135 Performance Review Examples

Most managers hate writing performance reviews. You sit there staring at a blank document, trying to figure out how to tell someone they need to improve without crushing their spirit or coming across as vague. The truth is, finding the right words for performance conversations shouldn't be this hard.

This guide gives you 135 ready-to-use phrases that actually sound like things real people would say, plus 5 templates you can copy and customize. No more corporate speak that makes everyone's eyes glaze over. These phrases work because they're clear, specific, and help people understand exactly what you mean.

How to Use These 135 Examples

We've organized everything into four simple categories:

• Core Skills (60 phrases): Communication, teamwork, leadership, and other essential workplace abilities

• Performance Levels (30 phrases): Clear language for exceeds, meets, and needs improvement ratings

• Modern Scenarios (35 phrases): Remote work, goal achievement, growth conversations, and inclusive feedback

• Complete Templates (5 documents): Full review frameworks for different situations

Making These Work for You

Copy any phrase that fits, then adjust it for your specific situation. The person's role, experience level, and recent work should shape how you customize the language. Balance positive feedback with areas for growth to keep your reviews credible and helpful. Most importantly, tie every comment to specific examples from what actually happened during the review period.

Keep your language focused on the future rather than dwelling on past mistakes. When you prepare phrases ahead of time and tailor them to each person, the whole process takes about 25 minutes per review.

Core Skills: 60 Ready-to-Use Examples

Communication

When Someone Communicates Well:

1. "Keeps the whole team in the loop with regular project updates that help everyone stay aligned."

2. "Takes complex topics and explains them in ways that make sense to everyone involved."

When Communication Needs Work:

1. "Could help the team more by adding context when sharing updates so everyone has the background they need."

2. "Would make meetings more effective by creating agendas ahead of time and wrapping up with clear next steps."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your written communication works really well. Now work on getting more comfortable presenting to bigger groups."

Leadership

When Someone Leads Well:

1. "Makes clear decisions when things get stressful and explains the reasoning so the team understands."

2. "Knows how to delegate work while still giving people the support they need to succeed."

When Leadership Needs Work:

1. "Could have more impact by speaking up more in cross-department meetings and taking initiative."

2. "Would help direct reports grow faster by giving more structured feedback instead of general comments."

Keep Building On:

1. "You're naturally good at mentoring people. Now create more formal ways to share knowledge with newer team members."

Problem-Solving

When Someone Solves Problems Well:

1. "Digs into what's really causing problems instead of just fixing what's obvious on the surface."

2. "Comes up with creative solutions to tough challenges and tests them carefully before rolling them out."

When Problem-Solving Needs Work:

1. "Could solve problems faster by getting input from stakeholders earlier in the process."

2. "Would help the team learn by writing down successful approaches for future reference."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your analytical thinking is strong. Now build confidence in presenting solutions to senior leadership."

Teamwork

When Someone Works Well with Others:

1. "Jumps in to help colleagues when things get busy without waiting to be asked."

2. "Helps different departments work together smoothly and resolves conflicts before they escalate."

When Teamwork Needs Work:

1. "Could build stronger relationships by participating more actively in group discussions and brainstorming."

2. "Would help the whole team improve by sharing expertise more openly."

Keep Building On:

1. "You're great at fostering positive team dynamics. Now take on more visible leadership roles in group projects."

Creativity

When Someone Thinks Creatively:

1. "Generates innovative ideas that actually improve how we work and deliver real business value."

2. "Approaches challenges from fresh angles and gets other team members thinking creatively too."

When Creativity Needs Focus:

1. "Could turn creative ideas into results faster by setting clearer timelines for implementation."

2. "Would create better solutions by involving stakeholders in the creative process from the start."

Keep Building On:

1. "Keep pushing creative boundaries while developing stronger project management skills to bring ideas to life."

Adaptability

When Someone Adapts Well:

1. "Adjusts quickly when priorities change and helps team members navigate transitions smoothly."

2. "Embraces new technologies and processes with enthusiasm and gets up to speed fast."

When Adaptability Needs Work:

1. "Could adapt more effectively by asking more questions when processes change to make sure you understand fully."

2. "Would handle shifting requirements better by developing backup plans for projects."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your flexibility serves you well. Now build expertise in change management to help guide others through transitions."

Time Management

When Someone Manages Time Well:

1. "Consistently meets deadlines while keeping quality high across all work."

2. "Knows how to prioritize tasks and gives stakeholders early warning about potential scheduling conflicts."

When Time Management Needs Work:

1. "Could work more efficiently by grouping similar tasks together and minimizing switching between different types of work."

2. "Would meet deadlines more reliably by building buffer time into project estimates for unexpected challenges."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your time management skills are solid. Now take on additional responsibilities that stretch your current capabilities."

Dependability

When Someone Is Reliable:

1. "Team members know they can count on you to deliver high-quality work when you say you will."

2. "Maintains consistent performance whether the workload is light or heavy."

When Dependability Needs Work:

1. "Could strengthen trust by communicating earlier when circumstances prevent meeting original commitments."

2. "Would help project planning by identifying potential roadblocks that could impact delivery timelines."

Keep Building On:

1. "People trust your consistent delivery. Now expand the scope of responsibilities you take on."

Attitude

When Someone Has a Great Attitude:

1. "Stays positive during challenging periods and helps boost team morale when projects get difficult."

2. "Takes feedback well and shows genuine commitment to getting better at the job."

When Attitude Needs Work:

1. "Could improve workplace relationships by expressing concerns more constructively and focusing on solutions."

2. "Would benefit everyone by maintaining professionalism during high-stress situations and tight deadlines."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your positive energy helps the team. Now develop skills to help others stay motivated during setbacks."

Attendance

When Someone Shows Up Consistently:

1. "Maintains excellent attendance and gives advance notice for planned time off."

2. "Shows commitment by being present and engaged during all scheduled meetings and team activities."

When Attendance Needs Work:

1. "Could help team coordination by providing more detailed coverage plans when taking time off."

2. "Would support team planning by managing personal commitments to minimize last-minute schedule changes."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your reliability through consistent attendance is valued. Now take on additional meeting facilitation responsibilities."

Customer Service

When Someone Serves Customers Well:

1. "Consistently gets positive feedback from clients who appreciate quick responses and attention to detail."

2. "Builds strong customer relationships by understanding what they need and providing tailored solutions."

When Customer Service Needs Work:

1. "Could boost customer satisfaction by following up more systematically after resolving issues."

2. "Would answer customer questions more completely by developing deeper product knowledge."

Keep Building On:

1. "You consistently exceed customer expectations. Now mentor other team members in service excellence."

Quality of Work

When Someone Does Quality Work:

1. "Delivers work that needs minimal revision and consistently meets established quality standards."

2. "Pays attention to details that prevent problems and save time for the entire team."

When Quality Needs Work:

1. "Could improve work quality by implementing systematic review processes before submitting deliverables."

2. "Would benefit from taking additional time during planning phases to ensure thorough understanding of requirements."

Keep Building On:

1. "Your quality standards are high. Now increase output capacity through improved efficiency."

Performance Levels: 30 Clear Examples

Exceeds Expectations

1. "Beat annual targets by 15% while maintaining quality standards and supporting team members."

2. "Finished the project three weeks early and added extra features that improved user experience."

3. "Created innovative solutions that saved the department $50,000."

4. "Took initiative to streamline processes, cutting team workload by 20% without compromising quality."

5. "Mentored three junior team members who all got promoted during this review period."

6. "Led a cross-functional project that improved customer satisfaction scores by 25 points."

7. "Earned a new certification that directly enhanced job performance and team capabilities."

8. "Consistently delivered above expectations while taking on additional high-visibility projects."

9. "Found and fixed a system problem that improved productivity across multiple departments."

10. "Exceeded performance goals in all measured areas while maintaining excellent team collaboration."

Meets Expectations

1. "Successfully completed all assigned projects within established timelines and budget."

2. "Achieved quarterly goals and maintained consistent performance throughout the review period."

3. "Executes core job responsibilities reliably with minimal supervision needed."

4. "Maintains expected quality standards and follows established processes effectively."

5. "Contributes positively to team objectives and supports a collaborative work environment."

6. "Handles routine challenges appropriately and knows when to escalate complex issues."

7. "Meets attendance expectations and participates actively in required meetings and training."

8. "Shows competency in core job skills and applies them consistently in daily work."

9. "Completes assigned tasks thoroughly and gives regular status updates to supervisor."

10. "Maintains professional relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders as expected."

Needs Improvement

1. "Needs additional support to meet project deadlines and would benefit from better time management strategies."

2. "Work quality occasionally falls below standards and needs more thorough review before submission."

3. "Could perform better by asking for clarification on requirements before starting complex tasks."

4. "Would help team coordination by communicating more consistently about project status."

5. "Needs to develop stronger problem-solving skills to handle routine challenges independently."

6. "Could improve by taking more initiative in identifying and addressing potential issues before they grow."

7. "Would benefit from additional training in core job skills to increase efficiency and confidence."

8. "Needs to pay closer attention to details to reduce errors and rework in completed assignments."

9. "Could improve performance by being more open to feedback and consistently implementing suggested changes."

10. "Would benefit from better organization and prioritization to manage competing demands more effectively."

Goal Achievement & Results: 10 Examples

Strong Results:

1. "Beat sales quota by 22% while keeping 95% customer retention rate throughout the quarter."

2. "Cut processing time by 30% through new workflow procedures."

3. "Launched product feature on time and 10% under budget with zero critical bugs."

4. "Boosted team productivity by 18% through better resource allocation and process improvements."

5. "Completed 100% of professional development goals set at the beginning of the review period."

6. "Generated 25 qualified leads per month, beating target by 40% while maintaining lead quality."

Results That Need Work:

1. "Missed revenue target by 8% and would benefit from stronger pipeline management skills."

2. "Project deliverables were completed but took two weeks longer than planned due to scope creep issues."

3. "Quality metrics need attention as error rate increased 12% compared to last quarter."

4. "Goal achievement was inconsistent and would benefit from better milestone tracking and accountability."

Growth & Development: 10 Examples

Strong Development Focus:

1. "Shows strong learning ability by quickly mastering new software and teaching others effectively."

2. "Actively asks for feedback and implements suggestions, showing measurable improvement in presentation skills."

3. "Takes ownership of professional growth by enrolling in relevant courses and applying new knowledge right away."

4. "Shows promise as a mentor by naturally helping newer team members navigate challenges successfully."

5. "Stays curious about industry trends and brings fresh perspectives to team discussions."

6. "Takes on challenging assignments that stretch current abilities and approaches them with confidence."

Development That Needs Focus:

1. "Could grow faster by setting more specific skill development goals with measurable outcomes."

2. "Would benefit from seeking more mentorship opportunities to develop advanced technical skills."

3. "Could advance career by taking on more visible projects that showcase leadership potential."

4. "Would benefit from developing stronger self-assessment skills to identify growth opportunities independently."

Remote & Hybrid Work: 10 Examples

Strong Remote Work:

1. "Excels at keeping projects moving across time zones with detailed updates that help everyone stay informed."

2. "Stays engaged during virtual meetings and makes sure all participants can contribute to discussions."

3. "Manages work-life boundaries well while staying accessible for urgent team needs."

4. "Uses digital collaboration tools effectively and helps the team work together smoothly."

5. "Proactively schedules regular check-ins that keep the team connected and projects aligned."

6. "Adapts communication style appropriately for different digital channels and audiences."

Remote Work That Needs Attention:

1. "Could improve virtual presence by participating more actively in video calls and team discussions."

2. "Would benefit from more structured approaches to managing tasks and deadlines in a remote environment."

3. "Could help team collaboration by responding more quickly to messages and requests for input."

4. "Would benefit from better time zone awareness when scheduling meetings and setting response expectations."

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 10 Examples

Strong Inclusive Behaviors:

1. "Creates an environment where all team members feel valued and heard during meetings."

2. "Actively seeks different perspectives when making decisions and incorporates feedback from various stakeholders."

3. "Shows cultural sensitivity in communications and adapts approach based on audience needs."

4. "Champions initiatives that promote equal opportunities and supports colleagues from underrepresented groups."

5. "Shows commitment to learning about unconscious bias and applies insights to improve team interactions."

6. "Leads discussions that welcome different viewpoints and helps the team navigate disagreements constructively."

Inclusive Behaviors That Need Work:

1. "Could strengthen inclusive leadership by making sure all team members have equal opportunities to contribute during meetings."

2. "Would benefit from understanding how communication style might affect colleagues from different backgrounds."

3. "Could improve team dynamics by actively seeking input from quieter team members and creating space for diverse opinions."

4. "Would benefit from additional diversity training to develop stronger cultural competency skills."

Special Recognition: 5 Examples

1. "Shows exceptional resilience by maintaining high performance during organizational changes and uncertainty."

2. "Demonstrates outstanding initiative by identifying market opportunities that led to new revenue streams."

3. "Displays remarkable collaboration skills by successfully coordinating complex multi-team projects."

4. "Shows exceptional customer focus by going above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction and retention."

5. "Demonstrates outstanding professional growth by successfully transitioning to expanded role responsibilities."

Performance Review Templates: 5 Ready-to-Use Documents

Annual Review Template

Purpose: Complete year-end evaluation covering all performance areas and career development planning.

What to Include:

• Goals Review: How well did they meet objectives from the last review

• Key Wins: Major accomplishments and contributions during the review period

• Growth Areas: Specific skills or behaviors to develop further

• Development Plan: Training, mentoring, and stretch assignments for the upcoming year

• Next Check-in: Schedule for quarterly progress reviews

30-60-90-Day Template

Purpose: New hire assessment and role transition tracking.

What to Include:

• 30-Day Goals: Initial learning objectives and basic job function mastery

• 60-Day Wins: Expanded responsibilities and team integration progress

• 90-Day Obstacles: Challenges encountered and support needed

• Development Plan: Skills building and training priorities for next quarter

• Next Check-in: Monthly meetings to ensure continued success

Probation Review Template

Purpose: Performance improvement documentation and clear expectations.

What to Include:

• Improvement Goals: Specific performance standards that must be met

• Current Wins: Areas where the employee meets expectations

• Critical Obstacles: Performance gaps that need immediate attention

• Development Plan: Resources, training, and support provided for improvement

• Next Check-in: Weekly monitoring schedule with clear improvement milestones

Project-Based Template

Purpose: Evaluation focused on specific deliverable completion and contribution.

What to Include:

• Project Goals: Original scope, timeline, and success criteria

• Key Wins: Accomplishments and value delivered through project work

• Process Obstacles: Challenges faced and problem-solving approaches used

• Development Plan: Skills gained and areas for growth identified through the project

• Next Check-in: How to apply lessons learned to future project assignments

Self-Evaluation Template

Purpose: Employee reflection framework for self-assessment and goal setting.

What to Include:

• Achievement Goals: Employee assessment of goal completion and impact

• Personal Wins: Accomplishments and growth areas identified by the employee

• Learning Obstacles: Challenges faced and resources needed for improvement

• Development Plan: Self-directed growth objectives and skill-building priorities

• Next Check-in: Employee-manager collaboration on development progress

How to Have the Actual Conversation: 10-Step Guide

Good performance reviews follow a structure that feels natural, not scripted. Here's how to make it work:

Before the Meeting:

• Review the person's goals and gather specific examples of their work

• Pick phrases from the categories above that match what you want to discuss

• Customize the language to fit their role, experience level, and recent performance

During the Review:

1. Start Simple: "Let's look at the goals we set together last quarter and see how things went."

2. Review Goals: Use phrases 91-100 to discuss specific achievements and results

3. Highlight Strengths: Pick positive phrases from relevant skill areas (1-60) that match what they do well

4. Address Growth Areas: Use constructive feedback phrases with specific examples

5. Give Clear Ratings: Use phrases 61-90 to explain exactly where their performance stands

6. Plan Development: Work together on goal-setting using phrases 101-110

7. Get Their Input: Ask them to reflect using the self-evaluation template structure

8. Confirm Understanding: Make sure you both agree on the feedback and next steps

9. Document Everything: Record key points and commitments made during the conversation

10. Schedule Follow-ups: Set regular check-in dates for ongoing support and progress tracking

Resources for Better Performance Management

Regular feedback conversations, not just annual reviews, create real performance improvement. Use these phrases during regular check-ins to maintain momentum between formal review cycles.

Managers who want to get better at giving feedback can benefit from effective workplace training programs that improve review quality and employee engagement. Track the impact of your performance conversations using learning and development metrics to see how feedback affects overall team success.

Sales leaders can use specialized management skills training that connects performance reviews to revenue outcomes. Organizations looking to scale feedback effectiveness can implement advanced skill development strategies that provide frameworks for systematic improvement.

For additional language options, check out 100 performance review phrases for expanded examples, performance review templates for different organizational needs, and comprehensive feedback examples covering modern workplace scenarios. Performance review summaries provide additional guidance for documenting review outcomes effectively.

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