Performance Feedback Examples for Varying Levels of Performance

Performance feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth, improving employee engagement, and fostering a healthy workplace culture.

While performance criteria and discussion topics will vary depending on the individual, role, and organization, some common categories are universal among many businesses. We curated some effective performance review phrases you can use as inspiration when writing feedback at your company.

Each example is part of a five-point scale ranging from excellent to poor performance, so you will find:

• Exceeds expectations performance review examples
• Meets most expectations performance review examples
• Partially meets expectations performance review examples
• Does not meet expectations performance review examples

Performance feedback on productivity

Exceeds expectations

“Your productivity this review period has been exceptional. You met every deadline and exceeded expectations by completing 30% more tasks than anyone else on the team. Your ability to manage your workload efficiently and deliver high-quality results ahead of schedule is truly impressive. Keep up the fantastic work!”

Meets most expectations

“Your productivity generally meets our expectations, completing 18 tasks per month against our target of 20. While you consistently deliver high-quality work, slightly increasing your output will help you fully meet our goals. Let’s discuss some strategies to streamline your workflow and identify resources needed to enhance productivity. This small improvement can greatly impact our overall team performance.”

Partially meets expectations

“Let’s discuss your productivity over the past quarter. Although the quality of your work is solid, your task completion rate has been around 15 per month, below our target of 20. I believe there are opportunities to enhance your efficiency and time management. Let’s work together to identify any obstacles and develop strategies to help you increase your output without compromising quality.”

Does not meet expectations

“After reviewing your 360-degree performance feedback, there were several mentions of you falling behind on projects. We need to find a way to boost your productivity so that it doesn’t become a pattern. Do you have time later today to review your processes together so we can find ways to streamline?”

Performance feedback on accomplishing goals

Exceeds expectations

“Your performance this last quarter has been excellent. You have hit all your target metrics and satisfied or exceeded expectations in almost every category. Would you be interested in running a training?”

“We are very pleased with your performance so far. You’ve hit all of your milestones and are ahead of schedule on your training, which has positively impacted our team’s progress and overall productivity. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate your commitment to excellence. Keep up the good work, and continue improving your skills and efficiency to maintain this positive trajectory and contribute even more to our success.”

Meets most expectations

“You are right on track with performance goals; your average scores are where they need to be. You were behind on a few deadlines but ahead on others, so your performance is satisfactory overall. There are a few areas I think you could improve at with a little effort.”

Partially meets expectations

“While you have done well with some projects lately, you were behind on a few others. As a result, your performance is lagging behind expectations, so let’s work together to find a way to get back on track.”

Does not meet expectations

“Your recent performance in meeting key performance indicators has not met our expectations. One of our critical KPIs is the achievement of monthly sales targets. For the past two quarters, your sales figures have consistently fallen short. This shortfall has affected our team’s overall performance and revenue goals. It’s important to analyze your sales strategies and identify areas for improvement. Meeting these KPIs is vital for your role, and improving in this area will be crucial for your professional growth and our team’s success.”

“One of our critical KPIs is the average response time to customer inquiries, and over the past quarter, your response times have been consistently higher than the company standard. This has decreased customer satisfaction and negatively impacted our overall support metrics. It is essential to improve your response time to ensure we provide prompt and efficient customer support. Enhancing your performance in this area is crucial for maintaining our service quality and customer satisfaction levels.”

Performance feedback on quality of work

Exceeds expectations

“I am happy to report that your reviews returned with an overall score of 98% for quality of work. That is exceptional performance, and you will be receiving a raise starting this pay period as a thank you for your effort and ability.”

Meets most expectations

“Your quality of work scores came back at 79%, which you should be proud of. The fact that you were able to deliver quality work and hit all of your deadlines sets a good example for everyone on your team.”

“In the recent team project, your contribution played a key role in generating an upsell, reflecting the high quality of your work. However, there were some challenges in meeting deadlines. Moving forward, I would like you to balance the quality of work with timely completion.”

Partially meets expectations

“After tallying your scores, the final number was 60%. This score is slightly above average, but you have the potential to do better. Would you like to take a training course to improve your skills?”

“Unfortunately, your scores came back at only 45% for quality. This result isn’t far below average, but we would like to improve your scores. Do you have any thoughts on how we can achieve that?

Does not meet expectations

“Your quality scores were only 21%. As you know, this result is significantly below our target numbers for this stage, so we need to see a major improvement over the next period. If there is anything I can do to help, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Performance feedback on teamwork

Exceeds expectations

“Looking over the 360-degree performance reviews, your team truly appreciates your contributions. You have been a great asset to recent projects and a good intermediary between departments. As a result, you have made it on our shortlist for future leadership opportunities.”

“One of your strongest categories in this performance review is teamwork. You were effective at training and always quick to reply to emails. Communication skills are important, so thanks for setting a good example!”

“Throughout the review period, you demonstrated exemplary initiative and collaboration, particularly in creating a collection of email templates for prospect outreach. Your foresight in anticipating and taking proactive measures to address the team’s needs is commendable. It truly made a difference in our daily operations and made our tasks notably more efficient.”

Partially meets expectations

“Teamwork is a focus of this performance review. While your scores aren’t bad, they were one of your lower categories. Responding to team communication is important, so double-check you haven’t missed any emails before the end of each day.”

“For things to run smoothly, it is important to be a team player. I understand that sometimes personality conflicts arise, but it is important to overcome them so they don’t impact work. Can you manage that on your own, or should we schedule a sit down with [coworker’s name] to sort this out?”

“You consistently bring a positive attitude to the team, which helps create a welcoming and collaborative environment. However, there are opportunities for improvement in sharing ideas more proactively. While you contribute during team discussions, increasing the frequency and depth of your input will enhance overall team performance and innovation. Focusing on these areas will help you meet and potentially exceed expectations in the future.”

Does not meet expectations

“Unfortunately, your lowest score on this performance review was teamwork. It appears that inadequate communication has led to several issues that hurt efficiency in your department and created stressful situations for others. Moving forward, it is crucial that you respond to all emails within 24 hours and provide updates on project status as they arise.”

Performance feedback on problem-solving

Exceeds expectations

“We know this past year hasn’t been easy, but we have all been impressed with your taking everything in stride. We are particularly impressed with your problem-solving skill, as it has allowed you to keep momentum despite many curveballs.”

“Project X was a major success, and you deserve credit for your role in it. Your performance when it came to tackling new issues was much appreciated, and we will keep in mind your problem-solving capability for future project considerations.”

Partially meets expectations

“New roles come with many new challenges, and I was happy to see you rolling with the punches and figuring things out. Problem-solving is an important metric when it comes to performance, so I’m happy to say your scores were satisfactory. Keep it up!”

Does not meet expectations

“While we try to document procedures as thoroughly as possible, sometimes an unforeseen problem arises, and we need to be able to address it, or at least try. I would like to see you step up to the plate next time an unexpected issue comes up rather than ignore it or pass it off to someone else.”

“Unfortunately, this role may not be a great fit for you. There are going to be a lot of challenges that pop up to keep projects running smoothly, and unfortunately, you weren’t able to overcome them. How would you feel about transferring to a different department?”

Performance feedback on commitment to growth and skill development

Exceeds expectations

“Your commitment to growth and skill development has exceeded our expectations. You have consistently pursued advanced training opportunities and have obtained several relevant certifications over the past year. This proactive approach has not only enhanced your own skills but has also positively impacted our team’s overall capabilities. Keep up the excellent work, and continue seeking out opportunities for professional development.”

“Your participation in workshops and seminars, combined with your eagerness to take on challenging projects, has significantly advanced your technical and leadership abilities. Your willingness to share your knowledge with colleagues has further strengthened our team. Your continuous pursuit of excellence is commendable.”

Meets most expectations

“You regularly participate in mandatory training sessions and have shown interest in learning new skills relevant to your role. To further enhance your development, consider taking on more specialized training or certifications that align with your career goals. Your steady progress is appreciated, and with a bit more initiative, you can achieve even greater success.”

“While you attend required training sessions, you often miss opportunities for further development, such as elective workshops and additional certifications. To fully meet expectations, focus on expanding your skills by participating in more diverse training programs and seeking feedback to guide your growth.”

Partially meets expectations

“While you show a positive attitude towards growth, your commitment to skill development partially meets expectations. You have completed some of the mandatory training sessions. Still, you have not yet taken full advantage of the additional learning opportunities available. To improve, actively seek out and engage in more advanced training and development programs. This will help you stay competitive and better equipped for future challenges.”

“While you attend required training sessions, you often miss opportunities for further development, such as elective workshops and additional certifications. To fully meet expectations, focus on expanding your skills by participating in more diverse training programs and seeking feedback to guide your growth.”

Does not meet expectations

“You have not completed several of the required training sessions, and there is a lack of initiative in pursuing additional learning opportunities. This has affected your performance and ability to keep up with industry standards. To improve, prioritize completing mandatory training and actively seek out additional development opportunities to enhance your skills.”

“Despite several reminders, you have not participated in essential training programs, and there is little evidence of self-directed learning. This lack of engagement has impacted your overall performance. It is crucial to take immediate steps to complete the necessary training and demonstrate a more proactive approach to skill development to align with the company’s growth objectives.”

Performance feedback on meeting deadlines

Exceeds expectations

“As you know, our clients depend on us to meet projected deadlines so they are able to complete their tasks on time. You have been on time with every project so far this year, to the point that clients specifically request you for the future. Have you considered a project management role? You could be an asset there.”

“Your time management skills have been exemplary, consistently exceeding expectations. You effectively prioritize tasks, plan proactively, and utilize project management tools efficiently, leading to the timely completion of projects and enhanced team productivity. Your consistent ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality has built trust with clients and stakeholders. Your exceptional time management skills have significantly contributed to the team’s success and achieving our goals.”

Meets most expectations

“Looking at your performance results for hitting deadlines, it looks like you were only behind on one but ahead or on time with all others. What happened with the one? Overall, we are very pleased with these results.”

“It looks like you were right on track with deadlines this quarter. You missed a few but within the acceptable guidelines. If you foresee you might miss a deadline in the future, please give me a heads up so I can notify the client.”

Partially meets expectations

“Unfortunately, you missed several deadlines over the past month. It has been busy, but this has led to some unhappy clients. We need to be sure we are on track with the schedule or ask for help if you are falling behind.”

“In this review period, you’ve made commendable progress in developing the Angular JS application for viewing docx files, demonstrating a solid understanding of technical requirements and a good quality of work. However, I’ve observed challenges with adhering to the project timelines. Meeting deadlines is crucial for the team’s success and client satisfaction. Going forward, let’s work together to enhance time management and prioritize tasks to ensure timely delivery without compromising on quality.”

Does not meet expectations

“You missed too many deadlines over the past quarter. The quality of your work has been good, but time management is also important. Let’s talk about how we can ensure you stay on schedule this upcoming quarter.”

Performance feedback on leadership qualities

Exceeds expectations

“The last thing I wanted to touch on today was your leadership skills. While this doesn’t directly affect your performance, it benefits the entire team. Your ability and willingness to guide new hires this season have been remarkable and haven’t gone unnoticed. Are you interested in career advancement, such as a management role?”

“I know you said you were happy with your position and not interested in moving up, but I wanted you to know we appreciate you stepping up and guiding the team when direction is needed. If you ever change your mind, you have what it takes for a leadership role.”

Meets most expectations

“We think it is essential to cycle project leads and allow everyone to manage a team. Your performance during Project X was quite good. I know you don’t like being the center of attention, but if you work on your public speaking, I think you have leadership potential.”

Partially meets expectations

“You are new to this position, so I understand there will be growing pains, but I have noticed your willingness to lead your team hasn’t quite met your interest in the promotion that got us here. What can we do to bridge that gap?”

“While your positive communication style helps maintain team morale, there are areas for improvement. Specifically, employee feedback indicates that while you communicate effectively, you sometimes miss opportunities to actively listen and address team concerns. To enhance your leadership, focus on creating an open dialogue where team members feel heard and valued. Actively listen to their feedback and implement changes where feasible. This will help you build stronger relationships with your team and further develop your leadership skills.”

Does not meet expectations

“After reviewing your recent performance, it’s clear that improvements are needed in your leadership qualities. Feedback from your team indicates that your communication style can often be unclear, leading to confusion about tasks and expectations. Additionally, there have been concerns that you are not actively listening to team members’ feedback, which is crucial for fostering a collaborative environment.”

Performance feedback on decision-making

Exceeds expectations

“While we will never fault anybody for asking for clarification on a task, we were particularly impressed with your ability to make difficult calls when that clarification wasn’t immediately available. We found you made the right decisions in most cases and appreciated you following up to let us know what you did and why you did it.”

“I know we kind of threw you to the wolves on Project X, but you did a great job handling your team and making decisions under pressure. You will definitely be considered for leading future projects in that vein.”

Meets most expectations

“You make well-informed decisions that align with our organizational goals and benefit the team. Your ability to analyze situations thoroughly and choose the best course of action has been reliable. To further excel, consider exploring ways to streamline your decision-making process in high-pressure situations to maintain this high standard even under tight deadlines. Keep up the good work, and continue leveraging your strengths in this area.”

Partially meets expectations

“You generally make sound decisions that benefit the team and align with our goals. However, there are instances where more timely decisions could have positively impacted project outcomes. While your thorough approach is appreciated, balancing careful analysis and prompt action is crucial.”

Does not meet expectations

“There have been several instances where delayed or ineffective decisions have negatively impacted project outcomes and team efficiency. Improving your decision-making process to align with our organizational goals is crucial. We need to address these issues promptly and work on strategies to enhance your ability to make timely and effective decisions.”

Performance review feedback mistakes to avoid

Performance reviews are critical for employee development and company culture. However, poorly framed feedback can have lasting adverse effects, such as demoralizing employees, fostering resentment, and reducing productivity. Avoiding common pitfalls in delivering feedback can ensure constructive and beneficial reviews.

Here are three key elements to avoid when giving performance feedback:

Close-mindedness

Performance reviews should be two-way conversations, not predetermined conclusions. Collect concrete examples and objective data and listen to the employee’s perspective. This promotes fair discussion and uncovers obstacles the employee might face.

Limited perspective

Relying on a single source for feedback, such as just the manager, can lead to a skewed view. Gather input from peers and others who work closely with the employee to get a more accurate picture.

Excess negativity

Predominantly negative feedback can demoralize employees, even if it is accurate. Balance criticism with positive remarks and focus on solutions.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can provide more effective and constructive performance feedback that motivates and supports employee growth.

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Performance review software is one of the best ways to measure performance and deliver feedback. When combined with a 360-degree approach, it will create a comprehensive and fair system for managing employee performance.

Deel Engage helps you achieve this goal:

• Save time collecting multi-source feedback with automated feedback and performance review cycles
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• Analyze individual, team, department, and organizational strengths and weaknesses with tools such as skills matrices, 9-box grids, and competency profiles
• Deel HR, our truly global HRIS solution, is always included for free

Book a demo to see how our solutions will help you build a high-performance workforce.