Performance evaluations shape career paths and motivate employees to reach their goals. Using the right phrases and examples helps managers give balanced feedback that encourages growth while acknowledging achievements. The examples in this article can help create reviews that drive improvement.
Performance Review Summary Templates and Examples
A performance summary helps managers document employee achievements and growth areas during review periods. The following templates provide starting points that can be adapted.
Template 1: “[Employee Name] consistently delivers quality work and meets deadlines. Their strengths include [skill 1] and [skill 2]. Areas for development include [area 1] and [area 2].”
Example: “James consistently delivers quality work and meets deadlines. His strengths include project management and team collaboration. Areas for development include public speaking and delegating tasks.”
Template 2: “[Employee Name] demonstrates strong performance in [key area]. They exceed expectations in [specific task] while showing growth potential in [development area].”
Example: “Sarah demonstrates strong performance in client relations. She exceeds expectations in closing sales while showing growth potential in technical documentation.”
Template 3: “[Employee Name] brings valuable contributions through [specific achievement]. Their impact includes [measurable result]. Focus areas for next period: [goal 1] and [goal 2].”
Example: “Michael brings valuable contributions through process improvements. His impact includes 25% faster delivery times. Focus areas for next period: leadership skills and cross-team coordination.”
Template 4: “[Employee Name] shows dedication to [company value]. Notable achievements include [achievement 1] and [achievement 2]. Development priorities: [priority 1].”
Example: “Lisa shows dedication to customer satisfaction. Notable achievements include launching two product features and mentoring three junior staff. Development priorities: strategic planning.”
Template 5: “[Employee Name] maintains high standards in [skill area]. Key strengths: [strength 1] and [strength 2]. Growth opportunities exist in [area 1].”
Example: “David maintains high standards in data analysis. Key strengths: problem-solving and attention to detail. Growth opportunities exist in presentation skills.”
Comments on Communication
Positive Examples:
“Shows outstanding listening skills and gives thoughtful responses during meetings”
“Creates clear, well-written reports that the whole team can understand”
“Takes time to explain complex topics in simple terms for non-technical teammates”
“Builds strong relationships across departments through open and respectful dialogue”
“Responds to emails and messages promptly with helpful information”
“Stays calm and professional when handling difficult conversations”
Critical Examples:
“Often interrupts others during meetings and dominates conversations”
“Sends emails with spelling errors and unclear messages”
“Fails to share important updates with team members in a timely manner”
“Uses technical jargon that confuses non-technical colleagues”
“Shows defensive behavior when receiving feedback from peers”
“Struggles to maintain professional tone when dealing with conflicts”
Quality and Quantity of Work and Productivity
Positive Comments:
“Sets high standards for all projects and consistently exceeds quality benchmarks”
“Maintains excellent attention to detail while meeting tight deadlines”
“Takes pride in delivering error-free work that requires minimal revisions”
“Implements effective quality control processes that improve team results”
“Shows strong commitment to accuracy in all tasks and documentation”
“Creates thorough, well-organized reports that others can easily follow”
“Takes on extra assignments while maintaining quality standards”
“Completes projects ahead of schedule and often exceeds daily targets”
“Processes 25% more transactions than team average”
“Handles multiple priorities without missing deadlines”
“Improved department efficiency by streamlining filing procedures”
“Demonstrates excellent time management skills and consistently meets goals”
Critical Comments:
“Submits work with frequent errors that require extensive corrections”
“Fails to check work carefully before submission, leading to quality issues”
“Produces inconsistent results that don’t meet department standards”
“Rushes through tasks without proper attention to quality requirements”
“Makes careless mistakes that impact team productivity”
“Needs to improve organization and thoroughness in documentation”
“Struggles to complete basic tasks within expected timeframes”
“Frequently misses production targets and falls behind schedule”
“Takes longer than peers to process standard transactions”
“Often needs reminders to finish assignments”
“Shows inconsistent work output from day to day”
“Spends too much time on non-essential activities”
Comments on Cooperativeness
Positive Comments:
“Shows excellent leadership when working on group projects and brings out the best in teammates”
“Takes initiative to help other team members complete their tasks when needed”
“Promotes open communication and actively listens to different viewpoints in meetings”
“Creates a positive team environment through encouragement and recognition of others”
“Builds strong working relationships across departments to achieve shared goals”
“Volunteers to take on additional responsibilities to support the team’s success”
Critical Comments:
“Often works independently without keeping team members informed of important updates”
“Struggles to accept feedback or alternative approaches from colleagues”
“Could improve participation and engagement during team discussions”
“Sometimes creates tension by dismissing input from newer team members”
“Needs to share project information more promptly with the group”
“Should focus more on supporting team goals rather than individual priorities”
Example Comments on Dependability
Positive examples that acknowledge employees who consistently demonstrate reliability and responsibility:
“Consistently meets deadlines and fulfills commitments without need for reminders”
“Maintains an excellent attendance record and promptly notifies of any necessary absences”
“Takes full responsibility for assigned tasks and sees them through to completion”
“Can always be counted on to deliver high-quality work, even under pressure”
“Proactively communicates updates and potential challenges to keep projects on track”
“Demonstrates unwavering dedication and reliability, even when faced with adversity”
Critical examples that highlight areas where employees need to improve their dependability:
“Frequently misses deadlines or requires extensions to complete assigned tasks”
“Has a pattern of unexcused absences or late arrivals that disrupt team productivity”
“Often fails to follow through on commitments or requires constant reminders”
“Work quality is inconsistent and requires frequent revisions or corrections”
“Rarely communicates project status updates, leaving team members uninformed”
“Tends to make excuses or shift blame when faced with challenges or setbacks”
Job Knowledge Comments
Positive Examples:
“Applies technical skills to solve complex problems without needing help”
“Shows deep knowledge of company products and explains them clearly to customers”
“Keeps up with industry trends and shares useful updates with the team”
“Uses software tools with high skill and teaches others effectively”
“Masters new systems quickly and helps improve work processes”
“Brings valuable expertise from past roles to strengthen current projects”
Critical Examples:
“Needs to learn basic software functions that are needed for daily tasks”
“Makes frequent mistakes due to gaps in product knowledge”
“Takes longer than expected to understand new procedures”
“Struggles to answer common customer questions about services”
“Shows limited understanding of industry standards and best practices”
“Must improve technical skills to meet job requirements”
Leadership Comments
Leaders shape team success through their actions and decisions. Good leadership skills help create a positive work environment and drive teams toward their goals.
Positive Comments:
“Takes initiative to guide projects and mentor team members”
“Makes tough decisions confidently while considering input from the team”
“Creates clear action plans and communicates expectations effectively”
“Motivates others through positive reinforcement and recognition”
“Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities when facing challenges”
“Builds trust by following through on commitments and supporting team members”
Critical Comments:
“Struggles to delegate tasks appropriately, leading to bottlenecks”
“Shows inconsistency in decision-making, causing team confusion”
“Needs improvement in providing constructive feedback to team members”
“Has difficulty managing conflicting priorities and team resources”
“Could benefit from developing better crisis management skills”
“Must work on creating more inclusive team environments and listening to diverse perspectives”
Decision-Making
Positive Example Comments:
“Makes sound decisions based on careful analysis of available information”
“Takes initiative to solve problems independently without constant supervision”
“Consistently demonstrates excellent judgment in high-pressure situations”
“Evaluates risks thoroughly before making important choices”
“Shows ability to make tough calls when faced with competing priorities”
“Gathers input from team members to make well-rounded decisions”
Critical Example Comments:
“Often rushes to conclusions without considering all available options”
“Struggles to make decisions independently and relies too heavily on others”
“Hesitates too long when quick decisions are needed”
“Makes choices based on emotion rather than facts and data”
“Does not consider long-term impacts when making decisions”
“Fails to involve key stakeholders in important decision-making processes”
Problem-Solving, Innovation, Creativity
Positive Examples:
“Takes initiative to solve problems before they become major issues”
“Analyzes complex situations thoroughly and develops effective solutions”
“Created an innovative workflow system that reduced processing time by 30%”
“Thinks creatively to find new approaches when standard methods don’t work”
“Consistently brings fresh ideas to team meetings and project discussions”
“Implements practical solutions that save time and resources”
“Creates innovative solutions for complex challenges without guidance”
“Brings fresh perspectives that inspire team members to think differently”
“Demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills through creative approaches”
“Takes calculated risks that lead to beneficial outcomes for the department”
“Shows initiative by suggesting unique process improvements”
“Thinks outside traditional methods to deliver outstanding results”
Critical Examples:
“Struggles to move past basic solutions when facing complex problems”
“Often needs help identifying the root cause of issues”
“Hesitates to try new approaches when facing challenges”
“Tends to get stuck on problems without seeking additional input”
“Relies too heavily on existing processes rather than exploring improvements”
“Shows limited creativity when brainstorming solutions”
“Struggles to generate original ideas when faced with obstacles”
“Relies too heavily on established procedures instead of exploring alternatives”
“Needs to develop confidence in presenting creative solutions”
“Shows resistance to new approaches and methods”
“Often misses opportunities to improve existing processes”
“Requires frequent guidance to think beyond conventional solutions”
Comments on Attendance
Positive Examples:
“Always arrives to work and meetings on time or a few minutes early”
“Takes appropriate action to notify the team about any scheduling conflicts”
“Maintains excellent attendance and has not missed any days in the past year”
“Shows great reliability by following the established work schedule”
“Demonstrates strong time management skills and planning around appointments”
“Sets a positive example for the team with consistent attendance and punctuality”
Critical Examples:
“Frequently arrives 10-15 minutes late without proper notification”
“Has missed multiple team meetings without advance notice”
“Shows a pattern of calling in sick on Mondays or Fridays”
“Often takes extended lunch breaks beyond the allowed time”
“Needs to improve communication about schedule changes and time off requests”
“Has accumulated excessive unplanned absences that impact team productivity”
Time Management and Organization
Positive Examples:
“Plans ahead and allocates time wisely to meet all project deadlines”
“Shows excellent organizational skills through meticulous record-keeping and document management”
“Consistently prioritizes tasks effectively and adjusts schedules as needed”
“Takes initiative to improve team processes and workflow efficiency”
“Meets or exceeds deadlines while maintaining high quality standards”
“Demonstrates strong multitasking abilities without compromising accuracy”
Critical Examples:
“Often struggles to complete tasks within expected timeframes”
“Needs to develop better organizational systems for tracking assignments”
“Frequently misses deadlines due to poor planning and time estimation”
“Has difficulty prioritizing tasks and managing competing demands”
“Should improve calendar management and scheduling practices”
“Must work on maintaining an organized workspace and filing system”
Comments on Technical Expertise
Positive Examples:
“Takes charge of complex technical problems and finds effective solutions without needing guidance”
“Stays current with industry standards through regular training and self-study”
“Applies technical knowledge to streamline processes and boost team productivity”
“Shares expertise with team members and creates helpful documentation”
“Handles multiple technical projects with attention to detail and quality”
“Learns new systems quickly and adapts well to technical changes”
Critical Examples:
“Needs improvement in following technical procedures and protocols”
“Struggles to meet basic technical requirements for assigned tasks”
“Makes repeated errors when using standard software tools”
“Shows resistance to learning new technical skills and systems”
“Takes longer than expected to complete routine technical tasks”
“Requires frequent assistance with basic technical operations”
Comments on Work Group Management
Positive examples:
“Consistently fosters a positive and collaborative team environment that encourages open communication and mutual support”
“Demonstrates strong leadership skills in setting clear goals, delegating tasks, and holding team members accountable”
“Proactively identifies and addresses team conflicts or performance issues to maintain a productive work environment”
“Provides regular coaching and feedback to help team members develop their skills and advance their careers”
“Effectively manages team resources and workload to ensure equitable distribution and timely completion of tasks”
“Consistently achieves strong team results and high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction”
Critical examples:
“Struggles to create a cohesive and collaborative team environment, leading to communication silos and interpersonal conflicts”
“Often fails to provide clear direction or expectations, leaving team members confused and unengaged”
“Avoids addressing team conflicts or performance issues, allowing problems to fester and impact productivity”
“Rarely provides feedback or development opportunities, leaving team members without guidance or support”
“Tends to overload high-performing team members while underutilizing others, creating imbalances and resentment”
“Team results consistently fall short of expectations, with low levels of employee engagement and high turnover rates”
Example Comments on Adaptability
Positive Examples:
“Shows great adaptability when faced with new processes or procedures”
“Takes on different roles and responsibilities with enthusiasm”
“Adjusts priorities quickly based on shifting business needs”
“Remains calm and productive during periods of change”
“Welcomes feedback and modifies work methods accordingly”
“Helps team members adapt to new systems and technologies”
Critical Examples:
“Resists changes to established routines and procedures”
“Struggles to adjust when priorities shift unexpectedly”
“Shows reluctance to learn new systems or methods”
“Often becomes frustrated when plans change”
“Has difficulty adapting to new team dynamics”
“Needs improvement in handling unexpected challenges”
Comments on Project Planning and Implementation
Positive examples that recognize employees who excel in project planning and execution:
“Consistently develops thorough and well-organized project plans that account for all necessary resources and contingencies”
“Demonstrates strong leadership skills in coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring successful project implementation”
“Proactively identifies and mitigates potential risks to keep projects on track and within budget”
“Showcases excellent problem-solving skills when faced with unexpected challenges during project execution”
“Effectively communicates project status, timelines, and deliverables to all stakeholders”
“Consistently delivers high-quality project outcomes that meet or exceed expectations”
Critical examples that address areas where employees need to improve their project planning and implementation skills:
“Often fails to develop comprehensive project plans, leading to resource shortages and missed deadlines”
“Struggles to coordinate and motivate project teams, resulting in communication breakdowns and lowered morale”
“Fails to anticipate or address potential risks, leaving projects vulnerable to delays and setbacks”
“Often becomes overwhelmed when faced with project challenges and struggles to find effective solutions”
“Communicates project updates inconsistently or ineffectively, leaving stakeholders uninformed or confused”
“Consistently delivers project outcomes that fail to meet quality standards or client expectations”
Example Comments on Compliance
Positive examples that help recognize employees who follow rules and regulations effectively:
“Maintains strict adherence to safety protocols and company policies at all times”
“Consistently follows established procedures and sets an excellent example for others”
“Takes initiative to learn and apply new compliance requirements ahead of schedule”
“Shows excellent attention to detail when completing required documentation”
“Demonstrates thorough knowledge of industry regulations and applies them correctly”
“Proactively identifies potential compliance issues and takes steps to address them”
Critical examples that address areas where employees need to improve their compliance:
“Often overlooks important steps in required procedures and protocols”
“Needs frequent reminders to complete mandatory training and certifications”
“Has received multiple warnings for failing to follow safety guidelines”
“Shows resistance to implementing new compliance requirements”
“Documentation is often incomplete or contains errors requiring correction”
“Tends to take shortcuts that compromise established procedures”