Performance review comments
30 comments for the written review, in 6 groups. Replace the details in [brackets] with the person's own work.
Quality and results
[Name] delivered [result] this year, which [effect on team or customer].
[Name]'s work is accurate. Over the year, the number of corrections needed on [type of work] has been very low.
[Name] met all 3 goals set at the start of the year. The most significant was [goal].
[Name] consistently meets the standard for [task] and is often asked to check others' work.
[Name] delivered more than was asked for on [project], including [addition], which the client valued.
Teamwork
[Name] works well with colleagues across the team and often helps others without being asked.
[Name] helped [colleague] learn [task], which improved the whole team's output.
[Name] treats colleagues with respect and listens to different views.
[Name] built a good working relationship with [other team], and requests between us are now easier.
[Name] shares what they learn, for example by [action].
Communication
[Name] communicates clearly in writing and in meetings. Their updates on [project] are short and easy to act on.
[Name] listens carefully and asks questions before giving a view.
[Name]'s presentation to [audience] was clear and well prepared.
[Name] raises problems early and suggests how to solve them.
[Name] explains things clearly to customers, and the feedback they receive reflects it.
Initiative and growth
[Name] identified [problem] and proposed [solution] without being asked.
[Name] has developed [skill] this year and now uses it to [task].
[Name] takes feedback well and applies it quickly. After [feedback], the next [piece of work] improved clearly.
[Name] took on [additional responsibility] and handled it well.
[Name] improved [process], which saved [time or effort].
Reliability and ownership
[Name] can be relied on to deliver. They met all deadlines this year, including during [busy period].
[Name] takes ownership of their work and follows it through.
[Name] stays steady under pressure. During [event], they stayed calm and kept the team informed.
[Name] does what they say they will do.
[Name] manages their time well and is rarely late with work.
Areas to develop
Worded so the person knows what to try.
[Name] would benefit from delegating more. In the next year, try passing [task] to [person] and checking in weekly.
[Name] has good ideas and could share them more in meetings. A first step is to prepare 1 point before each meeting.
[Name] sometimes finds it hard to choose between tasks. We will agree a weekly top 3 in our one-to-ones.
[Name] could check work more before sending. A short checklist for [task] would help.
[Name] may wait too long before asking for help. We agreed they will ask after 30 minutes of being stuck.
Questions
What should you write in a performance review?
Describe what the person did, the effect it had, and what you would like to see next. Add 1 specific example to each main point.
How do you write positive performance review comments?
Name the work, say what it changed, and keep it specific. See the 60 positive feedback examples.
How do you write a negative performance review comment?
Describe what happened, say what it changed, and give a clear next step. Avoid labels about the person.