its biggest bomb to date.

More recently, Fly Me to the Moon fared better with critics, but its box office run has nonetheless disappointed.

Several high profile films have received no theatrical release, or only a very limited run by Apple.

Ghosted, The Family Plan, The Beanie Bubble, and Tetris fall into this category. Out of the four, only Tetris received decent reviews. The rest were critically panned, and Apple’s latest release, The Instigators, looks set to continue the trend .

Yesterday, Apple shared the confusing news that: a) it was canceling the wide theatrical release for the upcoming Wolfs, while b) simultaneously ordering a sequel to the film.

So Apple started out making films that critics loved, and that won awards, but that audiences may not have cared for and didn’t earn much money.

Then it pivoted to producing movies with mass market appeal. There are still Oscar contenders thrown in , but most high-profile TV+ movies are now failing with critics and at the box office.

What’s coming up: The biggest test yet

Reports have indicated that Apple’s theatrical strategy is very much in flux . The company’s scattershot approach to theatrical clearly demonstrates that, and Wolfs’ last-minute change provides further evidence.

However, there’s one big release in the works that will be the biggest test yet for Apple’s strategy: F1.

F1 is the Brad Pitt-starring film from the director of Top Gun: Maverick. It’s set for a wide theatrical release next summer, and Apple has reportedly poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the project.

F1 carries the highest stakes yet for Apple’s new film strategy. As the company’s first attempt at a summer blockbuster , F1 needs box office success—ideally fueled by critical acclaim—to validate the current mainstream approach.

If it’s another failure at the box office, there’s likely to be a reckoning among TV+ leadership.

The caveat: Apple TV+ success

Earlier I alluded to an important caveat when measuring Apple’s mainstream-focused strategy.

The caveat is this: we have no idea how movies factor into Apple TV+ viewership or subscription numbers.

As I write this, a quick glance at the top 5 charting films on TV+ reveals that most are the critically-panned movies I mentioned before.

The Family Plan is #1, followed by Ghosted at #2, and Argylle is the fourth most-watched film.

Apple doesn’t release actual numbers, so we don’t know how many people are really watching these titles. But compared to other TV+ movies, at least, they seem to be doing pretty well.

Top comment by Doug

I dont' understand the problem as the author outlines.

1) Apple has had some critical acclaim success stories in it's movies.

2) Apple now also makes some mainstream movies that are very well liked by the public but panned by the critics.

3) None of these are making hugh money at the BoxOffice.

4) Apple is shooting for a summer box-office hit next year.

I think we can all agree on these and the only place where maybe there is a disconnect comes with as long as some shows are Critically Acclaimed and most other shows are well liked by the public does apple care much about how much is brough in by box-office?

I'm sure Apple would like to 10X it's investment just from box-office on every show it makes but if it could choose between 10 more people in seats or 1 more subscriber, I'm betting they will take the 1 more subscriber.

So as long as subscriptions continue to grow and the box-office takes some of the sting out of the upfront costs, don't you think Apple will be fine with that?

What does that mean? It means that Apple’s TV strategy is messy, but it’s not altogether failing.

Even if critics don’t like Apple’s new mainstream-targeted films, and even if the box office isn’t proving friendly to those titles, viewers on Apple TV+ seem to have found value in them.

And isn’t that, ultimately, what Apple wants? Maybe. I’m just not convinced the company even knows what it wants.

Have you enjoyed Apple’s movies? What do you think of its changing strategy? Let us know in the comments.

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Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.

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Technical Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on August 10, 2023 — 8 minutes to read

Assessing an employee’s technical skills during performance reviews provides valuable insights into their strengths, areas for growth, and overall contribution to the team.

Related: Best Performance Review Examples for 48 Key Skills

2000+ Performance Review Phrases: The Complete List (Performance Feedback Examples)

Performance Review Questions: Technical Skills

1. Does the employee have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of their job role? 2. How well does the employee apply their technical knowledge to solve problems and complete tasks efficiently? 3. Has the employee demonstrated a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes? 4. How well does the employee collaborate with other team members to achieve technical goals? 5. Has the employee shown initiative in identifying and addressing technical issues before they become major problems? 6. How well does the employee communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders? 7. Has the employee demonstrated the ability to innovate and come up with new technical solutions to improve processes or products? 8. How well does the employee balance technical requirements with business objectives? 9. Has the employee shown a track record of delivering high-quality technical work on time and within budget? 10. How well does the employee stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field and incorporate them into their work?

Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples: Technical Skills

5 – outstanding, phrases examples:.

• Consistently demonstrates exceptional technical proficiency and mastery
• Actively seeks out new and complex tasks to expand skillset and knowledge
• Identified, solved, and implemented effective innovations for crucial projects
• Consistently demonstrates exceptional technical acumen.
• Effortlessly understands complex technical concepts.
• Navigates challenging technical problems with ease and efficiency.
• Exemplary ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• Shows outstanding proficiency in using advanced technical tools.

Paragraph Examples

“Jane consistently demonstrates exceptional technical acumen in her work. Her ability to navigate complex technical concepts and troubleshoot challenging problems is truly outstanding. Her efficiency and proficiency have made her a valuable asset to the team.”

“John has repeatedly shown an outstanding level of technical skill in his position. He tackles complex technical problems with ease and efficiency, making him an invaluable resource for the company. His expertise in utilizing advanced technical tools sets him apart from his peers.”

“Ashley’s technical skillset is truly outstanding. She consistently outperforms her colleagues in her ability to understand and apply complex technical concepts in her work. Her troubleshooting prowess and proficiency with advanced tools contribute greatly to the team’s overall success.”

“Nancy’s exceptional technical skills have greatly contributed to the success of our projects. Her in-depth understanding of programming languages enables her to develop innovative solutions, and she willingly shares her knowledge with the team.”

4 – Exceeds Expectations

• Consistently meets technical demands and frequently exceeds expectations
• Adapts quickly to new technologies and applies them effectively to tasks
• Demonstrates initiative in troubleshooting issues and resolving them independently
• Skillfully leveraged Python to automate routine tasks, which ultimately reduced team workload.
• Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities when troubleshooting complex IT issues.
• Consistently delivered high-quality code with minimal defects and ahead of deadlines.
• Actively sought out new tools and technologies to improve team efficiencies and processes.
• Effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams on implementing and optimizing project outcomes.

“Jane consistently displayed exceptional technical skills throughout the year. For example, she proactively learned advanced Excel techniques, which allowed her to create innovative data analysis reports that greatly benefitted the sales team. Her success in mastering these tools has contributed to the team’s overall increased productivity and enabled them to reach their annual targets ahead of schedule.”

“During the development of our new customer relationship management system, Mark demonstrated his outstanding technical proficiency. He quickly became a subject matter expert in the software, and his expertise was crucial in the successful integration with our existing infrastructure. As a result, he helped streamline our business processes, and the company was able to improve customer satisfaction and retention rates.”

“Carla’s remarkable technical aptitude was evident when she tackled a challenging networking issue that had been causing downtime for several departments. By skillfully combining her deep understanding of network protocols and her unique ability to troubleshoot problems, she resolved the issue quickly and efficiently. This accomplishment saved the company both time and resources while minimizing disruptions to daily operations.”

“Simon has shown excellent proficiency in network management and consistently exceeds expectations in ensuring smooth operations. He quickly adapts to new technologies and is always eager to learn new skills.”

3 – Meets Expectations

• Competent in performing technical tasks and seeks guidance when needed
• Applies learned skills to new situations, demonstrating a willingness to adapt
• Occasionally contributes ideas for technical problem-solving or process improvement
• Consistently demonstrates technical skill proficiency
• Displays a strong understanding of technical concepts
• Effectively troubleshoots and resolves technical issues
• Adapts well to new technical processes and tools
• Collaborates effectively with team members on technical projects

“John consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of the company’s technical processes and tools. He is proficient in utilizing the necessary software and hardware required for his role. His ability to quickly troubleshoot and resolve technical issues has proven invaluable to the team’s productivity.”

“In her role, Sarah has shown great adaptability when faced with the introduction of new technical processes. She learns and implements new tools quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to her workflow and the team’s overall progress. Her collaboration with team members on technical projects showcases her strong communication skills, contributing to the success of the group’s endeavors.”

“Tom’s technical skills have met the expectations of his role, ensuring that he can effectively complete tasks and contribute to his team’s goals. He consistently demonstrates proficiency in his understanding of technical concepts and readily applies this knowledge to his work, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.”

“Laura meets expectations in her technical abilities, effectively utilizing our tools and systems. While further development is encouraged, she has demonstrated success in addressing minor technical issues independently.”

2 – Needs Improvement

• Struggles to apply technical skills to complete tasks; requires more supervision
• Reluctant to adapt to new technologies or learn skills outside of comfort zone
• Hindered by technical issues and struggles with problem-solving on their own
• Struggles to adapt to new software quickly
• Has difficulty troubleshooting technical issues
• Lacks proficiency in required tools for the role
• Needs guidance when handling complex technical tasks
• Requires more training to stay up-to-date with industry technologies

Paragraph Examples for Needs Improvement

“John struggles to adapt to new software quickly, which often impacts the project timeline. Although he is eager to learn, his lack of proficiency in the required tools has led to delays in completing tasks. It is essential for John to invest more time in refining his technical skills to meet the expectations for his role.”

“Jane encounters difficulties troubleshooting technical issues and resorts to seeking help from colleagues. While teamwork is encouraged, Jane’s reliance on others for resolving technical problems can slow down the team’s progress. She should acquire more knowledge and hands-on experience in managing technical issues independently.”

“Susan has demonstrated commendable efforts in mastering the tools relevant to her role, but she often needs assistance with complex technical tasks. It might be helpful for her to seek additional training to enhance her technical skillset and become more effective and independent in her responsibilities.”

“Henry’s limited technical skills have hindered his ability to contribute effectively to the team. He often requires assistance in basic tasks and has not shown significant progress despite training opportunities.”

1 – Unacceptable

• Lacks technical competency needed to perform job tasks effectively
• Demonstrates little motivation or effort to improve skillset and knowledge
• Often depend on coworkers or management to solve technical problems
• It is evident that John consistently struggles with understanding the technology required for his job.
• Mary demonstrates limited knowledge of the software necessary for her role in the company.
• Despite receiving numerous trainings, Tom has not displayed any significant progress in his technical skills.
• Jane’s constant need for technical assistance disrupts her team’s productivity and delays project timelines.
• Paul’s inability to keep up with industry-standard technologies has affected his performance and slowed the team’s progress.

Paragraph Examples for Unacceptable Performance

“While Samantha has been given ample opportunities to enhance her technical skills, she continuously demonstrates a lack of competence in this area. Though she has attended workshops and trainings, there unfortunately has not been any noticeable improvement in her performance. As a result, her inability to efficiently execute technical tasks has hindered the overall progress of her team.”

“Despite our repeated efforts to provide Mike with resources and support, it has become clear that he is unable to adapt to the technical demands of his role. He frequently requires assistance from his colleagues, which has affected his productivity and placed additional burdens on the team. Furthermore, his failure to stay current with emerging technologies has limited his overall contribution to the company.”

“Jenny’s performance in her technical responsibilities has been consistently unacceptable. She has struggled to grasp key concepts and processes, which has led to a decline in her efficiency and increased strain on her team. Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts to address these issues, her technical skills continue to fall below the expectations of her position.”

“Diana’s technical skills are not up to par and have consistently impacted team efficiencies and deadlines. She has been provided with resources and training to improve, but her progress remains unsatisfactory.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of technical skill performance review phrases.

• Outstanding (5): “Amy consistently demonstrates exceptional technical skills and is a valuable resource for the team.”
• Exceeds Expectations (4): “John quickly grasps new technology and has become a reliable mentor on advanced issues.”
• Meets Expectations (3): “Jane effectively uses company tools and can troubleshoot minor issues independently.”
• Needs Improvement (2): “Peter struggles to pick up new technologies and often requires assistance when solving technical problems.”
• Unacceptable (1): “Alex has consistently failed to grasp basic technical knowledge, causing delays in project completion.”

How do you rate technical skills during a performance review?

During a performance review, technical skills are typically rated on a scale from 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Outstanding). To make an accurate assessment, managers should set specific benchmarks for each rating level and consider factors such as the employee’s ability to learn new technologies, problem-solving capabilities, and their effectiveness in using company tools.

How can a manager effectively assess an employee’s technical skills?

A manager can effectively assess an employee’s technical skills by setting clear expectations and benchmarks for each rating level on the performance review scale. Observing an employee’s ability to learn new technologies, solve problems, and utilize company tools effectively can help managers make informed evaluations. Regular feedback sessions, monitoring progress, and providing necessary support can further ensure accurate assessment and fair evaluation of an employee’s technical skills.

• Problem Solving Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Planning Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Decision Making Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Listening Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Supervision Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Interpersonal Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples