Skill-specific feedback addresses an employee’s strengths and areas for improvement. This type of feedback relates directly to tasks, behaviors, or outcomes tied to specific skills. By focusing on particular skills, feedback becomes much clearer and more understandable for employees.
For those who need a starting point, they can choose one of these templates:
1. [Employee Name] consistently demonstrates [skill], as shown by [example or result].
Examples
“David consistently demonstrates leadership skills, as shown by his successful coordination of the cross-departmental project that finished two weeks ahead of schedule.”
“Sarah consistently demonstrates problem-solving abilities, as shown by her innovative approach to reducing customer complaints by 40% this quarter.”
“Michael consistently demonstrates teamwork, as shown by his collaborative efforts that helped the sales team exceed their targets by 15%.”
2. With [Employee Name]’s strength in [skill], the team has accomplished [goal].
Examples
“With Tom’s strength in analytical thinking, the team has accomplished a 25% reduction in operational costs through data-driven process improvements.”
“With Rachel’s strength in customer service, the team has accomplished a 95% customer satisfaction rating, the highest in company history.”
“With Kevin’s strength in technical expertise, the team has accomplished the successful implementation of the new software system with zero downtime.”
3. [Employee Name] needs improvement in [skill], and can benefit by [specific action].
Examples
“Lisa needs improvement in time management, and can benefit by using project management software to track deadlines and prioritize tasks.”
“Robert needs improvement in public speaking, and can benefit by attending presentation skills workshops and practicing with smaller groups first.”
“Jennifer needs improvement in delegation, and can benefit by identifying team members’ strengths and assigning tasks that match their capabilities.”
4. [Employee Name] shows growth in [skill] by [recent example].
Examples
“Amanda shows growth in communication skills by successfully facilitating last month’s stakeholder meeting and ensuring all parties reached consensus.”
“Carlos shows growth in adaptability by quickly learning the new CRM system and training three other team members on its features.”
“Jessica shows growth in initiative by proactively identifying the inventory discrepancy and developing a solution before it impacted customer orders.”
How to Give Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback focuses on helping employees grow and perform better at work. It should be specific, balanced, and aimed at improvement. Positive traits should be recognized, and weaknesses must be discussed without being harsh.
You can use direct language but stay respectful. Feedback should offer clear suggestions so employees know what to do next. It is helpful to use examples that connect to observed actions for better understanding.
Templates for giving constructive feedback:
1. “I noticed [specific behavior]. This helped/hurt [outcome]. You could [suggestion for improvement].”
Examples
“I noticed you always follow up with clients within 24 hours of our meetings. This helped build stronger relationships and increased our client retention rate by 20%. You could consider creating email templates to make this process even more efficient.”
“I noticed you tend to interrupt colleagues during brainstorming sessions. This hurt the team’s ability to fully explore creative ideas and some members became less vocal. You could try taking notes of your thoughts and waiting for natural pauses to contribute.”
“I noticed you consistently arrive early and prepare all materials before meetings start. This helped our team stay on track and finish discussions 15 minutes faster on average. You could share your preparation checklist with other team members as a best practice.”
2. “Your work on [task/project] showed [positive trait]. Next time, you might want to focus on [area for development].”
Examples
“Your work on the quarterly budget analysis showed excellent attention to detail and thorough research. Next time, you might want to focus on presenting the findings in a more visual format to help stakeholders quickly grasp the key insights.”
“Your work on the client presentation showed strong technical knowledge and expertise. Next time, you might want to focus on engaging the audience more by asking questions and encouraging discussion throughout.”
“Your work on the new employee onboarding program showed great creativity and organization. Next time, you might want to focus on gathering feedback from participants earlier in the process to make real-time adjustments.”
3. “You handled [situation] by [action], which resulted in [result]. Consider [alternative action] for better results.”
Examples
“You handled the angry customer complaint by listening patiently and offering a full refund, which resulted in the customer calming down but ultimately leaving our service. Consider offering a partial refund with additional support first, as this might retain the customer while still addressing their concerns.”
“You handled the tight deadline by working overtime to complete everything yourself, which resulted in high-quality work but also burnout symptoms. Consider delegating some tasks to team members or negotiating a more realistic timeline to maintain both quality and your well-being.”
“You handled the team conflict by immediately scheduling a group meeting to address the issues openly, which resulted in quick resolution and improved communication. Consider having brief one-on-one conversations first to understand each person’s perspective, as this might make the group discussion even more productive.”
Tailoring Performance Review Phrases
Every employee brings unique skills, experiences, and challenges to the job. It is important to tailor review phrases to each person instead of reusing generic comments. Doing so ensures feedback feels personal and meaningful.
You could look at the employee’s recent work and achievements, as well as any goals set earlier. Building review phrases around real examples makes feedback more trustworthy and relevant. This helps employees connect feedback to their own progress.
Adapting performance review phrases to each situation also supports fairness. People are more likely to value feedback that recognizes their individual efforts.
Templates:
1. “Since your last review, you have made great progress in [skill].”
Examples
“Since your last review, you have made great progress in project management, successfully leading three complex initiatives from start to finish without missing any deadlines.”
“Since your last review, you have made great progress in data analysis, transitioning from basic reporting to creating predictive models that inform our strategic decisions.”
“Since your last review, you have made great progress in mentoring junior staff, with two of your mentees receiving promotions based on the guidance and support you provided.”
2. “Your unique approach to [task/situation] has improved [result].”
Examples
“Your unique approach to customer onboarding, where you create personalized welcome videos for each new client, has improved our customer satisfaction scores by 30% and reduced early cancellations.”
“Your unique approach to team meetings, incorporating brief individual check-ins at the start, has improved team morale and helped us identify potential issues before they become problems.”
“Your unique approach to inventory management, using color-coded systems and visual displays, has improved accuracy rates by 25% and made it easier for new employees to learn the process.”
3. “I’ve seen growth in your ability to [skill/behavior] through [example].”
Examples
“I’ve seen growth in your ability to handle difficult conversations through your tactful resolution of the vendor dispute last month, where you maintained professionalism while protecting our company’s interests.”
“I’ve seen growth in your ability to think strategically through your proposal for the new marketing campaign, which demonstrated clear understanding of long-term business objectives rather than just immediate tactics.”
“I’ve seen growth in your ability to collaborate across departments through your work on the system integration project, where you successfully coordinated with IT, finance, and operations to achieve a seamless rollout.”
Examples of Positive Performance Review Phrases
- Shows strong attention to detail in all tasks.
- Consistently meets deadlines and manages time well.
- Works well with others and encourages teamwork.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude on challenging projects.
- Adapts quickly to new systems and changes.
- Solves problems efficiently and offers valuable solutions.
- Communicates clearly with team members and clients.
- Accepts feedback and uses it to improve performance.
- Takes the lead when required and motivates others.
- Handles stress well in busy periods.
- Listens to others and values their ideas.
- Completes work with minimal errors.
- Shows respect to colleagues and customers alike.
- Sets realistic goals and works toward them steadily.
- Maintains confidentiality and follows company policies.
- Handles conflicts professionally and calmly.
- Brings energy and enthusiasm to daily work.
- Follows up on assignments without reminders.
- Offers creative ideas during meetings.
- Learns quickly from new challenges.
Related: 1000 Performance Review Phrases: Feedback for Skills and Competencies
Examples of Negative Performance Review Feedback
- “Struggles to communicate ideas clearly with the team.”
- “Often misses deadlines or submits work late.”
- “Needs to contribute more during group projects.”
- “Has difficulty adapting to changes in the workplace.”
- “Does not follow through on assigned tasks without reminders.”
- “Shows little initiative in finding solutions to problems.”
- “Resists constructive criticism instead of using it to improve.”
- “Needs to listen more carefully to understand others’ points of view.”
- “Rarely offers feedback or helpful suggestions to coworkers.”
- “Trouble prioritizing tasks efficiently.”
- “Does not consistently meet set goals and expectations.”
- “Can be defensive when mistakes are pointed out.”
- “Requires frequent supervision to stay on task.”
- “Does not participate actively in team meetings.”
- “Has difficulty managing multiple tasks at once.”
- “Rarely volunteers for additional assignments or responsibilities.”
- “Needs to work on maintaining a positive attitude in stressful situations.”
- “Struggles with following company policies and procedures.”
- “Slow to respond to emails or important communications.”
- “Needs to show more attention to detail in daily work.”
Related: 2000+ Performance Review Phrases: The Complete List (Performance Feedback Examples)