14 Examples of Performance Reviews (Good, Satisfactory, Poor)

Performance reviews are typically held annually or semi-annually: these assessments help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Here, we’ll dive into three primary types of examples: Good Review, Satisfactory Review (Combination Review), and Poor Review (with areas for improvement).

Components of a Good Review

Specificity: Highlight your employee’s specific achievements and areas they excelled in. For example, “You went above and beyond in converting 5 potential leads into new clients during the last quarter.”
Balance: Don’t just focus on the positives, but also include constructive feedback. For example, “While you met your target, you could benefit from better time management while juggling multiple deadlines.”
Goals and suggestions for future growth: Offer your employee guidance on specific steps to take for improvement. For example, “You can improve your teamwork by participating more actively in team meetings and offerings to assist colleagues.”
Tangible Metrics: Use measurable data to back up your assertions, making the review more objective. Example, “You exceeded your monthly sales target of $10,000 by achieving $13,500 in sales for the last three months.”
Alignment with company values and mission: Point out how the employee’s efforts contribute to the organization’s success. Example, “Your dedication to providing excellent customer service reflects our company’s commitment to creating a positive customer experience.”

Good Review Examples

Example 1: “Good job! You scored 25% higher than the average employee on your communication skills, and your ability to create compelling presentations has led to an increased customer retention rate. Keep up the great work!”

Example 2: “Your leadership in the marketing project helped us achieve a 20% increase in brand awareness during the campaign. You consistently foster a positive working environment for your colleagues, which fosters increased productivity.”

Example 3: “You exceeded our accounts payable processing goal by 30%, ensuring on-time payments and a strong vendor relationship. Your attention to detail and quick resolution of discrepancies showcases your reliability.”

Example 4: “Your ability to manage difficult clients with a positive attitude led to a 95% client satisfaction rate. This performance fosters company growth by creating strong customer loyalty. Maintain this level of commitment and professionalism.”

Elements of a Satisfactory Review

Combination Review Basics

A satisfactory review involves both positive and negative feedback, resulting in a combination review. As you conduct a performance review, remember that it’s important to discuss both areas of improvement and strengths.

Balanced Feedback

To maintain a professional tone and provide constructive feedback, focus on balanced feedback. To do this, address an employee’s strengths and achievements, followed by suggestions for areas of improvement. Keep in mind that specific and actionable feedback is more effective. Here are four more examples of balanced feedback in a satisfactory review:

Satisfactory Review Examples

Example: You consistently meet deadlines and provide quality work, which showcases your dedication and attention to detail. However, you could benefit from improving your communication skills during team meetings, as it would help in fostering collaboration.
Example: Your efforts in increasing sales by 15% in the last quarter are commendable. Keep up the great work! One area that could be improved is your time management skills, which will help you better prioritize your tasks and workload.
Example: Your ability to adapt to changes and find innovative solutions to problems is impressive. While you excel in individual projects, working on collaborating and sharing your knowledge within the team could lead to even greater results.
Example: Your excellent customer service skills and friendly demeanor have generated numerous positive reviews. Although you’ve made progress, focusing on further developing your technical skills would make you even more versatile and valuable to the team.
Example: Your organizational skills have significantly improved the office’s workflow, and your peers have noticed. Continue honing this skill by consistently keeping documentation up to date and finding new ways to streamline processes.

Constructing a Poor Review

Highlighting Improvement Areas

When constructing a poor performance review, it’s essential to identify areas in which the employee can improve. Address each issue with clarity and provide specific examples to illustrate your points. Here are five examples of poor performance reviews to help you better understand the key aspects:

Poor Review Examples

Communication Skills: You had difficulty expressing yourself effectively in team meetings. For example, during the quarterly project update meeting last month, your presentation was unclear and lacked focus. To improve, consider enrolling in a communication skills workshop or seeking support from a colleague.
Time Management: Your ability to manage your time was subpar this year. Several tasks were completed later than promised, impacting team deadlines and client satisfaction. One instance was in March when the marketing report was submitted two weeks late. Creating a structured schedule and prioritizing tasks could help you in this area.
Leadership: As a team leader, you were not consistently motivating and supporting your team. For instance, in May, two team members requested assistance, but their concerns were not addressed. As a result, the project experienced delays. Seek feedback from your team to understand their needs and provide guidance when needed.
Adaptability: You struggled to adapt to new projects and responsibilities. An example was during the recent organizational change when you resisted the new reporting software implementation. To grow in this area, develop an open-minded approach and actively seek opportunities to learn new tools and processes.
Organization: Disorganization of your personal workspace affected your productivity and the overall efficiency of the team. Your colleagues had difficulty locating documents and resources necessary for their tasks. It is important to maintain an organized and professional workspace. Implementing a filing system and decluttering your desk regularly will help you improve.

Effective Performance Review Phrases

You consistently meet your goals and deadlines.
Your problem-solving skills are impressive.
You often go above and beyond your job responsibilities.
Your attention to detail has not gone unnoticed.
You are a skilled communicator and work well with others.
Your ability to handle stress is commendable.
You are always punctual and reliable.
Your leadership skills have really shined this year.
I’ve noticed an improvement in your time management.
Your positive attitude is infectious.
Keep up the excellent customer service.
Your ability to effectively manage priorities is an asset.
You have a strong understanding of our company values.
You have developed great working relationships with your colleagues.
I appreciate your willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
Your commitment to professional development is evident.
You are a great problem solver and tackle challenges head-on.
You are an excellent team player and contribute to a positive work environment.
You consistently produce high-quality work.
Your dedication to your job is inspiring.
I appreciate your creative solutions to problems.
You are always looking for ways to improve your skills.
You have been a great mentor to your team.
Your collaboration with team members has been a success.
You have successfully juggled multiple projects this year.
You are dependable and accountable for your actions.
I admire the way you handle conflict.
You have a great ability to adapt to change.
You have shown growth in your leadership skills.
Your ability to prioritize tasks effectively has greatly improved.
You are a valuable contributor to our team’s success.
You have a strong work ethic.
You demonstrate great initiative in your role.
Your interpersonal skills have significantly improved.
You are open to feedback and continuously seek growth opportunities.
You consistently look for ways to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Keep up the good work with your problem-solving skills.
Your critical thinking abilities are exceptional.
You have successfully adapted to new technologies and processes.
Your pride in your work is evident in every project you complete.
You possess excellent listening skills.
Your mindful approach to your work is appreciated.
You have an outstanding ability to multitask.
You are proactive in addressing potential challenges.
Your willingness to learn from mistakes has been a strength.
You have made great strides in your personal and professional development.
You are an excellent communicator, both in writing and verbally.
You consistently demonstrate exceptional organization skills.
You are always looking for new ways to add value to the company.
You effectively balance your workload and prioritize tasks.
Your resilience in challenging situations is admirable.
You excel at building and maintaining relationships within and outside of the company.
Your enthusiasm for your work is contagious.
Your commitment to continuous improvement is admirable.
Your ability to stay focused in high-pressure situations is commendable.
You embrace new challenges with a can-do attitude.
Your dedication to the company’s goals is inspiring.
You are a great role model for your colleagues.
I’ve noticed a marked improvement in your time management skills.
You always follow through on your commitments.
You work effectively under pressure.
You actively seek opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.
Your ability to tackle complex issues is impressive.
You are an exceptional collaborator, making sure everyone’s ideas are heard.
You make a real effort to understand the needs of your team.
You are always striving to exceed expectations.
You are an active listener in meetings.
You consistently take the initiative to improve processes.
Your ability to embrace change is inspiring.
You excel at conflict resolution.
You consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism and integrity.
Your willingness to help others is commendable.
Your perseverance on challenging projects is truly impressive.
You have a great ability to stay organized in chaotic situations.
Your commitment to meeting deadlines has been a major asset.
You have a strong ability to think creatively.
You are great at finding innovative solutions to problems.
You are skilled at identifying potential risks and addressing them proactively.
You have an excellent ability to foster collaboration and teamwork.
You strive to maintain a positive work environment.
You have great success in setting and achieving goals.
Your networking skills are a huge asset to the company.
Your ability to work under time constraints is impressive.
You are a great motivator.
You consistently provide thorough and accurate work.
Your ambition to excel in your role is evident.
You effectively adapt your communication style to suit different audiences.
You show great empathy and concern for your team members.
You have demonstrated strong commitment to personal growth and development.
You consistently look for ways to improve the company and your work.
You actively seek out feedback and listen to others.
Your enthusiasm and passion for your work is inspiring.
You have an excellent ability to delegate tasks effectively.
You are great at building and maintaining a strong team.
You have made significant improvements in your decision-making skills.
You are always willing to lend a helping hand to your team members.
Your ability to stay calm in challenging situations is commendable.
You demonstrate a strong commitment to the company’s mission and values.
You actively seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Your ability to balance competing priorities is impressive.

Goals and Objectives Setting

When it comes to performance reviews, setting clear and measurable goals and objectives is crucial. As a manager, you need to help your employees understand their strengths and weaknesses and find ways to improve in areas where they might be lacking. Here are some examples of goals and objectives you could ask your employees to set:

30 Performance Review Phrase Examples for Emotional Intelligence

Examples of Goals and Objectives

Increase sales revenue by 10% within the next six months.
Complete a professional development course in team leadership.
Improve customer satisfaction ratings by 15% over the next year.
Reduce the number of errors in your department by 20%.
Improve your time management skills to complete tasks more efficiently.
Attend a networking event at least once every two months.
Develop and implement a new process for handling customer complaints.
Collaborate with colleagues to produce a new marketing strategy.
Improve your presentation skills to better communicate with clients.
Create a more organized filing system for your department.
Increase your typing speed from 40 to 60 words per minute.
Cut down average response time to customer inquiries by 25%.
Generate at least 10 new leads per week for the sales team.
Attend a conference or seminar relevant to your field or industry.
Mentor a new employee to help them adjust to their job.
Update your knowledge on industry trends and best practices.
Improve your communication skills, both verbal and written.
Develop a more efficient way of managing your emails.
Increase the number of monthly blog posts published on the company website.
Seek feedback from your colleagues to identify areas for improvement.
Learn a new software program relevant to your role.
Improve your ability to problem-solve and think critically.
Provide comprehensive reports on project progress to your manager.
Participate in a charity or volunteer event as a company representative.
Increase the amount of constructive feedback you give to your teammates.
Enhance your skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.
Develop a better understanding of your company’s overall strategic goals.
Improve your active listening skills to better engage with your colleagues and customers.
Improve your public speaking skills through attending a workshop or class.
Create and implement a process for continuous self-improvement.
Set up regular team-building events for your department.
Develop a plan to delegate tasks more effectively.
Prioritize your workload more effectively to avoid unnecessary stress.
Improve your emotional intelligence and empathy skills.
Build relationships with colleagues from other departments within your organization.
Collaborate with your team to identify and address any skill gaps.
Quantify and measure the success of your projects and initiatives.
Encourage open communication within your team.
Utilize new communication tools to improve efficiency in the workplace.
Learn a new language that will help you communicate with international clients.
Improve your understanding of your company’s products or services.
Set aside dedicated time for personal growth and learning.
Reach out to your manager regularly to discuss your progress and areas for growth.
Identify and address any gaps in your technical knowledge.
Examine the way you structure your day and make adjustments to improve productivity.
Offer your assistance to colleagues in other departments when you have the capacity.
Seek opportunities to share your knowledge and expertise with your colleagues.
Improve your understanding of your customers’ needs and preferences.
Pay more attention to detail when completing tasks.
Work more independently and take the initiative in problem-solving.
Improve your skills in project management.
Optimize the processes within your department to save time and resources.
Seek opportunities for upward mobility within your company.
Increase your ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Actively seek feedback from your team and consistently implement their suggestions.
Improve your knowledge of your industry’s regulations and compliance requirements.
Learn new tools and software to stay ahead in your industry.
Focus on your mental and physical health to reduce stress and maintain productivity.
Network with professionals outside of your organization to stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Make a conscious effort to create a more positive and inclusive work environment.

Feedback and Discussion Techniques

Be specific and clear – When discussing someone’s performance, use concrete examples to illustrate your points, both positive and negative. This helps the individual understand exactly what they need to continue doing or improve upon.
Focus on behaviors and actions – When providing feedback, concentrate on the individual’s actions and behaviors, not their character or personality. This approach makes the discussion more objective and less personal, making it easier for the person receiving the feedback to accept and act upon it.
Use the SBI (Situation, Behavior, and Impact) model – This technique can help you present feedback in a structured way. For each point of feedback, explain the situation, describe the specific behavior observed, and discuss the impact of that behavior. For example, you could say, “During the sales presentation last week, you spoke confidently and engagingly, which allowed us to secure an important new client.”
Encourage open dialogues and self-assessment – Allow time for the employee to share their own thoughts on their performance and engage in a dialogue about the reasons behind their actions. By promoting a two-way conversation, you create an atmosphere of collaboration and support.
Offer guidance and resources for improvement – In cases where the review is not entirely positive, it’s crucial to provide a clear path forward for improvement. Discuss specific actions the employee can take and any available resources they can use to work on those areas.

Self Evaluation Sample Answers: Strengths and Weaknesses

Frequently Asked Questions

How can one effectively highlight strengths in a performance appraisal?

To effectively highlight strengths in a performance appraisal, focus on specific examples of accomplishments that demonstrate the individual’s proficiency in their job. Provide clear and tangible results that showcase their skill set and hard work. You can also mention how these strengths have positively impacted the team or workplace, but remember to keep the focus on the individual’s achievements.

What are some good self-appraisal comments that an employee can make?

Good self-appraisal comments should be honest, tailored to your own experiences, and focus on your accomplishments and progress over the past year. Some examples include:

“I have improved my communication skills by attending workshops and participating in team meetings more actively.”
“I took the initiative to streamline our team’s workflow, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency.”
“I successfully completed several high-profile projects on time and within budget, which led to an increase in client satisfaction.”

Can you give examples of positive feedback to include in a performance review?

“You consistently meet deadlines and effectively prioritize tasks, which contributes to the team’s overall progress.”
“Your innovative approach to problem-solving has been a great asset to our department, leading to increased efficiency and higher-quality output.”
“Your strong communication skills foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, which has been pivotal in boosting team morale.”

What’s the best way to describe areas needing improvement in a poor performance review?

When describing areas needing improvement, it is essential to be specific, constructive, and focus on behavior or skills rather than personal traits. Offer specific examples of instances where improvement is required, and provide clear suggestions on how the employee can improve in those areas. For example:

“There have been instances when deadlines were missed. To help improve time management, consider using a task management tool and setting realistic, achievable goals.”
“Occasional misunderstandings in team communication have led to delays. To address this, try to actively listen, clarify expectations, and confirm understanding before moving forward.”

What are examples of positive and negative comments in performance evaluations?

Positive comments:

“You exhibit strong attention to detail, which has resulted in fewer errors and increased overall quality.”
“Your ability to adapt to new situations and embrace change has made you a valuable team member.”

Negative comments:

“Your reluctance to delegate tasks to team members has led to bottlenecks and slowed project progress.”
“Your frequent tardiness has had a negative impact on your team’s productivity and overall perception of your commitment to the job.”

How would you summarize an overall performance in a review meeting?

To summarize an overall performance in a review meeting, begin by highlighting the individual’s key accomplishments and strengths. Next, address any areas that require improvement, and provide clear, actionable steps for the employee to follow. Finally, discuss the individual’s professional development goals and how they align with the team’s objectives and the organization’s broader goals. Ensure that the conversation is balanced, constructive, and respectful.

Posted in: Employee Feedback, Performance Reviews