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Effective performance reviews are essential in guiding both managers and team members toward professional growth and achieving organizational objectives. We understand that, at times, writing self-reviews and/or manager reviews may be difficult. We’ve created this suggestion guide with feedback phrases, in hopes of making your review process a bit easier.

Phrase Bank for Individual Team Members: Self-Review Phrases for Key Performance Areas

Writing a self-review is an opportunity to reflect on individual achievements, contributions, and areas for growth. Below is a range of example phrases that can help inspire impactful self-reviews that showcase your unique contributions to the team. These examples cover a range of areas, including goal achievement, workload management, skills development, and collaboration, with the goal of helping team members reflect their contributions in a way that aligns with both individual and team goals.

Please feel free to use these suggestions as a foundation, but make sure to customize them to reflect your accomplishments accurately. Incorporating specific metrics, data points, and examples can help you provide evidence and support for your impact. This will help to strengthen your review and provide a clear picture of your contributions.

Self-Review Section	Skill/Areas	Example Phrases
Areas of Impact / Wins	Collaboration	I proactively collaborated with my team on [specific task], fostering teamwork and achieving [team goal].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Collaboration	Through the review period, I effectively managed my workload by [specific actions] and successfully handled competing priorities, ensuring all tasks were completed on time.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Collaboration	I recognize the need to improve my ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively when working on multiple new projects, and I am actively exploring time management techniques and seeking guidance on optimizing my workflow.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Collaboration	I obtained buy-in and collaboration from key stakeholders for [specific project], leading to successful adoption and positive feedback.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	Throughout the review period, I achieved the goal/milestone of [specific goal] by [specific actions taken] and resulted in [specific results].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	I met/exceeded my target of [specific target] by [specific actions] and contributed to the overall success of the team by [specify team target].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	I effectively developed and executed a plan to achieve [specify goal] by [specify actions taken], and that resulted in [speficy the wins] and had an impact on [specify team goal].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	In project [specify project], I was able to streamline the process by [specify actions/resources] and eliminate inefficiencies [specify], resulting in [specify results:i.e., time, cost savings,etc.].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	Throughout the review period, I successfully resolved a critical issue or challenge, resulting in [specific positive outcome], such as cost savings or improved efficiency.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	I effectively led a team/project to success, delivering [specific outcome or result], that had an impact on [specify the impact].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	I successfully implemented [specific initiative or program], resulting in [specific positive impact or outcome], that helped me and the team to [specify impact,i.e., improved productivity/customer satisfaction].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Impact / Goals	I successfully spearheaded the launch of [specific new project/initiative], resulting in [specific positive outcome], that helped PL/team in [specify impact,i.e., increased revenue, improved stakeholders experience, cost savings].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Initiative / Career Development	I effectively identified and managed potential risks and challenges associated with [specific project], mitigating them proactively [specify how] and ensuring project success.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Initiative / Career Development	I am aware of the need to get involved in project [specify the project] during the next review cycle, and I am seeking opportunities to do so by [specify actions].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Initiative / Career Development	One area where I can focus on improvement is [specific skill or competency], and I am committed to taking steps to enhance my proficiency in this area by [specify actions].
Areas of Impact / Wins	Initiative / Career Development	I recognize the need to develop my [specific skill] further, and I am actively seeking opportunities to acquire additional training or experience to improve in this area.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Initiative / Career Development	I have identified the need to strengthen my [specific skill], and I am actively seeking mentorship or guidance from [specify names of colleagues or managers ] that would accelerate my growth in this area.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	I effectively prioritized my work and tasks, ensuring critical deadlines [specific deadlines] were met.
Areas of Impact / Wins	Work Quality	I effectively led/participated in a cross-functional team in the successful implementation of [specific project], meeting all project milestones [specify milestones] and delivering high-quality results [determine results].
Areas of Growth	Collaboration	I recognize the need to improve my delegation skills to effectively distribute tasks and responsibilities, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and facilitating goal attainment.
Areas of Growth	Collaboration	I could use more feedback and guidance from [specify stakeholders ] in goal setting and progress tracking to improve [specify goals/area of impact].
Areas of Growth	Collaboration	I have identified the potential for collaboration with [specific team], and I am eager to explore opportunities to align our goals [specify goals] and work together to achieve [specify objectives].
Areas of Growth	Collaboration	I recognize the value of cross-functional collaboration and would like to actively engage with [specific team] to leverage their expertise and enhance [specify areas/objectives].
Areas of Growth	Collaboration	I am eager to establish regular meetings or forums with [specific team] to exchange updates, share information, and identify opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
Areas of Growth	Initiative / Career Development	I am eager to expand my expertise in [specific area or domain], as it presents significant opportunities for me to make a greater impact in [specify project].
Areas of Growth	Initiative / Career Development	I see an opportunity to enhance my [specify the area or domain /skill] as this will enable me to take on [specify area/project] thereby increasing my overall impact with [specify area of impact].
Areas of Growth	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	I understand the importance of improving [specify skills] to ensure efficient progress toward goals and timely completion of tasks.
Areas of Growth	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	I recognize the need to enhance my [specify skill] in prioritizing goals and tasks, ensuring that the most critical objectives receive appropriate attention and resources.

Phrase Bank for Manager: Manager Review Phrases for Key Performance Areas

Use the suggested phrases below as inspiration to streamline your review writing process. While these examples provide a helpful starting point, be sure to personalize them by including specific metrics, data points, and examples. This customization is essential for accurately reflecting your direct reports’ achievements and areas for growth.

For more information on the various performance or impact ratings, please visit our Guide: Designing Your Organization’s Performance Review System.

Performance Rating	Skill/Areas	Example Phrases
1. Underperforming	Collaboration	[Name] failed to contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment. During this review period, their ability to collaborate with team members has been a concern. Concretely with [specify project/task] where they failed to effectively contribute to group discussions and work towards consensus, hindering overall team progress. Which has negatively impacted the team's progress on [specify areas of impact].
1. Underperforming	Effective Communication	There have been instances [insert examples] where [team member’s] communication style has been overly assertive or dismissive, hindering open and constructive discussions within the team. This has caused [areas of impact/stakeholders affected by this].
1. Underperforming	Impact / Goals	The work produced by [Name] on [project/task] has not met the established quality standards. There have been instances where essential details were overlooked [exemplifies which ones], compromising the overall accuracy and effectiveness of the output [specify overall output or goal].
1. Underperforming	Impact / Goals	During this review period [Name] demonstrated a lack of understanding/commitment to company values and goals [specify goals or values], which has negatively impacted the team's progress on [specify areas of impact].
1. Underperforming	Initiative / Career Development	Throughout this review period, I have noticed a lack of initiative on [project/task]. [Name] usually waits for instructions rather than taking proactive steps or demonstrating a sense of ownership in [specific task], requiring close supervision from me / other team members.
1. Underperforming	Initiative / Career Development	In the current cycle, I have observed a lack of proactivity and initiative from [Name] with regard to [specify the project/area of focus ], as they haven’t taken ownership of projects and tasks [specify tasks], resulting in missed opportunities and unmet expectations. This impacted the team on [specify areas/stakeholders affected by this].
1. Underperforming	Ownership	During this review period, [Name] has been reluctant to accept responsibility for mistakes or learn from feedback [specify area/project where this team member demonstrated such behavior], which has negatively impacted the team's progress on [specify areas of impact].
1. Underperforming	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	Throughout the current cycle, there have been challenges with meeting deadlines related to project [specify project/task]. This has caused disruptions to other team members' workflows and affected project timelines [specify stakeholders/areas of impact]
1. Underperforming	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	Throughout this review period, [Name] has been struggling with time management, often leaving tasks incomplete, such as [specify tasks/projects], which had a direct impact on [describe areas of impact and/or teams affected].
2. Needs Improvement	Collaboration	One aspect I believe [Name] can focus on for improvement is contributing more actively to fostering a positive team atmosphere, such as [specify areas of progress]. We will work together to identify ways [Name] can actively promote positivity, support teammates, and create an environment where everyone feels motivated and engaged.
2. Needs Improvement	Collaboration	While [Name] has demonstrated competence in their role, there is a need for improvement in aligning actions/ tasks [specify which ones] with our X, Y, Z team values and goals. The action plan is to [specify next steps], and the way we will help [Name] to achieve this is by [define actions].
2. Needs Improvement	Effective Communication	Effective communication is crucial in the work environment, and it's important for [Name]'s to strive for clarity and conciseness in their interactions. There have been instances where their messages were unclear or lengthy [specify examples], which can lead to confusion. Let's work together to enhance [Name]'s communication skills by [define actions].
2. Needs Improvement	Initiative / Career Development	While [Name] has shown competence in their current role, there is room for improvement in demonstrating a more vital interest in their professional development. I encourage [Name] to explore training programs, attend industry conferences, and engage in self-directed learning [specify areas/skills of development] to expand their skill set and stay abreast of industry trends.
2. Needs Improvement	Initiative / Career Development	One area where I believe [Name] can enhance their performance is in adapting to new challenges and changes in project requirements. I encourage them to work on proactively seeking solutions when faced with new challenges and demonstrate flexibility in adjusting project requirements to meet evolving needs [expand on specific areas of improvement ]. [Name] should focus on [specific tasks/goals].
2. Needs Improvement	Ownership	Taking ownership of tasks and completing them independently is essential to [Name]'s role. While [Name] has shown competence in many areas, there have been instances where they have required additional guidance to complete specific tasks [specify tasks]. Let's work together to identify the specific areas where [Name]'s may need further support, provide the necessary mentoring or training, and empower them to take more initiative in completing tasks independently.
2. Needs Improvement	Ownership	To further enhance impact and growth, an area in which [Name] could improve their ability to accept responsibility for mistakes. The action plan is to [specify next steps], and the way we will help [Name] to achieve this is by [define actions].
2. Needs Improvement	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	Maintaining a track record of meeting deadlines is essential for [specify project /goals] to succeed. There have been occasions where [Name]'s did not deliver tasks on time [describe the situation], resulting in minor [define implications]. The action plan is to [specify next steps], and the way we will help [Name]'s to achieve this is by [define actions].
2. Needs Improvement	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	An area that requires improvement is time management and task prioritization. By developing these skills, [Name] should be better equipped to organize workload, meet project deadlines, and optimize productivity. The action plan is to [specify next steps], and the way we will help [Name] to achieve this is by [define actions].
2. Needs Improvement	Work Quality	Consistently delivering high-quality work is crucial to our team's success. While [Name] has demonstrated competence in their role, there have been instances where their work fell below the expected standard [provide specific examples]. Let's collaborate to identify any challenges or areas for improvement and develop [specify strategies to improve competency] to deliver work that meets or exceeds our expectations consistently.
3. Meets Expectations	Collaboration	[Name] consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive team environment, specifically on project [specify project and scope], where they achieved [areas of impact] and helped the team to [team goals] by creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
3. Meets Expectations	Effective Communication	Communicates effectively with team members and collaborates well.
3. Meets Expectations	Impact / Goals	[Name] consistently demonstrates a solid understanding of [specific goals/values]. They actively align their work with our organizational principles, showcasing integrity, teamwork, and a customer-centric mindset. I encourage [Name] to keep up the great work and continue to progress.
3. Meets Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	[Name] has consistently exceeded expectations in actively participating in professional development and growth opportunities. An example is [specify area], contributing to [team goal].
3. Meets Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	One of [Name]'s greatest strengths is their ability to adapt well to new challenges and changes in project requirements, specifically with [specify project or goal]. Their adaptability positively impacted the team on [areas of impact] that contributed to achieving [specify team goals].
3. Meets Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	[Name] has consistently shown a commendable ability to take responsibility for areas of improvement and apply the lessons learned to future work, specifically with X, Y, Z projects/goals. I encourage [Name] to continue this positive approach and maintain their commitment to personal growth.
3. Meets Expectations	Ownership	Completes tasks independently and seeks guidance when necessary.
3. Meets Expectations	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	Consistently meets deadlines, ensuring project progress stays on track.
3. Meets Expectations	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	[Name] consistently demonstrates strong time management skills and effectively prioritizes tasks, particularly with [specify project/goals]. I encourage [Name]to continue utilizing their excellent time management skills and maintain their focus on prioritizing tasks. By doing so, they can optimize their efficiency and ensure [specific goals] are achieved.
3. Meets Expectations	Work Quality	[Name] consistently demonstrates a high work quality that consistently meets the expected standard with minimal revisions needed. In X project/goal, they made significant contributions towards [overall goals of the team].
4. Exceeds Expectations	Collaboration	[Name] consistently goes the extra mile to ensure all team members feel valued, respected, and included. Specifically on project [specify project/task and scope] where they achieved [areas of impact] and helped the team to [team goals] by creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
4. Exceeds Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	Shows initiative in identifying and addressing problems without prompting.
4. Exceeds Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	[Name] consistently goes above and beyond by actively seeking a wide range of professional development opportunities. An example is [specify area of growth], which contributed to [team goal].
4. Exceeds Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	[Name]’s adaptability and willingness to embrace change were evident when the scope of the [specify project] landed. This positively impacted the team by [areas of impact] that contributed to achieving [specify team goals].
4. Exceeds Expectations	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	Consistently beats deadlines, contributing to overall project success.
4. Exceeds Expectations	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	[Name]’s exemplary time management skills and effective task prioritization have consistently surpassed expectations during the review period, particularly with [specify project/goals] where [Name] achieved [areas of impact] and had an effect on [specify team goals]. They are a role model for effective time management and task prioritization within our department.
4. Exceeds Expectations	Work Quality	[Name] consistently surpasses expectations when it comes to work quality, showcasing extraordinary attention to detail that significantly contributed to the team achieving [overall team goal]
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Collaboration	[Name]’s exceptional skills have played a pivotal role in creating a positive and inclusive team environment. [Name] 's efforts have had a significant impact on the team (specify areas of influence), which contributed to our overall success with [specify team goals].
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Effective Communication	Communication is exemplary, fostering robust collaboration and inspiring others to contribute their best.
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Effective Communication	[Name]’s effective communication skills when partnering with stakeholders have been instrumental in achieving successful collaborations and fostering positive relationships on X project/goal. This contributed to the overall productivity and success of the team by [specify area of impact].
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Impact / Goals	[Name] consistently goes above and beyond by taking additional measures to ensure the successful completion of team tasks, such as [specify]. On X project/goal, they demonstrate outstanding time management skills by effectively planning and organizing their workload, which has contributed significantly to the overall productivity and success of the team by [specify area of impact].
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and takes the lead in implementing solutions.
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Initiative / Career Development	[Name]’s unwavering commitment to expanding their knowledge, skills, and abilities sets them apart as a proactive and driven individual. Their proactive approach and willingness to share their knowledge contributed to [areas of impact] not only to their growth but also to the growth and success of the team.
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Ownership	[Name] consistently goes above and beyond with a strong sense of ownership of tasks. Their dedication, accountability, and proactive approach to taking ownership on X project / goal have significantly contributed to the success of our team and the accomplishment of our X,X,Y goals.
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Prioritization / Time Mgmt	Always meets or significantly beats deadlines, driving project success and setting a high standard for the team.
5. Greatly Exceeds Expectations	Work Quality	[Name] consistently sets a benchmark for excellence with their exceptional work quality, demonstrating unwavering attention to detail that surpasses expectations. [Name]’s not only raises the bar for the team but also contributes significantly to [team goal / project].