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Performance Review Phrases by Skill (With Examples)

Performance Review Phrases by Skill (With Examples)

When it comes to employee engagement and loyalty, nothing makes an employee more empowered than effective performance reviews that provide constructive, valuable feedback. Let’s take a look at what exactly a performance review is and the common phrases that can be used during a performance review.


What is a Performance Review?

Also known as performance evaluation, a performance review is basically an assessment of an employee’s work performance and it is generally done by the employee’s immediate supervisor or manager. During a performance review, the supervisor sits down with the employee to identify their strengths as well as weaknesses. The supervisor also helps to set goals for the employee and offers genuine feedback for future performance. Such performance reviews are usually conducted on a quarterly, monthly or weekly basis. 


Most performance reviews are categorized based on skills and goals. Each category in turn makes use of effective phrases that boost employee morale. The phrases you use in a performance review impact its overall effectiveness. An effective review should discuss an employee’s strengths and areas of improvement in a way that is constructive and motivating. Depending on what skills or goals you are evaluating, here is a list of common performance review phrases for each review skill:


Performance Review Phrases for Creativity & Innovation

Creativity and innovation are of utmost importance in the workplace when it comes to thinking creatively for problem-solving. As a supervisor, you could consider using phrases similar to these:


  • "Very innovative thoughts; makes excellent use of creative thinking to implement a vision for the company”

  • “Continuously suggests novels ideas in meetings and for projects”

  • “Initiative and creative in developing new-fangled ideas to improve projects or company performance”


Performance Review Phrases for Adaptability

It is vital that employees are adaptable to change in the work environment. Companies heave a sigh of relief when employees accept and comply with new processes. Here are a few phrases that could be used to laud an employee’s adaptability:


  • “Willingly adjusts the schedule to make himself/herself mentally as well as physically available when duty calls”

  • “Remarkably adapts to changes in the performance of required tasks”

  • “Responds very well to change with a positive attitude”


Performance Review Phrases for Communication

The art of communication is essential and most companies adore employees who can effectively communicate in the workplace with their supervisors, colleagues as well as clients. Here are the interesting phrases that you may use when you give your performance review:


  • “An effective communicator in the workplace who knows how to interact with colleagues, supervisors, partners as well as customers”

  • “Communicates ideas and thoughts during team meetings and conferences”

  • “Excellent people skills and knows how to extend constructive feedback through effective communication. Very capable of discussing difficult issues effectively without causing undue ill-feeling”


Performance Review Phrases for Accountability

Responsibility towards one’s work and accountability for one’s action within a team are traits that hold high value in the eyes of any organization. Given below are a few phrases that you may apply to appraise an employee’s accountability.


  • “Accepts complete ownership in the company’s success and is extremely responsible for oneself while contributing as a team member”

  • “Readily accepts mistakes and offers to rectify any errors. Promptly informs the concerned individuals if there is any delay in keeping a commitment”


Performance Review Phrases for Attendance & Punctuality

When it comes to evaluating employee performance, attendance and reliability are important factors. Here are a few sample phrases while considering your employee’s attendance and punctuality performance


  • “Always on time for work, including meetings and conferences”

  • “Maintains excellent attendance and ensures not to violate the standard attendance policy”

  • “Always ready to charge ahead, fully refreshed and prepared for any challenge”


Performance Review Phrases for Productivity and Quality 

As long as employees remain highly productive their contribution towards the company’s goals would be consistently commendable. Here are some phrases that you may consider when you give a performance review:


  • “Positively contributes to the overall performance of the company with high-quality work”

  • “Continuously strives to achieve performance targets and improve productivity”

  • “Displays strong time-management and organizational skills”


Performance Review Phrases for Cooperation

Employees who are willing to cooperate with their co-workers for the unified success of a vision will shine bright in team-based projects. When each employee relies on the input from his/her team members to complete a task, the workflow continues at a steady pace that can be achieved only through cooperation. Try considering these phrases when you give a performance review:


  • “Possesses a cooperative spirit that proved extremely helpful in contributing to <ABC> project”

  • “Excellent skills in cooperating and working as a team to ensure colleagues work in unison to meet deadlines”


Performance Review Phrases for Coaching and Training

Learning is a continuous process so employees who willingly agree to upskill themselves are the greatest asset for any organization. Here are a few phrases that assess coaching and training abilities in your employees:


  • “Readily gets involved in training sessions to upskill and improve efficiency”

  • “Takes the initiative to enroll for courses that will help him/her better understand a new process or project”



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