This article offers a selection of example phrases that can be used to evaluate and articulate an employee’s competency during the performance review process.

Performance Review Questions: Competency

These questions will help you gain a better understanding of an employee’s job competencyallowing you to identify their strengthsareas for improvementand overall ability to perform their duties effectively.

1. Did the employee meet the goals and objectives set for them during the review period?
2. Did the employee demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively?
3. Did the employee show initiative and take on additional responsibilities beyond their job description?
4. Did the employee work collaboratively with their colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment?
5. Did the employee demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow professionally?
6. Did the employee consistently meet deadlines and produce high-quality work?
7. Did the employee handle challenges and setbacks effectivelyand seek help when needed?
8. Did the employee adhere to company policies and proceduresand demonstrate ethical behavior?
9. Did the employee communicate effectively with their supervisor and colleaguesand seek feedback to improve their performance?
10. Did the employee demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to their job?

Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples: Competency

5 – Outstanding

Outstanding performance rating is reserved for those who consistently excel in their rolesgoing above and beyond the expectations of their position. They demonstrate a strong commitment to their workare highly skilled in their area of expertiseand often serve as role models for their peerstaking their work to new levels and inspiring others with their dedication and expertise.

Example Phrases

• Consistently exceeds all goals and targets.
• Displays exceptional problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrates excellent leadership skills.
• Exhibits an outstanding level of technical expertise in their role.
• Consistently delivers work of the highest qualitysurpassing expectations.
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skillsboth written and verbal.
• Proactively seeks out and takes on additional responsibilitiesconsistently delivering outstanding results.
• Exhibits a strong ability to think strategically and make sound decisions.
• Consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of company values and aligns their actions accordingly.
• Displays an exceptional ability to collaborate and work effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Consistently goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction and deliver exceptional service.
• Demonstrates outstanding adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing priorities or circumstances.
• Exhibits a strong drive for continuous learning and professional developmentconsistently expanding their skill set.
• Consistently demonstrates exceptional time management and organizational skillsensuring all deadlines are met.
• Displays an outstanding ability to analyze complex data and derive meaningful insights.
• Consistently generates innovative ideas and solutions that drive significant improvements in processes or outcomes.
• Demonstrates exceptional project management skillsconsistently delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Exhibits outstanding leadership skillsinspiring and motivating team members to achieve their best.
• Consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and dedication to achieving individual and organizational goals.
• Displays an exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleaguesclientsand stakeholders.

Paragraph Examples

“Jane consistently demonstrates exceptional skills and abilities in her role. Her problem-solving abilities have led to outstanding resultssignificantly improving overall team performance. She consistently exceeds expectations for time managementcompleting tasks well ahead of schedule without compromising quality. Jane’s communication is always clear and concisemaking her a valuable team member with strong collaborative relationships.”

“John’s technical prowess and high level of competency allow him to excel in his role. He consistently displays a willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to changing technologies. He is an invaluable resource for the teamas his expertise is sought after by colleagues. John is known for his attention to detailensuring his work is completed with precision every time.”

“Susan displays an unwavering commitment to achieving the company’s goals and consistently performs at a level that exceeds expectations. She demonstrates strong analytical abilitiesenabling her to make well-informed decisions that support organizational growth. Susan is a proactive and reliable employeeoften suggesting new initiatives and volunteering for additional responsibilities.”

“Peter is an exceptional leader with the consistent ability to motivate his team members. His performance continuously stands outthanks to his dedication to achieving and surpassing project objectives. He is attentive to his team’s needs and actively fosters an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement. Peter’s confident and knowledgeable demeanor is an asset to the organization.”

“Mary consistently exceeds all goals and targets. Her exceptional problem-solving abilities and excellent leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to the team. She is always motivating her team members to push themselves to reach their full potential.”

4 – Exceeds Expectations

Example Phrases

• Consistently meets and often surpasses objectives.
• Develops and implements innovative solutions.
• Proactively takes on additional responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of job requirements and consistently delivers high-quality work.
• Exhibits excellent communication skillseffectively conveying information to team members and stakeholders.
• Consistently demonstrates strong problem-solving abilitiesfinding effective solutions to complex issues.
• Displays a proactive approach to learning and developing new skills relevant to their role.
• Consistently manages time and resources effectivelyensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Demonstrates a strong ability to collaborate and work well with otherscontributing to a positive team dynamic.
• Consistently provides valuable insights and ideas that contribute to the success of the team and organization.
• Exhibits a strong attention to detailconsistently producing accurate and thorough work.
• Demonstrates excellent adaptabilityeffectively navigating changes in priorities or circumstances.
• Consistently goes above and beyond to assist colleagues and support the goals of the organization.
• Displays a strong understanding of customer needs and consistently delivers exceptional service.
• Exhibits excellent leadership potentialeffectively guiding and mentoring junior team members.
• Consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving individual and organizational goals.
• Proactively identifies and proposes process improvements that enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Demonstrates excellent project management skillseffectively coordinating resources and deliverables.
• Consistently exhibits a positive attitude and enthusiasm for their workinspiring others to do their best.
• Displays a strong ability to analyze and interpret datausing insights to drive informed decision-making.

Paragraph Examples

“John consistently goes above and beyond in their roletaking on additional responsibilities and actively seeking ways to improve their performance. Their strong initiative and willingness to collaborate with colleagues have positively impacted the team’s productivity and morale. They have demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and consistently deliver high-quality work on time. John’s proactive approach to professional development reflects their commitment to personal growth and the success of the company.”

“Sarah has displayed exceptional communication skillsfostering a positive atmosphere within the team and effectively engaging with clients. They have proven their ability to manage multiple high-priority projects without sacrificing attention to detail or quality. Sarah’s strong organizational skills and ability to anticipate potential issues have contributed to smooth project execution and successful outcomes. This individual’s performance significantly exceeds expectationsas evidenced by their impressive results and contributions to the team’s objectives.”

“David excels in stakeholder management and consistently fosters strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Their ability to navigate complex situations and negotiate effectively has resulted in numerous mutually beneficial collaborations. David demonstrates excellent leadership qualitiesproviding valuable guidance to team members and creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Their commitment to continuous improvement and willingness to embrace new challenges position them as a valuable asset to the organization.”

“Emily is a highly motivated individual who consistently seeks opportunities to enhance their skills and apply new learnings to their role. Their innovative thinking and creative problem-solving abilities have led to the implementation of more efficient processes and improved outcomes for the team. Emily sets an excellent example for peersconsistently demonstrating a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit. Their strong work ethic and commitment to quality are evident in the exceptional results they deliversignificantly exceeding expectations.”

“John consistently meets and often surpasses his objectives. His ability to develop and implement innovative solutions has significantly improved the team’s productivity. John proactively takes on additional responsibilities and is always eager to contribute to the success of the organization.”

3 – Meets Expectations

When an employee consistently delivers work that is of qualityaccurateand on timeit is considered that they are meeting expectations. The following phrases and examples provide a picture of what performance review phrases might look like for an employee who meets expectations.

Example Phrases

• Generally achieves established goals.
• Shows good problem-solving skills.
• Effectively collaborates with team members.
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of job requirements and consistently meets expectations.
• Exhibits satisfactory communication skillseffectively conveying information to others.
• Consistently applies knowledge and skills to complete tasks and projects successfully.
• Displays a willingness to learn and develop new skills as needed.
• Generally manages time and resources effectivelymeeting deadlines and staying within budget.
• Demonstrates an ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Consistently provides satisfactory work qualitymeeting the standards set by the organization.
• Exhibits an adequate attention to detailproducing work with minimal errors.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt to changes in priorities or circumstances.
• Consistently fulfills their role and responsibilities within the team.
• Displays a satisfactory understanding of customer needs and provides adequate service.
• Exhibits potential for leadership and shows a willingness to take on additional responsibilities when needed.
• Demonstrates a consistent work ethic and commitment to meeting individual and organizational goals.
• Identifies and suggests potential process improvements when applicable.
• Demonstrates satisfactory project management skillseffectively contributing to project success.
• Consistently maintains a professional and positive attitude in the workplace.
• Displays an ability to analyze and interpret datausing insights to inform decision-making.

Paragraph Examples

“John consistently demonstrates competence in his primary tasks. He completes projects on time and meets the quality standards set by the company. Although he may not always exceed expectationshis work is reliableand he has a solid understanding of his role within the team. He maintains a positive attitude and cooperates well with his colleagues. To encourage continued growthit would be beneficial for John to seek additional responsibilities or attend training to expand his skill set.”

“Sarah is an effective team member who meets expectations in her day-to-day tasks. She is proficient in her assigned dutiesand her work is accurate and thorough. She has a good understanding of the company’s goals and always acts in accordance with established procedures. While she meets expectationsthere may be opportunities for Sarah to go above and beyond by seeking out new challenges or offering input on process improvements.”

“Mike is a conscientious employee who consistently meets expectations. He is detail-orientedensuring that his work is of a high standardand he consistently delivers results on time. His communication skills are effective both with clients and internal team members. Mike is also proactive in seeking feedback and implementing itdemonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement. Identifying areas where he can take on additional tasks or leadership roles will help further Mike’s career development.”

“Sarah generally achieves her established goals. She demonstrates good problem-solving skills and works effectively with her team members to overcome challenges. As a valuable contributorSarah helps keep projects on track and ensures team efficiency.”

2 – Needs Improvement

Example Phrases

• Struggles to achieve certain goals.
• Needs guidance in problem-solving techniques.
• Requires assistance with teamwork and communication.
• Demonstrates an inconsistent understanding of job requirementsoccasionally falling short of expectations.
• Exhibits below-average communication skillssometimes struggling to convey information effectively.
• Inconsistently applies knowledge and skills to complete tasks and projectsleading to mixed results.
• Displays a limited willingness to learn and develop new skillsrequiring encouragement to do so.
• Often struggles with time management and resource allocationresulting in missed deadlines or budget overruns.
• Demonstrates difficulty in working collaboratively with otherssometimes contributing to a negative team dynamic.
• Produces work of inconsistent qualityoccasionally falling below the standards set by the organization.
• Exhibits a lack of attention to detailresulting in frequent errors in their work.
• Struggles to adapt to changes in priorities or circumstancesrequiring additional support and guidance.
• Inconsistently fulfills their role and responsibilities within the teamrequiring frequent reminders.
• Displays a limited understanding of customer needssometimes providing inadequate service.
• Exhibits minimal leadership potential and rarely takes on additional responsibilities when needed.
• Demonstrates an inconsistent work ethic and commitment to meeting individual and organizational goals.
• Rarely identifies or suggests potential process improvementseven when applicable.
• Demonstrates below-average project management skillssometimes hindering project success.
• Occasionally displays a negative or unprofessional attitude in the workplace.
• Struggles to analyze and interpret data effectivelyrarely using insights to inform decision-making.

Paragraph Examples

“John consistently puts forth an effort but may struggle to meet all their job requirements. They are often late on project deadlines and need assistance when facing challenges. In order to improveJohn should seek guidance from colleagues and supervisors and prioritize tasks to better manage their time.”

“Samantha has shown improvement in their technical skillsbut communication remains an area of concern. Their emails and reports may be unclear or lack essential information. Samantha should focus on enhancing their written communication skills by attending relevant training programsproofreading their workand asking for feedback from team members.”

“Alex has demonstrated initiative in several projects; howevertheir teamwork skills need improvement. They often work alone or are reluctant to share ideas and collaborate with others. This could hinder the team’s overall productivity. To address thisAlex should focus on building trust with team members and take part in team-building activities.”

“Emma has a satisfactory performance in accomplishing routine tasks but exhibits difficulty adapting to change or accepting new approaches. This resistance may have slowed progress in some projects. It is essential for Emma to develop an open mindset and embrace new toolsmethodsand ideas to improve their adaptability.”

“David demonstrates a strong work ethic but struggles with time managementwhich sometimes leads to missed deadlines and lower-quality work. To improve their performanceDavid needs to prioritize tasks according to their urgency and allocate adequate time for completing them. Implementing strategies like time-blocking can help in better management and organization.”

“Mark struggles to achieve his goals and could use guidance in problem-solving techniques. His teamwork and communication skills require development to function optimally within the team. With additional support and coachingMark has the potential to make significant progress in his role.”

1 – Unacceptable

Employees rated as “Unacceptable” demonstrate a significant lack of competency in their job. They frequently need close supervisionand their actions might adversely impact the team’s productivity and the organization’s goals. It is crucial for managers to address these issues and provide support to help the employee improve and reach an acceptable level of performance.

• Lack of initiative: The employee consistently fails to take initiative and requires constant supervision to complete tasks. They do not show the needed motivation to improve their performance.
• Poor time management: The employee has not demonstrated an ability to manage their workload effectivelyconsistently missing deadlines and causing delays for their colleagues.
• Unreliable: The employee is often absent without notice and fails to meet their commitmentsresulting in disruptions to the team’s operations and project timelines.
• Inadequate communication skills: The employee consistently struggles to express their ideas or understand instructions from their team memberscausing confusion and miscommunications.
• Unwillingness to adapt: The employee resists change and does not make an effort to learn new skills or adapt to new situationsthereby hindering the progress of the team and the organization as a whole.

Example Phrases

• Does not achieve established goals.
• Fails to find solutions to problems independently.
• Has difficulties collaborating with team members.
• Demonstrates a consistent lack of understanding of job requirementsregularly failing to meet expectations.
• Exhibits poor communication skillsconsistently struggling to convey information effectively.
• Consistently fails to apply knowledge and skills to complete tasks and projectsleading to unsatisfactory results.
• Displays an unwillingness to learn and develop new skillsresisting opportunities for improvement.
• Consistently struggles with time management and resource allocationregularly missing deadlines and exceeding budgets.
• Demonstrates an inability to work collaboratively with othersoften contributing to a negative team dynamic.
• Consistently produces work of unacceptable qualityfailing to meet the standards set by the organization.
• Exhibits a complete lack of attention to detailresulting in numerous errors in their work.
• Fails to adapt to changes in priorities or circumstancesrequiring constant support and guidance.
• Consistently fails to fulfill their role and responsibilities within the teamrequiring constant supervision.
• Displays a complete lack of understanding of customer needsconsistently providing poor service.
• Exhibits no leadership potential and consistently avoids taking on additional responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a poor work ethic and lack of commitment to meeting individual and organizational goals.
• Consistently fails to identify or suggest potential process improvementseven when clearly needed.
• Demonstrates a complete lack of project management skillsconsistently hindering project success.
• Frequently displays a negative and unprofessional attitude in the workplacedamaging morale.
• Consistently fails to analyze and interpret data effectivelynever using insights to inform decision-making.

Paragraph Examples

“John consistently fails to meet deadlinesleading to increased pressure on fellow team members. His lack of time management and organizational skills has hindered the team’s overall progress. John needs to immediately address these issues and develop a plan to improve his performance.”

“Emily has shown an inability to work efficiently within the team environment. She demonstrates poor communication skillsoften creating misunderstandings and conflicts among colleagues. It is crucial for Emily to seek professional development opportunities to enhance her communication abilities and become an effective team player.”

“Michael has not shown a willingness to take on new tasks or seek learning opportunities to increase his competencies. This lack of initiative results in limited contributions to the team’s overall performance. For Michael to improvehe must actively seek feedback and take responsibility for his personal growth to meet the required expectations.”

“Samantha is consistently unresponsive to feedback from peers and supervisors. She has not shown any effort to implement the suggested changes to her work habitswhich has hindered her growth and performance. Samantha must become receptive to feedback and take the necessary steps to make improvements in her role.”

“David exhibits a negative attitude and regularly discourages team efforts to achieve project goals. This behavior affects the overall team morale and productivity. To move forwardDavid must adopt a collaborative approach and work on building positive relationships with his colleagues.”

“Mary fails to meet established goals and lacks the initiative to find solutions to problems independently. She is consistently falling behind and has difficulties collaborating with team members. Immediate intervention and support are necessary to improve Mary’s performance.”