Decision making is an essential skill that is crucial for success at every level of an organization. It means the ability to assess situations, weigh pros and cons, and select the most appropriate course of action. In a performance review, evaluating an employee’s decision-making abilities is important in determining their overall effectiveness and growth potential. Performance review phrases and paragraphs examples can help managers communicate their feedback more effectively, ensuring that the employees understand how they are performing in this area and how they can improve.
Questions to determine an employee’s decision making skills
1. How well does the employee analyze situations and weigh pros and cons before making a decision?
2. Does the employee consider multiple options and potential outcomes before making a decision?
3. How well does the employee handle complex or ambiguous situations that require careful consideration and analysis?
4. Does the employee make decisions independently or seek input from others when appropriate?
5. How well does the employee handle pressure and make decisions under tight deadlines or other challenging circumstances?
Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples for Decision Making Skills
5 – Outstanding
Example Phrases
- Demonstrates exceptional judgement and quickly identifies optimal solutions.
- Consistently makes well-informed decisions that align with business objectives.
- Shows exceptional ability to assess risks and potential consequences.
Example Paragraph
“In the past year, Jane has consistently demonstrated outstanding decision-making skills, rapidly identifying optimal solutions to complex challenges. Her well-informed decisions have positively impacted business objectives and shown her ability to assess risks and potential consequences effectively.”
4 – Exceeds Expectations
Example Phrases
- Frequently makes well-considered decisions that benefit the team and organization.
- Shows above-average ability to weigh the pros and cons of various options.
- Decisions demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business goals.
Example Paragraph
“During this review period, John has consistently exceeded expectations in his decision-making abilities. His comprehensive understanding of business goals has informed well-considered decisions that ultimately benefit the team and the organization. John’s aptitude for weighing pros and cons also showcases his strengths in decision making.”
3 – Meets Expectations
Example Phrases
- Generally makes sound decisions based on available information.
- Decisions usually align with business objectives and team needs.
- Shows capacity to evaluate options and assess potential risks.
Example Paragraph
“Throughout the past year, Jane has met expectations in her decision-making abilities. Her decisions typically align with both business objectives and the needs of her team. Jane has demonstrated her capacity to evaluate options and assess potential risks, making sound decisions based on available information.”
2 – Needs Improvement
Example Phrases
- Occasionally struggles to make well-informed decisions.
- Decisions may not always align with business objectives or team needs.
- Demonstrates difficulty in assessing risks and evaluating options.
Example Paragraph
“During the review period, John has shown some difficulty in making well-informed decisions that will benefit the team and organization. There are instances of misalignment with business objectives and challenges in assessing risks and evaluating options. Moving forward, John should focus on developing his decision-making skills.”
1 – Unacceptable
Example Phrases
- Consistently makes poor decisions that negatively impact the team and organization.
- Fails to adequately evaluate options and assess risks.
- Decisions do not align with business objectives.
Example Paragraph
“Unfortunately, Jane’s performance in decision making has been unacceptable during the review period. She consistently makes poor decisions that have negative consequences for the team and organization. Jane has failed to adequately evaluate options or assess risks, leading to decisions that stray from business objectives. Immediate improvement in her decision-making abilities is necessary.”