Conducting performance reviews is an important part of operating a successful business. Performance reviews are often the source of the feedback and goals that have been proven to keep employees motivated and engaged.
However, conducting them can be difficult. A performance review cheat sheet may be necessary to simplify the process.
That is exactly what you have here. This article will provide you with a list of strengths you can use when filling out performance reviews. It will also explain why using strengths like those found here is important and can lead to better reviews.
Why Phrases Matter in Performance Reviews
When filling out an employee’s strengths in a performance review, you may think that any phrase will work as long as it is true. However, this is not the case. Some phrases are helpful, while others provide little benefit at all.
For example, imagine you fill out a performance review by simply telling an employee they are doing a good job because they are a “good worker.” This generally tells them that they are doing the right thing. However, it doesn’t tell them what they are specifically doing that is good. This gives them no clue what actions they should keep doing in the future.
On the other hand, imagine you fill out a performance review by telling an employee that they are doing a good job because they “regularly show up on time.” This allows them to feel pride in the fact that they have shown up on time in the past and motivates them to keep doing so in the future.
Providing guidance like this is one way to give feedback like a pro. It is a way to provide effective instruction in just a few words.
Performance Review Example Phrases
These are a few positive phrases that can be used when filling out a performance review. These exact phrases can be used, or, in some cases, personal information or details can be used to make the phrase more specific to the employee being evaluated.
Phrases Relating to Performance
Meets all or most of the goals assigned to them
Provides a key skill that is necessary within their team
Regularly improves their performance over time
Has shown marked improvement since their last performance review
Shows pride in their work and in the company they work for
Exceeds the level of work asked of them
Was a key part of making (insert specific job) a success
Phrases Relating to Attitude
Has a cheerful attitude that brings up the people around them
Compliments others on good work and, in doing so, raises the team's morale
Lightens the mood of the entire group through jokes, conversation, or general demeanor
Conveys an attitude of happiness in the workplace
Has clearly earned the trust and respect of their team
Expresses excitement, rather than frustration, when given a difficult task
Shows that they care about their job by (insert specific action here)
Phrases Relating to Time-Management
Is always on time for work and meetings
Is ready to work as soon as they show up
Shows up to a variety of optional meetings and events
Submits assignments and completes projects on time
If they cannot be at work or a meeting, they always make contact ahead of time to explain the issue
Sticks to a schedule that can be relied on
Often shows up early and is ready to start before others
Have questions about how Express Evaluations might fit into your performance review process? Get in touch with us to have your answers addressed.
Phrases Relating to Flexibility
Can help out with a variety of different tasks and projects rather than just a limited scope
Is able to adapt to different roles with ease
Is ready to try new techniques, tactics, or tools to work more effectively
Can see things from the viewpoint of others
Is able to handle constructive criticism when it is given
Finds new ways to complete a task
Properly handles changes within the office or to the work they are given
Phrases Relating to Reliability
Can be relied on to complete the job they are working on, even if it is difficult
Will do whatever it takes to get the job done
Is viewed as a person who the rest of the team can count on
Take responsibility for their mistakes and explain how they will avoid the same mistake in the future
Phrases Relating to Teamwork and Communication
Was one of the most valued members of (insert specific team the employee did well with)
Is viewed positively by other members of the team
Regularly speaks with and holds conversations with the other members of the team
Shows that they care about the other members of the team through their words and actions
Is there to help when others ask for help
Offers to help members of the team who need help, even when they aren’t asked to do so
Knows the other people on their team well
Is one of the reasons the team is able to work as well as it does
Communicates issues with the rest of the team while also taking time to listen to issues that are communicated to them
Is willing to share ideas with the team and encourages others to do the same
Looking for ways to streamline the employee evaluation process? Book a demo with Express Evaluations to see how we can help.
Phrases Relating to Leadership
Understands how to work with the strengths and weaknesses that are present in their team
Avoids bias when working with and evaluating those under them
Provides motivation for the rest of the team
Provides an example that other team members can follow
Listens to others and makes them feel heard
Creates an environment that allows the team to reach success
Helps the team overcome problems when they are presented
Is able to work out issues that arise within the team before they grow out of hand
Manages remote employees well and doesn’t let their distance become an issue
Encourages other members of the team to do better and work harder
Attributes for Employee Success
Any of the phrases listed above can be used when filling out an employee performance review. Using phrases like these will provide specific praise for the employee’s actions or demeanor. This will let them know what they are doing right so that they will continue to do so far into the future.