Employees who possess proactiveness demonstrate foresight, preparedness, and a strong sense of responsibility. They are often self-starters, always seeking opportunities for growth and improvement both for themselves and the organization.

Related: Best Performance Review Examples for 48 Key Skills

2000+ Performance Review Phrases: The Complete List (Performance Feedback Examples)

Performance Review Questions: Proactiveness

1. Does the employee take the initiative to identify and solve problems before they escalate?
2. Does the employee come up with new ideas and suggestions for improving processes or procedures?
3. Does the employee take ownership of their work and responsibilities, and demonstrate a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of them?
4. Does the employee take the lead in implementing changes or improvements, rather than waiting for direction from management?
5. Does the employee seek out new opportunities for growth and development, and take steps to improve their skills and knowledge?
6. Does the employee anticipate potential issues or challenges and take proactive measures to prevent them?
7. Does the employee collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
8. Does the employee demonstrate a positive and proactive attitude towards their work and their colleagues?
9. Does the employee consistently meet or exceed their performance goals and expectations?
10. Does the employee take constructive feedback and use it to improve their performance and proactiveness?

Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples: Proactiveness

5 – Outstanding

Outstanding rating is reserved for employees who excel in being proactive in all aspects. They consistently display a high level of initiative, taking charge of situations and offering creative solutions. These individuals serve as role models for their peers, and their forethought often leads to the prevention of potential issues and the streamlining of processes.

Phrases Examples:

• Demonstrates a high level of initiative by identifying potential problems and seeking solutions
• Consistently looks for ways to improve processes and procedures
• Actively participates in discussions, offering suggestions and ideas
• Takes responsibility for their tasks and goes beyond their expected duties
• Effectively anticipates changes in the work environment and adapts accordingly
• Always anticipates and addresses potential issues before they arise
• Proactively seeks new opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Consistently takes initiative and demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities

Paragraph Examples:

• “Jane consistently demonstrates outstanding proactiveness and has a keen eye for identifying potential problems before they arise. She is always eager to propose solutions, consistently seeking new ways to improve her performance. Her ability to think ahead and anticipate changes makes her a valuable asset to the team.”
• “Mark exhibits exceptional proactiveness, effectively anticipating the needs of his team and the organization. He is detail-oriented, which enables him to minimize errors and identify potential roadblocks in advance. His commitment to seeking continuous improvement ensures that projects are completed efficiently and that the team operates smoothly.”
• “Samantha works diligently to stay ahead of tasks and consistently brings fresh ideas to the table. She is proactive in providing solutions before problems even arise, contributing greatly to the overall success of the team. Her dedication to her work and ability to stay one step ahead has garnered respect from her peers and supervisors alike.”
• “Jessica consistently demonstrates outstanding proactiveness in her role. She is always on the lookout for ways to improve processes and enhance her team’s efficiency. She anticipates potential issues before they become actual problems and proactively addresses them with well-thought-out solutions. This has resulted in a significant increase in the team’s overall productivity and has earned her the appreciation and respect of her colleagues.”
• “Emily consistently anticipates and addresses potential issues before they become a problem, greatly contributing to the team’s overall success.”
• “John takes complete charge of his projects, proactively identifying areas that require extra attention and devising strategies to tackle challenges before they arise.”

4 – Exceeds Expectations

Exceeds Expectations rating is given to employees who frequently demonstrate proactiveness. They are able to anticipate challenges and take action before problems arise. These employees often come up with ideas to improve processes and contribute positively to the team dynamic.

Phrases Examples:

• Consistently identifies and addresses potential problems before they escalate
• Takes the initiative to develop and implement new ideas and solutions
• Actively seeks out opportunities for growth and improvement both personally and for the team
• Continuously looks for ways to optimize processes and increase efficiency
• Anticipates the needs of colleagues and clients, providing support and assistance as needed
• Frequently identifies potential problems and proposes effective solutions
• Actively seeks feedback and applies it to improve performance
• Demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and consistently takes initiative

Paragraph Examples:

• “Jane consistently demonstrates a high level of proactiveness in her role. She frequently anticipates potential issues in projects and takes the initiative to address them early on, preventing major setbacks. Moreover, Jane actively seeks out opportunities to improve processes within the team, making suggestions that have led to increased efficiency and productivity. Her ability to foresee the needs of her colleagues and clients has also greatly contributed to a positive work environment.”
• “John is an excellent example of an employee who exceeds expectations in proactiveness. He is always on the lookout for new ideas and solutions, proactively researching and implementing them. This has resulted in numerous process improvements and has made a significant impact on the team’s overall performance. Furthermore, John readily identifies opportunities for growth, consistently taking the initiative to expand his skillset and contribute to the success of the organization.”
• “Megan effectively identifies potential obstacles and takes action to address them in a timely manner, leading to a smoother workflow for the team.”
• “David frequently takes the initiative to develop and implement innovative solutions, which has resulted in higher efficiency and satisfaction among his peers.”

In summary, employees who receive a rating of 4 in proactiveness are invaluable assets to any team. Their foresight, initiative, and genuine dedication to improvement not only enhance their personal performance but also contribute significantly to the overall success of the organization.

3 – Meets Expectations

Employees with a “Meets Expectations” rating show an adequate level of proactiveness. They are able to identify issues and take necessary actions to address them. These employees contribute to the team and actively participate in problem-solving. This section provides examples of performance review phrases and paragraphs to describe employees who meet expectations in proactiveness.

Phrases Examples:

• Regularly identifies potential issues and takes steps to mitigate them
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn and improve in areas of responsibility
• Displays adequate initiative in problem-solving and task completion
• Consistently takes initiative on tasks and projects, even when not explicitly instructed to do so.
• Effectively communicates new ideas to improve processes or solve problems, anticipating potential obstacles.
• Demonstrates a willingness to step outside of their comfort zone to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Paragraph Examples:

• “Jane has shown that she meets expectations in proactiveness. She consistently seeks out new opportunities to learn and develop her skills. Jane has demonstrated her ability to anticipate potential issues and takes the initiative to address them before they escalate. This proactiveness has led to a more efficient and effective work environment for her team.”
• “John has demonstrated the ability to meet expectations in proactiveness. He is often the first to identify potential problems or areas for improvement and takes action to resolve them. John’s proactive attitude has contributed to the team’s ability to consistently meet deadlines and achieve their goals. With continued focus on anticipating needs and taking initiative, John can further develop his proactiveness skill.”
• “Eric meets expectations in his proactiveness. He is generally able to identify issues that need to be addressed and independently takes action to resolve them. However, there is still room for improvement in his ability to be more proactive and anticipate future problems. Encouragement and guidance could help Eric improve his proactiveness and elevate his overall performance.”
• “Samantha is able to foresee possible challenges and plan ahead, helping the team navigate through projects with comparatively fewer roadblocks.”
• “Michael shows adequate proactiveness in addressing potential issues, which has contributed to maintaining a steady workflow within the team.”

2 – Needs Improvement

“Needs Improvement” rating indicates that the employee displays limited proactiveness. They may struggle to anticipate potential problems or may not take sufficient initiative in finding solutions. This rating highlights the need for improvement and further development. For those who need improvement in this area, here are some phrases and a paragraph example that could be utilized in their performance review.

An employee who needs improvement in proactiveness:

• Struggles to anticipate potential problems: This employee may not effectively foresee issues that could arise, making it difficult to address them before they escalate.
• Reluctance to take the initiative: The individual may tend to wait for directions from others rather than proactively coming up with solutions and implementing them.
• Limited contribution to new ideas or projects: This person may not actively propose ideas or engage in discussions that could lead to positive change within the organization.

Phrases Examples:

• Occasionally identifies potential issues, but could be more proactive in addressing them
• May need encouragement to seek opportunities for improvement and growth
• Sometimes lacks initiative and may require guidance to resolve problems or complete tasks

Paragraph Examples:

• “During this review period, Jane has shown a need to improve her proactiveness. While she completes tasks assigned to her, Jane often waits for specific instructions and does not take the initiative to identify opportunities for improvement or growth within her role. Additionally, Jane does not consistently anticipate potential issues, which has led to some challenges in project execution. In order to meet the expectations for her position, we encourage Jane to take a more active approach in identifying problems or obstacles before they arise and to feel empowered to contribute to discussions and brainstorming sessions.”
• “While Justin demonstrates an understanding of the importance of proactiveness, he occasionally struggles to foresee potential issues and prioritize them effectively.”
• “Laura needs to work on anticipating and addressing challenges before they escalate into bigger problems, as it has occasionally led to delays in project completion.”

1 – Unacceptable

When an employee exhibits an unacceptable level of proactiveness, it can have severe consequences on their performance and the organization as a whole. They fail to foresee issues and do not take part in problem-solving or decision-making processes. This rating suggests a crucial need for immediate attention and improvement.

Phrases Examples:

• Fails to anticipate possible challenges and obstacles
• Rarely takes the initiative to find solutions
• Reactive, rather than proactive, in addressing problems
• Waits for instructions rather than taking action independently
• Does not take initiative in addressing problems, often allowing them to escalate
• Shows no interest or effort in participating in team discussions or decision-making
• Rarely anticipates problems or identifies areas for improvement
• Shows little initiative in problem-solving or addressing potential issues
• Demonstrates a lack of responsibility and needs constant supervision

Paragraph Examples:

• “John consistently waits for others to address issues that arise, instead of actively seeking solutions himself. He often appears to be unaware of potential challenges and has difficulty adapting to new situations. His lack of initiative negatively impacts the team’s efficiency and results in frequent missed deadlines.”
• “Jane’s actions frequently put her team in reactive mode rather than proactive. She often fails to communicate about potential roadblocks, leading to last-minute scrambles to address pressing issues. This behavior hinders the team’s ability to function smoothly and affects their overall performance.”
• “Emma consistently demonstrates a high level of proactiveness in her role as a project manager. She frequently anticipates potential issues and comes up with effective solutions before they escalate, earning her a rating of 5 – Outstanding. Her proactive approach to seeking feedback and applying it to improve her performance surpasses the expectations for her role. In addition, Emma displays exceptional problem-solving abilities and takes the initiative in seeking out new opportunities for personal and professional growth. By maintaining this standard of proactiveness, Emma greatly contributes to the success of the team and the company as a whole.”
• “Kevin consistently demonstrates a reactive approach to problems, failing to anticipate or address potential issues before they become detrimental to the team’s progress.”
• “Susan’s lack of proactiveness has consistently resulted in increased workload and stress for her peers, as the team often needs to solve problems that could have been avoided with proper planning and foresight.”

When giving feedback to an employee with an unacceptable level of proactiveness, it is important to provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. For example:

“To improve his proactivity, John should develop a plan to better anticipate challenges, identify possible solutions, and become more self-sufficient in tackling problems. This will not only enhance his performance but also contribute significantly to the team’s overall success.”

In summary, an employee displaying an unacceptable level of proactiveness greatly undermines their effectiveness and the productivity of their team. Identifying specific instances of unproductive behavior and providing guidance on how to improve is essential when addressing this issue in a performance review. The goal is to foster a proactive mindset and encourage the employee to take ownership of their work and contribute positively to the organization’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I rate an employee’s proactiveness on a scale of 1 to 5?

1. Unacceptable – Rarely takes initiative, does not anticipate problems or contribute to improvement efforts.
2. Needs Improvement – Occasionally demonstrates proactivity but requires guidance and encouragement to fully contribute.
3. Meets Expectations – Regularly engages in proactive behavior, contributing to overall team performance and success.
4. Exceeds Expectations – Consistently demonstrates a high level of proactivity, going above and beyond to drive improvements and innovation.
5. Outstanding – A leader in proactiveness, strategically anticipating challenges, driving change, and inspiring others to do the same.

Which performance review phrases can be used when describing an employee’s ability to anticipate and address issues?

1. Displays excellent foresight in identifying potential challenges and develops appropriate solutions.
2. Proactively addresses issues before they escalate, minimizing negative impact.
3. Takes responsibility for resolving problems and demonstrates resilience under pressure.
4. Actively seeks feedback and incorporates it into their work to continuously improve.

Can you provide paragraphs that demonstrate the different levels of proactiveness in a performance review?

• Outstanding: “John consistently displays an exceptional level of proactiveness, always making a concerted effort to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities. He not only demonstrates proactive problem-solving skills but also inspires his team to be more forward-thinking in their approach to work. John’s commitment to staying informed about industry trends and best practices greatly contributes to the team’s overall success and growth.”
• Exceeds Expectations: “Jane regularly demonstrates proactive behavior, often initiating projects and suggesting improvements that positively impact the team. Her ability to consider potential problems and offer solutions showcases her adaptability, while her positive attitude fosters a growth-oriented environment among her colleagues.”
• Meets Expectations: “Sara meets expectations in her proactiveness, regularly taking the initiative to address issues and contribute to the team’s performance. While she may not be the first to identify opportunities for improvement, she participates in discussions and provides valuable input once identified.”
• Needs Improvement: “David has shown occasional instances of being proactive but often requires guidance to fully participate in the process. He needs to work on stepping out of his comfort zone and taking more initiative, so he can contribute more effectively to the team’s goals.”
• Unacceptable: “Heather demonstrates a lack of proactiveness, rarely taking initiative or anticipating problems. This negatively impacts her work and the overall team performance, and it’s essential for her to develop a more proactive approach to her role.”

What are examples of specific comments for an outstanding or unacceptable level of proactiveness?

• Outstanding: “Mark’s extraordinary proactive mindset has significantly impacted the positive outcomes of our team’s projects. He anticipates potential obstacles and consistently offers multiple viable solutions.”
• Unacceptable: “Linda’s inability to take initiative and anticipate potential issues has led to unnecessary obstacles and delays. She must improve her proactiveness to achieve higher performance standards.”

How can we use a performance review to encourage and improve an employee’s proactive behavior?

During a performance review, emphasize the importance of proactiveness by providing specific examples of where the employee has been proactive and how it positively impacted the team. If an employee’s proactiveness needs improvement, offer feedback on areas to focus on and goals they can set, as well as any available tools or resources that may help them develop proactive habits.