75 effective Performance Review Phrases examples in 2025
You need to find the right words for filling in your performance reviews. We got you covered in this article with examples that can inspire your comments.
Performance reviews can be tricky—finding the right words to give meaningful feedback isn’t always easy. Whether you're a manager or an employee, using clear, thoughtful phrases can make reviews more effective and motivating.
To help, we’ve put together 75 performance review phrases for 2025, covering key areas like communication, quality of work, and leadership. Use them to make your feedback more impactful and constructive!
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75 effective Performance Review Phrases examples
Example Phrases about Communication Skills
✅ Positive:
- Clearly expresses ideas and actively listens to others.
- Communicates effectively across teams and departments.
- Open to feedback and adjusts communication style as needed.
- Encourages open dialogue and constructive discussions.
- Handles difficult conversations with professionalism.
- Shares information proactively to keep the team informed.
- Engages in active listening and asks clarifying questions.
❌ Needs Improvement:
8. Sometimes struggles with clarity in written communication.
9. Needs to work on being more concise in verbal interactions.
10. Can improve responsiveness to emails and messages.
Example Phrases about Employee Attendance
✅ Positive:
11. Consistently arrives on time and meets attendance expectations.
12. Reliable and dependable in maintaining a steady work schedule.
13. Rarely misses work and always communicates absences in advance.
14. Takes appropriate personal days while ensuring coverage.
15. Has demonstrated improved punctuality over the review period.
❌ Needs Improvement:
16. Occasionally arrives late but makes an effort to improve.
17. Needs to work on minimizing unplanned absences.
18. Occasionally leaves early without prior notice.
19. Needs to ensure better adherence to break schedules.
20. Struggles with maintaining consistent attendance.
Example Phrases about Efficiency
✅ Positive:
21. Completes tasks quickly without compromising quality.
22. Continuously finds ways to streamline processes.
23. Works efficiently and meets deadlines consistently.
24. Regularly seeks tools and strategies to boost productivity.
25. Effectively balances workload and avoids unnecessary delays.
26. Demonstrates excellent time and resource management.
❌ Needs Improvement:
27. Sometimes prioritizes speed over accuracy.
28. Can improve in eliminating redundant steps in workflows.
29. Occasionally spends too much time on minor tasks.
30. Struggles with managing workload efficiently.
Example Phrases about Quality of Work
✅ Positive:
31. Produces high-quality work with attention to detail.
32. Strives for excellence and exceeds expectations.
33. Ensures accuracy and consistency in deliverables.
34. Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills to enhance output.
35. Takes pride in delivering polished and thorough work.
36. Actively seeks feedback to improve work quality.
❌ Needs Improvement:
37. Sometimes rushes tasks, leading to minor errors.
38. Can improve in following guidelines and quality standards.
39. Occasionally requires reminders to double-check work.
40. Needs to be more detail-oriented in complex tasks.
Example Phrases about Time Management
✅ Positive:
41. Manages time well and prioritizes tasks effectively.
42. Consistently meets deadlines with minimal supervision.
43. Plans workload strategically to maximize productivity.
44. Efficiently allocates time to high-priority tasks.
45. Proactively addresses potential time constraints.
46. Demonstrates great ability to juggle competing priorities.
❌ Needs Improvement:
47. Occasionally struggles with balancing multiple projects.
48. Needs to improve in setting realistic deadlines.
49. Occasionally procrastinates, impacting delivery timelines.
50. Needs to work on minimizing distractions during work hours.
Example Phrases about Leadership
✅ Positive:
51. Leads by example and inspires team members.
52. Provides clear direction and motivates others effectively.
53. Delegates tasks appropriately while offering support.
54. Encourages team collaboration and problem-solving.
55. Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment.
56. Demonstrates strong decision-making skills under pressure.
57. Recognizes and develops potential in team members.
❌ Needs Improvement:
58. Sometimes hesitates in making tough decisions.
59. Needs to improve in handling conflicts confidently.
60. Should work on providing more constructive feedback.
Example Phrases about Overall Performance
✅ Positive:
61. Consistently exceeds performance expectations.
62. Demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment.
63. Shows a great balance of teamwork and independence.
64. Highly dependable and takes ownership of responsibilities.
65. Shows enthusiasm and a positive attitude toward work.
66. Excels in problem-solving and taking initiative.
67. Demonstrates a strong ability to collaborate across teams.
68. Proactively seeks feedback and works on self-improvement.
69. Shows strong adaptability in challenging situations.
70. Continually strives for excellence and career growth.
❌ Needs Improvement:
71. Occasionally struggles with adapting to changes.
72. Needs to improve in maintaining consistency in output.
73. Occasionally lacks attention to detail in work execution.
74. Needs to be more proactive in seeking growth opportunities.
75. Could work on being more self-sufficient in completing tasks.
Final thoughts
Performance reviews are a chance to recognize strengths, address challenges, and help employees grow. The right words make all the difference—clear, constructive feedback keeps teams motivated and on track.
Use these phrases as a guide, but tailor them to fit each person. Honest, thoughtful feedback builds trust, boosts performance, and creates a workplace where people thrive.
Got a go-to performance review phrase? Share it in the comments!
