The phrases we use in a performance review have a lot of power. Performance review phrases, when delivered correctly, reinforce good employee behavior. However, performance appraisal phrases that are vague or overly negative run the risk of exacerbating the problem. Employee review comments can make or break an employee’s performance—so it’s important to use the best employee performance review comments possible.
Whether the employee you’re reviewing is hitting it out of the park or needs a lot of work, you still need to be intentional about giving feedback in the right way. Performance evaluation phrases that don’t respect an employee’s hard work can de-motivate and alienate them. On the other hand, harsh performance review comments directed at an underperforming employee can result in decreased effort and poor self-esteem.
These annual performance reviews sample comments are a great starting point to rethinking employee reviews and provide a great variety of performance review quotes. Our performance appraisal comments also offer guidelines on how to best address employees so they will listen, respond, and improve.
Using well-phrased, positive, and targeted job performance review comments motivate employees to keep up the good work, address problems, shift their behavior, and encourages them to become the best employee possible. If you’re ready to instill a culture of continuous feedback and helpful review, we have 50 example phrases to help you get over the hurdle.
In each following section, you’ll see five phrases for acceptable performance and phrases for unacceptable performance for the given skill. Note: Although these are all 100% usable for an evaluation, were commend shaping the phrases to be as specific as possible for the employee under review. Let’s get started.
Communication
Phrases for acceptable performance
- It really helps when you take the time to explain yourself thoroughly.
- Thank you for being so honest.
- I like that you are able to share your thoughts so clearly.
- Communication is one of your greatest skills and really helps the team.
- I appreciate the respect you show to others when you consider their understanding.
Phrases for unacceptable performance
- It would help if you could work on how you say things to other people.
- Ideally, you can communicate with your coworkers without using confrontational language.
- Try to think before you speak so your words come out the way you intend.
- I’d like you to speak up more in meetings.
- I’m grateful for all your ideas, but please give others a chance to speak as well.
Initiative
Phrases for acceptable performance
- It’s wonderful how efficient you are at working without direction or supervision.
- I really appreciate the extra effort you’ve been making for the company.
- Please feel free to include others in your endeavors even more.
- Your willingness to play a leading role is much appreciated.
- Your ideas and willingness to follow them up are among your greatest assets.
Phrases for unacceptable performance
- We really value independent thinking here at this company.
- I trust you to find tasks on your own between assignments.
- Please make more effort to stay busy on your own.
- I’d like to see a little more self-direction from you.
- Try to find an answer on your own before asking someone.
Attitude
Phrases for acceptable performance
- You really improve the workplace just by being here.
- I love your infectious good attitude.
- Thank you for always showing up with a smile.
- It seems like nothing fazes you!
- Your good attitude makes my workday go faster, so thank you.
Phrases for unacceptable performance
- I’d like you to cultivate a more positive attitude.
- It’s important to approach your work with the right attitude.
- When your attitude is poor, it affects everyone else around you.
- Please adjust your attitude to be more positive.
- I know it’s tough sometimes, but this work requires a good attitude.
Leadership
Phrases for acceptable performance
- Your leadership skills are top-notch.
- Others just want to follow you.
- You really cultivate a team environment.
- I trust you to delegate on your own.
- You seem to lead effortlessly.
Phrases for unacceptable performance
- It’s important to inspire trust, not fear.
- Try asking others for their input more often.
- Remember that delegation is not the same as dictation.
- Ideally we’re striving for a democratic workplace, so please keep that in mind.
- You must remember that you’re expected to lead, even if you’re shy.
Writing performance review phrases
When writing a performance review, it’s very important to keep phrasing in mind. It’s easy to batch reviews, especially if you are writing performance review comments for a lot of different employees. But, this can result in under-analyzed, unhelpful, and even damaging comments and critiques. Instead, be thoughtful when constructing comments. Always remember that celebrating employee successes while highlighting room for improvement are the most important elements of any review.
When it’s time to sit down and complete your performance review or fill out an employee evaluation form, keep the following tips in mind:
- Refer to logs, timesheets, notes, and other documents to help refresh your memory
- Give plenty of specific positive feedback
- When offering negative feedback, avoid the tendency to use vague words or insert your personal opinion
- Instead, give concrete, actionable advice
- Describe problems completely to help employees understand exactly where they need to improve
- Offer to help by lending your guidance, creating a performance improvement plan, suggesting easy fixes, and remaining optimistic
When it comes to deliver feedback and coaching employees to improve certain skills, there are a number of other useful tips and strategies to keep in mind. Take a look at our ebook, Major League Sales Coaching to see expert tips and advice for delivering feedback and performance coaching.
