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31 examples of problem solving performance review phrases

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You're doing great

You should think of improving

Tips to improve

Use these practical examples of phrases, sample comments, and templates for your performance review , 360-degree feedback survey, or manager appraisal.

The following examples not only relate to problem-solving but also conflict management , effective solutions, selecting the best alternatives, decision making , problem identification, analyzing effectively, and generally becoming an effective problem-solving strategist. Start using effective performance review questions to help better guide your workforce's development. 

Problem solving appraisal comments: you're doing great

  • You always maintain an effective dialogue with clients when they have technical problems. Being clear and articulate makes sure our customers' faults are attended to promptly.
  • You constantly make sure to look beyond the obvious you never stop at the first answer. You’re really good at exploring alternatives. Well done!
  • Keeping the supervisors and managers informed of status changes and requests is important. You’re really good at communicating the changes to the projects at all times. Keep it up!
  • You stay cool and collected even when things aren’t going according to plan or up in the air. This is a great trait to possess. Well done!
  • You’re excellent at giving an honest and logical analysis. Keep it up! Effectively diagnosing complex problems and reaching sustainable solutions is one of your strong points.
  • Your ability to ability to make complex systems into simple ones is truly a unique skill to possess. Well done!
  • You often identify practical solutions to every roadblock. You’re a real asset to the team! Great job.
  • You always listen actively and attentively to make sure you understand what the exact problem is and you come up with solutions in an effective manner.
  • You have an amazing ability to clearly explain options and solutions effectively and efficiently. Well done!
  • When driving projects, you can shift to other areas comfortably and easily. making sure the project runs smoothly. Great job!

problem-solving-performance-review-phrases-person-at-work-talking-to-boss

Problem solving performance review phrases: you should think of improving

  • You always seem too overwhelmed when faced with multiple problems. Try to think of ways to make problems more manageable so that they can be solved in a timely and effective manner.
  • Avoiding conflicts constantly with people is not a good idea as you will only build up personal frustration and nothing will be done to remedy the situation. Try to face people when there are problems and rectify problems when they occur.
  • Don’t allow demanding customers to rattle your cage too much. If they become too demanding, take a step back, regulate your emotions , and try to make use of online support tools to help you rectify problems these tools can help a lot!
  • It’s necessary that you learn from your past mistakes . You cannot keep making the same mistakes , as this is not beneficial to the company.
  • You tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Try to listen more attentively or take notes when colleagues are answering!
  • Providing multiple solutions in an indirect and creative approach will allow you to be more effective at problem-solving . if you struggle with this typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.
  • You fail to provide staff with the appropriate amount of structure and direction. They must know the direction you wish them to go in to achieve their goals .
  • You need to be able to recognize repetitive trends to solve problems promptly.
  • You tend to have problems troubleshooting even the most basic of questions. As a problem solver and customer support person, it’s imperative that you can answer these questions easily.
  • Read through your training manual and make sure you fully understand it before attempting questions again.

problem-solving-performance-review-phrases-person-talking-at-work

Performance review tips to improve problem solving

  • Try to complain less about problems and come up with solutions to the problems more often. Complaining is not beneficial to progression and innovation.
  • As a problem solver, it’s important to be able to handle multiple priorities under short deadlines.
  • You need to be able to effectively distinguish between the cause and the symptoms of problems to solve them in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Try to anticipate problems in advance before they become major roadblocks down the road.
  • Try to view obstacles as opportunities to learn and thrive at the challenge of solving the problem.
  • Remember to prioritize problems according to their degree of urgency. It's important that you spend the majority of your time on urgent tasks over menial ones.
  • When putting plans into place, stick to them and make sure they are completed.
  • When solving problems, try to allocate appropriate levels of resources when undertaking new projects. It is important to become as efficient and as effective as possible.
  • Try to learn to pace yourself when solving problems to avoid burnout . You’re a great asset to the team and we cannot afford to lose at this point.
  • Meeting regularly with your staff to review results is vital to the problem-solving process.
  • Staff that has regular check-ins understand what it is that is required of them, what they are currently achieving, and areas they may need to improve. Try to hold one-on-one meetings every week.

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Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

25 performance review questions (and how to use them)

How a performance review template improves the feedback process, 10 performance review tips to drastically move the needle, 5 tactics for managing managers effectively — and why it matters, 53 performance review examples to boost growth, agile performance management: how to improve an agile team, how to manage poor performance in 5 steps, 37 innovation and creativity appraisal comments, how stanford executive education embraces vulnerability as a form of resilience, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, teamwork skills self-appraisal comments: 40 example phrases, your complete guide to self-assessments (with examples), 30 communication feedback examples, 30 customer service review examples to develop your team, 15 tips for your end-of-year reviews, 8 creative solutions to your most challenging problems, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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100 Employee Performance Review Comments and Phrases!

by Emre Ok July 3, 2024, 6:36 pm updated August 26, 2024, 3:24 pm 96.9k Views

Performance review comments

In this freshly updated list, you will find 100 of the best performance review comments on some of the most relevant performance appraisal topics today.

We know that every leader and reviewer has their own rapport with their employees and the performance review phrases they use will rely heavily on that very relationship.

The performance review comments and phrases in this list are only meant to serve as a structural guide for reviewers as they respond to their employees during performance appraisals. You can also refer to performance review summary examples for additional context and ideas.

While the sample review phrases on this list can simply be used as they are, what we recommend is that you make adjustments using examples from real cases and occurrences from that employee’s performance through the review period.

Before we move on with our list of performance review comments examples, we also wanted to provide you with one of the easiest ways you can respond to performance reviews!

Table of Contents

Can I use AI to write performance review comments? 

Yes, you can! For those reviewers who have too many performance reviews to comment on but still want to respond to them personally effectively, using an AI writing assistant is a solid idea.  

Teamflect’s digital performance review templates come with a built-in AI writing assistant that allows reviewers to enhance their review responses and comments with the help of AI! When responding to a performance review, you have the option: 

  • Lengthen 
  • Shorten 
  • Formalize 
  • Spell Check 
  • Regenerate 

Your review comments, as well as check for biased language! You can try this feature alongside customizable digital performance review templates right inside Microsoft Teams by clicking the button below. 

comments on problem solving skills

Performance Review Phrases About Communication Skills 

While communication skills are a key aspect of employee performance and have a place in performance appraisals, performance review comments or phrases about communication skills have a very thin line to walk. Out of all the supervisor comments examples on this list, review phrases about communication skills have the most risk of making the employee feel like this is a direct attack on their personality. 

While many aspects of employee performance or position-related competencies depend on voluntary decisions and planned actions, how individuals communicate is more natural and reflexive. To help you navigate this area, here are sample performance review phrases about communication skills. 

Positive Performance Review Phrases:  

  • “You consistently impress with how you communicate your ideas and feedback so clearly and effectively. You ensuring everyone understands your perspective and that is a huge asset to your team.  
  • “You excel at active listening and it helps you address concerns and provide thoughtful responses to your team members.”  
  • “You regularly use clear and concise language in your written communications. Messages from you are always easy to understand, leaving no room for misunderstandings.”  
  • “Regardless of the situation, you always maintain a positive and approachable demeanor and it hasn’t gone unnoticed! You easily encourage open communication and collaboration among your colleagues.”  
  • “You effectively facilitate meetings, ensuring all participants have a chance to contribute and feel heard.”  

Constructive Performance Review Comments:  

  • “You could benefit from providing more detailed explanations when sharing complex information to ensure all team members fully grasp the concepts.”  
  • “You sometimes dominate conversations, which can make it difficult for others to share their thoughts. Try to balance speaking and listening.”  
  • “You might improve your communication by considering the audience’s perspective and tailoring your messages accordingly.”  
  • “You tend to rely heavily on email for important communications. Incorporating more face-to-face or virtual meetings could enhance clarity and understanding.”  
  • “You could work on managing your tone and body language during stressful situations to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a positive work environment.”  

Examples of Quality of Work Performance Review Phrases  

Performance review comments about quality of work form the backbone of the performance appraisal process. More often than not the quality of an employee’s work is one of the most simple and direct indicators of high or low performance. As is the case with all different performance feedback types, there are some areas to be mindful of. 

Regardless of an individual’s seniority in the organization, whether we are writing performance review comments for managers or direct reports, we need to keep in mind that people have a tendency to fall in love with their work. When that work is criticized without care, it may damage the relationship. Below you will find performance review comment examples on quality of work: 

Positive Phrases:  

  • “The work you deliver is consistently at a very high quality. This not only reflects well on your performance and benefits the organization but also sets a high standard for your teammates..”  
  • “You pay great attention to detail. We’ve noticed that your work is always crisp, accurate and free from errors.”  
  • “This review period, you’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, regularly going above and beyond to produce outstanding results.”  
  • “I can see that you show a deep understanding of your tasks, which is reflected in the high quality of your outputs.”  
  • “You take pride in your work, consistently producing thorough and well-researched deliverables.”  

Constructive Phrases:  

  • “You could benefit from dedicating more time to reviewing your work to ensure it meets the expected quality standards.”  
  • “You sometimes rush through tasks, leading to avoidable errors. While we appreciate your desire to be more productive, slowing down and double-checking your work could enhance its quality.”  
  • “You might improve the quality of your work by seeking feedback from peers and incorporating their suggestions.”  
  • “You tend to overlook minor details, which can affect the overall quality of your work. Paying closer attention to these details could improve your results.”  
  • “You could work on enhancing the thoroughness of your work by ensuring all aspects of a task are fully addressed before considering it complete.”  

Performance Review Comments About Role-Related Competencies 

One of the core goals of a performance review is the development of talent. Employee performance should be evaluated with the intention of helping that employee grow and develop their skills in order to improve that very performance within the upcoming review period.  

In order to achieve that very goal, discussing role-related competencies is a must. While the performance review comments and phrases in this section are on the more general side when it comes to employee competencies, these example phrases can be customized to match the competency framework your organization uses. 

  • “Throughout the review period, you’ve demonstrated a high level of expertise in your role, consistently applying your knowledge and skills to achieve excellent results.”  
  • “You are proficient in using the tools and technologies required for your job, which enhances your efficiency and productivity.”  
  • “You continuously seek to improve your competencies by staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.”  
  • “You effectively apply your problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and find innovative solutions.”  
  • “You exhibit strong analytical abilities, enabling you to make data-driven decisions that benefit the team and organization.”  
  • “You could benefit from further developing your technical skills to better meet the demands of your role.”  
  • “You might improve your job performance by seeking out additional training or professional development opportunities.”  
  • “You sometimes struggle with applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Gaining more hands-on experience could help bridge this gap.”  
  • “You could work on enhancing your decision-making skills by thoroughly analyzing all available information before taking action.”  
  • “You tend to rely on familiar methods and approaches. Exploring new techniques and innovative solutions could improve your job performance.”  

Examples of Initiative Performance Review Phrases  

Taking initiative at work is a great indicator of a high-performing employee. That is why the discussion of taking initiative is always welcome in performance appraisals. Taking initiative not only shows the employee has taken ownership of their role and responsibilities but also how they are willing to take on more work.  

The discussion of initiative in performance reviews can quite easily facilitate conversations of succession planning and career pathing . The initiative performance review phrases below are there to help you kickstart those conversations in self reviews . 

  • “You’ve shown a strong tendency to take the initiative to identify and tackle problems before they escalate. This is a sign of your proactive attitude.”  
  • “You are always willing to take on additional responsibilities and go above and beyond your regular duties.”  
  • “On many different occasions, you’ve proposed new ideas and improvements. This shows your commitment to enhancing our processes and outcomes.”  
  • “You take the lead on projects, coordinating efforts and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.”  
  • “You demonstrate strong self-motivation, regularly seeking out opportunities to contribute to the team’s success.”  

Constructive Review Phrases:  

  • “We know you are capable of contributing more. You could be a bit more proactive in identifying areas where you can help without waiting for direction.”  
  • “You sometimes hesitate to take on new challenges. Embracing a more proactive mindset could help you grow in your role. We trust your judgement. So should you.”  
  • “You have the potential to be more effective by simply taking the initiative to address issues as they arise, as opposed to waiting for them to be assigned.”  
  • “You could work on suggesting solutions to problems you identify, rather than just pointing them out.”  
  • “You tend to rely on others to drive projects forward. Taking more ownership and initiative could enhance your impact on the team’s success.”  

Performance Appraisal Comments About Problem-Solving 

While each role may have its own set of competencies associated with it, the ability to solve problems as they arise is a competency shared by almost any role in an organization. So it is only natural to have performance evaluation phrases about problem solving.  

Below are 10 supervisor comment examples about an employee’s problem-solving skills. While these review phrases can be used as they are, we strongly recommend you customize them to reflect specific instances where an employee’s problem-solving skills were on display.  

  • “It hasn’t gone unnoticed that you demonstrate strong problem-solving skills. You quickly identify the root causes of issues and nd develop effective solutions.”  
  • “You approach challenges with a positive attitude, using creative thinking to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.”  
  • “You excel at analyzing complex problems and breaking them down into manageable components. On many occasions, you’ve made it easier to find solutions.”  
  • “You actively seek out information and resources to address problems, demonstrating resourcefulness and initiative.”  
  • “The way you effectively collaborate with team members to brainstorm and implement solutions has enhanced the overall problem-solving process in our organization.”  
  • “We believe you are capable of developing a more structured approach to problem-solving, and ensure all potential solutions are thoroughly evaluated.”  
  • “There have been instances in which you’ve focused on the symptoms of a problem rather than the underlying cause. Identifying the root issue could lead to more effective solutions.”  
  • “You might improve your problem-solving skills by seeking input from colleagues and considering diverse perspectives.”  
  • “You have the tendancy to rush through the problem-solving process. This in turn can result in overlooking important details. Slowing down and being more thorough could enhance your effectiveness.”  
  • “You could work on becoming more proactive in identifying potential problems before they arise, allowing for preemptive action.”  

Performance Review Comments About Time Management 

Another key area that has gained more and more prominence in performance appraisals is time management. Performance review comments and questions about time management skills have over time evolved to reflect an employee’s ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Creating a culture where your employees know just how much you value their work-life balance can help immensely with issues such as employee disengagement and feeling burnt out.  

  • “You regularly complete tasks ahead of schedule, demonstrating excellent time management skills and reliability.”  
  • “We appreciate the way you prioritize your workload. You always ensure that high-priority tasks are completed on time and with high quality.”  
  • “You are adept at managing your time during meetings, keeping discussions focused and productive.”  
  • “You set an example with your use of productivity tools and techniques to stay organized and manage your time efficiently.”  
  • “You balance multiple projects seamlessly, meeting all deadlines without compromising the quality of your work.”  
  • “We’ve noticed that you could be setting clearer priorities to ensure that high-impact tasks are completed on time.”  
  • “You sometimes take on too many tasks at once, which can lead to missed deadlines. Delegating when appropriate might help manage your workload more effectively.”  
  • “We appreciate the amount of work you are taking on. Perhaps you could make your life easier by breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks with specific deadlines.”  
  • “There have been instances where we noticed that you underestimate the time required for some tasks. Allocating buffer time could help in managing unforeseen delays.”  
  • “You could work on minimizing distractions during work hours to enhance your focus and productivity.”  

Leadership Performance Review Comments  

Performance reviews are often meant to be followed up with succession planning . Whether that includes using the 9-box talent grid or mapping out career paths for employees, this process more often than not includes the employee moving on to roles that rely more heavily on their leadership skills. 

For that and many other reasons beyond counting, we put together a list of performance review phrases about leadership. These review comments are centered around recognizing the areas in which an employee’s leadership skills shined as well as discussing some areas of improvement. 

  • “You demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, consistently guiding your team towards achieving their goals with clarity and motivation.”  
  • “You lead by example, maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism that inspire others to follow.”  
  • “You excel at delegating tasks effectively, ensuring that team members are empowered and tasks are completed efficiently.”  
  • “You possess strong decision-making abilities, confidently addressing challenges and making informed choices that benefit the team.”  
  • “You foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration among all team members.”  
  • “Improving your communication with team members can help ensure everyone is aligned and informed about key objectives.”  
  • “You still have some room to grow when it comes to providing constructive feedback. Developing this skill could help team members grow and improve their performance.”  
  • “You could improve leadership effectiveness by being more open to input and ideas from your team.”  
  • “You could work on better managing conflict within the team, addressing issues promptly and fairly to maintain a harmonious work environment.”  
  • “You tend to take on too many tasks yourself. Delegating more effectively could help you focus on strategic priorities and develop your team’s skills.”  

Performance Review Comments About Creativity

The last “specific” performance review comment area we want to highlight on this list is perhaps the most versatile of them all. Performance review phrases about creativity and innovation are truly necessary. Whether you are praising an employee’s creativity or simply encouraging them to be more innovative, the discussion of creativity in performance appraisals is gaining more importance every single day. 

  • “You bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table. We’ve seen how this helps drive the team’s creative efforts forward.”  
  • “You have, throughout the review period, demonstrated a strong ability to think outside the box, finding unique solutions to complex problems.”  
  • “You are always willing to experiment with new approaches, and they often lead to successful and innovative outcomes.”  
  • “You inspire creativity in others by encouraging a collaborative and open-minded work environment.”  
  • “You regularly contribute original and valuable ideas that enhance our projects and processes.”  

Areas of Improvement Phrases:  

  • “We appreciate your consistency but we believe you could benefit from taking more risks with your ideas, even if they are unconventional, to foster greater innovation.”  
  • “You tend to focus on traditional methods, which can limit creativity. Embracing a more open approach could lead to more innovative solutions.”  
  • “We know you have a lot of creative potential. You can improve your creative output by seeking inspiration from a wider range of sources and industries.”  
  • “Have you considered working on developing your brainstorming techniques to generate a broader array of creative ideas.”  
  • “Your commitment to excellence sometimes results in you overthinking new ideas. This can stifle innovation. Trusting your instincts more could help unleash your creative potential.”

Overall Performance Comments 

We didn’t want to provide you with just very specific appraisal comments. Below we included some overall performance review comments and phrases that can be used in a variety of different performance appraisal scenarios. 

Positive Overall Performance Review Phrases:  

  • “You have exceeded expectations in your role and demonstrated exceptional performance alongside a strong commitment to our organization’s goals.”  
  • “You show remarkable dedication and enthusiasm for your work, consistently delivering high-quality results.”  
  • “You are a reliable and valued team member who regularly contributes innovative ideas and solutions.”  
  • “You exhibit excellent leadership qualities, effectively managing your responsibilities and inspiring your colleagues.”  
  • “You have shown significant growth and development over the past year, continuously improving your skills and performance.”  
  • “We’ve noticed that you could be setting clearer goals and priorities to help focus your efforts and improve your overall performance.”  
  • “You on occasion struggle with meeting deadlines. Enhancing your time management skills could lead to more consistent results.”  
  • “We appreciate your effort but we believe there is still room to grow. You could build upon your overall performance by seeking regular feedback and actively working on areas for development.”  
  • “You have a tendency to rely heavily on established methods. Being open to new approaches and ideas could enhance your effectiveness.”  
  • “You could work on building stronger relationships with your colleagues to improve teamwork and collaboration.”  

Examples of Self-Appraisal Comments by Employees 

No performance review would be complete without a self-review on behalf of the employee. So here are some examples of self-appraisal comments by employees. If you have a performance appraisal coming up and you are not quite certain how you should phrase the self-review section, these employee self-review examples can surely be of assistance! 

  • “I believe I always strive to exceed expectations in my role by delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines efficiently.”  
  • “I take pride in my ability to collaborate effectively with my team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.”  
  • “I have demonstrated strong leadership skills by successfully managing projects and guiding my team to achieve our objectives.”  
  • “I am committed to continuous improvement, regularly seeking out opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.”  
  • “I have effectively managed my time and resources, balancing multiple tasks and projects to ensure timely and successful completion.”  
  • “I recognize that I need to improve my time management skills to better prioritize tasks and meet all deadlines consistently.”  
  • “I acknowledge that I could benefit from seeking more feedback from my colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for growth.”  
  • “I am working on enhancing my communication skills to ensure that my ideas and feedback are clearly understood by the team.”  
  • “I realize that I sometimes hesitate to take on new challenges, and I am committed to being more proactive in seeking out opportunities.”  
  • “I understand the importance of delegating tasks more effectively to empower my team and focus on strategic priorities.”  

How to write performance review comments?

When you’re writing performance review comments, there are some things you should make sure your performance review comments always are. Three key things to keep in mind as you’re writing your performance review comments are:

1. Start with positive feedback: Begin your comments with positive feedback to set a constructive tone and make the employee feel valued.

2. Focus on behavior: Focus on the employee’s behavior, rather than their personality. This helps the feedback feel less personal and more actionable.

3. Avoid vague language: Avoid using vague language like “good job” or “needs improvement.” Instead, be specific about what the employee did well or what they need to work on.

What should I avoid saying in performance reviews?

Performance reviews are a crucial part of employee development and growth within any organization. They provide an opportunity for constructive feedback and goal-setting. Delivering effective performance appraisal comments can be challenging, and using the wrong words or phrases can have a detrimental impact on your team’s morale and productivity. So in this particular section, we’ll explore what you shouldn’t say in performance reviews and provide examples to steer clear of these pitfalls. Negative Language Avoid using harsh or negative language in your performance appraisal comments. Phrases like “You always” or “You never” can be demotivating and unproductive. Instead, focus on specific behaviors or incidents and provide constructive feedback. Example: Instead of saying, “You always miss deadlines,” try, “I noticed a few instances where deadlines were not met. Let’s work together to improve your time management skills.” Comparative Statements Refrain from making direct comparisons between employees in your performance review examples. Using phrases like “You’re not as good as [colleague]” can create unhealthy competition and resentment among team members. Instead, concentrate on individual strengths and areas for improvement. Example: Avoid saying, “You’re not as efficient as Sarah,” and opt for, “I believe you can further improve your efficiency by implementing time-saving techniques.” Vague Feedback Performance review phrases that lack specificity can be frustrating for employees. Avoid vague comments like, “You need to do better” or “Your work has room for improvement.” Instead, provide clear examples and suggest actionable steps for improvement. Example: Say, “Your recent project lacked detailed documentation. To improve, please make sure to document all processes thoroughly for future projects.” Personal Criticisms Keep your performance appraisal comments focused on work-related matters. Avoid making personal criticisms or judgments about an employee’s character or personality. Example: Don’t say “You’re too introverted for this role,” and opt for, “To excel in this role, consider taking on more proactive communication and teamwork initiatives.”

How to make supervisor comments and recommendations?

As a supervisor, it is your job to offer supervisor comments and recommendations to your direct reports. While this may seem like a mundane task at first, effective supervisor comments and recommendations can prove to be the most valuable out of all your performance review comments.

1. What is the point of your supervisor comments and recommendations? Many leaders fall under the false impression that since they are a supervisor, they are under the obligation to offer comments and recommendations. Unless there is a distinct purpose behind your supervisor comments and recommendations, you should abstain from handing them out. Or you will start skirting the dangerous line into the micro-management territory!

2. Do your homework first! To make sure your comments and recommendations as a supervisor are hitting the mark, you need to do your research and do it well! Some of the best ways to gather that information include:

Pulse Surveys 360-Degree Feedback Anonymous Feedback Check-in Meetings

3. Focus on solutions instead of problems. Instead of just pointing out problems, provide recommendations for improvement. Better yet, turn your feedback session into a discussion where you and your direct reports brainstorm on fixing any existing problems together. Supervisor comments and recommendations are opportunities to show your team that you’re in it together.

Here is a quick video tutorial on just how you can gather 360-degree feedback inside Microsoft Teams:

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Written by emre ok.

Emre is a content writer at Teamflect who aims to share fun and unique insight into the world of performance management.

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55 Effective Performance Review Phrases to Use — and Which Ones to Avoid

comments on problem solving skills

Finding the right words can be challenging — especially when it comes to performance reviews . Managers have to strike the delicate balance between acknowledging successes and giving constructive feedback on areas of improvement.

In this guide, you’ll find best practice examples of performance review phrases, broken down by common themes seen in employee performance reviews. Think of this as a series of templates — they’re generic phrases that you can build on to reflect individual employee traits and overall performance by adding in your own specific examples.

Communication

People’s communication and interpersonal skills can vary widely, so it’s important to specifically highlight how an employee’s ability to communicate supports their success in their role — whether by deepening relationships with team members, managing difficult customers, or providing clear direction and constructive feedback to direct reports.

When evaluating employees on communication skills , make sure you consider their ability to promote clarity, specificity, and collaboration.

Positive Feedback Examples for Communication

  • Often asks for immediate feedback to clarify and ensure understanding.
  • Regularly asks well-prepared or thoughtfully composed questions.
  • Quick to ask follow-up questions that pinpoint misunderstanding or a lack of foresight.
  • Comfortable saying, “I’m not sure. Can I get back to you?“
  • Asks others for their opinions and makes coworkers feel comfortable contributing.
  • Collaborates cross-functionally and builds strong working relationships with other internal departments.
  • Promotes cooperation, communication, and collaboration by sharing their own knowledge and inviting others to do the same.
  • Explicitly communicates expectations, metrics, objectives, and key results to team members and direct reports.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Communication

  • Can be verbose, which makes it difficult for them to communicate a clear message.
  • Exhibits difficulty breaking down complex issues into manageable parts.
  • Is unwilling to commit their staff’s resources to other departments when asked.
  • Forgets to include key stakeholders when sharing information with cross-functional teams.
  • Is quick to share negative feedback without considering the recipient’s sensitivity.

 a user's view of feedback given to and received by an employee in Lattice. 

Teamwork and Collaboration

Teamwork and collaboration skills are essential for a high-performance and employee engagement. Good team relationships not only increase job satisfaction and psychological safety for the individual, but they also make the whole team perform better too, supporting greater knowledge sharing and innovation .

“When an employee makes their coworkers’ work better, they’re bringing value to your company as a whole,” said ‍ Daivat Dholakia , Director of Operations at Force by Mojio , a GPS fleet-tracking app.

Positive Feedback Examples for Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Elevates their team’s performance and productivity by [include one to two specific examples].
  • Promotes collaboration on teams and encourages participation from individual members.
  • Builds effective teams by helping team members play to their strengths.
  • Fosters a sense of unity on teams, which encourages individual buy-in and helps the group reach its common goal.
  • Insists on mutually respectful dialogue when resolving interpersonal problems or challenges .
  • Provides positive affirmation and encouragement to balance constructive criticism.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Fails to provide emotional encouragement or hands-on support to struggling members of the team.
  • Discourages coworkers from volunteering ideas by interrupting others in team meetings.
  • Responds aggressively when their authority is challenged.
  • Takes individual credit for team success instead of crediting others for their contributions.

Goal Achievement

Evaluating how well employees have set and met their goals is a core part of the performance review process. As much as possible, managers need to tie what employees did to its outcome on the business. Linking the two clarifies to employees how their actions are helping advance the organization’s goals and agenda .

“I like to use phrases that home in on key positive traits of the employee that are benefitting our business, then back them up with specific examples,” said Ravi Parikh , CEO of RoverPass , a SaaS company that helps individuals book campsites. “If I can tie it to a clear outcome, I do.” Parikh offered this phrasing as an example: “Your implementation of chatbots on our websites contributed to a 21% rise in online sales this past year.”

Positive Feedback Examples for Goal Achievement

  • Improved communication by [include one to three specific examples].
  • Improved our service and/or production of X item or X service by Y%.
  • Led X project that resulted in higher-than-expected profits in Y quarter.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Goal Achievement

  • Has consistently struggled to achieve OKRs over the last X quarters.
  • Often reports a lack of necessary resources to perform their job description adequately.
  • Has trouble setting measurable goals that align with company strategic objectives.

Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Critical Thinking

Evaluating your employees’ creativity and problem-solving skills during the performance appraisal process means considering how they generate ideas, approach new challenges, and use their problem-solving ability to complete tasks. 

“[It’s important to] acknowledge an individual who develops creative strategies and seeks creative solutions to challenging obstacles,” said Lori Rassas , SPHR-certified employment attorney and author of It’s About You, Too: How to Manage Employee Resistance to Your Diversity Initiatives and Improve Workplace Culture and Profitability . “You want to be sure to acknowledge those who carefully evaluated the pros and cons of challenging decisions and excelled in seeking solutions.”

Positive Feedback Examples for Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Critical Thinking

  • Identifies new approaches to complex problems or obstacles.
  • Translates creative ideas into practical application to solve everyday issues.
  • Analyzes possible barriers and bottlenecks to reduce delays.
  • Resolved long-standing X problem with the creative workaround of Y.
  • Understands when to take creative risks and when to stick with more conventional solutions.
  • Drives creativity across the team by seeking out different perspectives and embracing experimentation.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Critical Thinking

  • Struggles to adjust their quality of work in the face of a client’s changing needs.
  • Unwilling to explore the creative ideas of peers.
  • Struggles to see the patterns in recurring issues.

Flexibility and Adaptability

During times of change — like a merger or acquisition , layoff, or economic instability — adaptability is vital for keeping your employees motivated, engaged, and performing at their best. It’s what helps your people adjust quickly to a new work environment, maintain their work ethic during trying times, or proactively learn new skills to help them overcome new challenges. 

Positive Feedback Examples for Flexibility and Adaptability

  • Shows a positive attitude when the team has to pivot quickly.
  • Maintains composure when faced with stressful or unexpected situations.
  • Quickly adapts to a new action plan when plans change or unexpected issues arise.
  • Proactively focuses on professional development to accomplish new tasks or team goals.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Flexibility and Adaptability

  • Unwilling or unable to listen to others’ points of view.
  • Becomes frustrated and unfocused when faced with unexpected challenges.
  • Resists implementing new company policies or programs in their day-to-day work.

Time Management and Dependability

Time management skills and dependability are a key component of a well-oiled, productive team. When evaluating this skill in performance reviews, it’s important to consider how well your employees manage their time in their individual tasks, as well as how this impacts the wider team’s goal accomplishment and employee engagement. 

Positive Feedback Examples for Time Management and Dependability

  • Meets deadlines and delivers high-quality work on time.
  • Demonstrated excellent task prioritization and project management skills when working on X project with Y team.
  • Communicates in a timely manner when extra time is needed to complete a project.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Time Management and Dependability

  • Appears to find time management difficult when working on specific tasks, including X and Y.
  • Struggles with onsite punctuality when required.
  • Struggles to manage time effectively when required to deliver under pressure.

Leadership and Management

Leadership and management isn’t just about evaluating how well your leaders lead. Instead, it’s just as much a chance to see how readily your individual contributors will support and mentor their colleagues, show initiative with decision-making, and take the wheel on team projects or company-wide initiatives. 

Positive Feedback Examples for Leadership and Management

  • Demonstrates willingness to lead the onboarding process for new employees to the team.
  • Founded and led a company-wide ERG.
  • Mentors junior employees to help their professional development in X skill.
  • Takes charge when required in group projects.

Constructive Feedback Examples for Leadership and Management

  • Struggles with effective decision-making when leading a team project.
  • Shows an unwillingness to participate in company mentorship program for junior employees.
  • Can appear unsupportive or unhelpful when colleagues need help or advice.

3 Things to Avoid When Writing Performance Reviews

Getting the words right in a performance review means your employees have clear, specific information on what they’ve done well, what they need to improve, and critically, how they can get there. But beyond saying the right things, there are a few key rules of thumb when it comes to what to avoid saying in a performance review.

1. Don’t be vague.

You’d be surprised how often ambiguous wording slips into our written and verbal communication. This is even more true in business settings — we’re at greater risk of speaking or writing in vague terms because using jargon or clichés is so common.

Dholakia said this is why he avoids the term ‘team player,’ for instance: “It’s a meaningless term that doesn’t say anything concrete or specific about how the employee collaborates with others.”

For greater clarity and specificity during performance reviews, avoid business jargon, acronyms, or team-specific cultural references that might confuse a team member. Instead, opt for simple sentences and specific details that clearly point to next steps.

a user's view of writing performance feedback in lattice.

2. Avoid absolutes.

Use words like ‘always’ and ‘never’ sparingly, if at all. It’s rarely accurate that an employee always or never does something. If an employee is often late to work, avoid saying,“You’re always late” or, “You’re never punctual.” Rebecca Southern Mills , HR consultant and founder of Simplecated , said managers should provide more accurate and specific feedback, like, “You’ve been late to work at least twice a week for the last six months.”

3. Skip surprises.

Because managers and their direct reports should have open communication and exchange regular feedback , “nothing in a performance review should ever come as a surprise to a team member,” said Arron Grow, PhD , CEO at management consulting firm AP Grow and author of How to Not Suck As a Manager .

Great managers ensure employees know how they are performing, and whether they are exceeding expectations or not. “If something needs to be said to help a team member improve, have that conversation (or two) long before the performance review,” Grow advised. “Surprises are great for holidays and birthdays, but not for performance reviews.”

Performance Reviews Are Just One Piece of Performance Management

Words matter — and finding the words and phrases to accurately describe employee performance can be tough. But remember, even if you provide the most incisive, accurate, and motivational performance review, doing so in a vacuum absent of other feedback won’t get you far. 

To be effective, performance reviews must exist within the ecosystem of greater performance management , which includes mid-year and annual reviews , but also regular check-ins, like one-on-ones ; affirmations, like sharing everyday praise ; and a consistent culture of feedback .

‍Balancing all of these essential feedback processes requires you to match the specificity and clarity of your feedback with compassion, sensitivity, and empathy so that your employees feel recognized for their successes , understand their opportunities for growth and development , and understand what to do next to perform at their best.

While this might seem like a tall order, Lattice is here to help. If you’re a manager, download our free workbook, Preparing for Performance Reviews as a First-Time Manager . And if you’re an HR leader looking to enable your managers, request a demo to see our continuous feedback features in action.

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220 Performance Review Phrases for the Workplace

By: Grace He | Updated: December 01, 2023

You found our list of the best performance review phrases .

Performance review phrases are short sentences that summarize observations about an employee’s drive, work ethic, and other qualities. For example, these reviews can address poor attendance, effective organizational skills, or dedication to company goals. The purpose of these phrases is to praise staff members who are doing well and assist those who may be struggling.

These phrases are similar to constructive feedback examples and may be helpful during employee journey mapping . Checking out employee feedback tips before giving a performance review may be helpful.

performance-review-phrases

This list includes:

  • performance review phrases for communication
  • performance review phrases for quality of work
  • performance review phrases for job knowledge
  • performance review phrases for teamwork
  • performance review phrases for productivity
  • performance review phrases for initiative
  • performance review phrases for accountability
  • performance review phrases for growth
  • performance review phrases for leadership
  • performance review phrases for new employees
  • performance review phrases for longtime employees
  • “opportunities for improvement” performance review phrases

Here we go!

Performance review phrases for communication

Positive comments.

  • Demonstrates excellent listening skills and actively engages in conversations.
  • Communicates ideas clearly and concisely.
  • Excels at fostering a cooperative environment and encouraging open dialogue.
  • Responds promptly to emails, messages, and requests.
  • Tailors communication style to suit the audience.
  • Handles conflicts and disagreements professionally and finds resolutions.
  • Delivers engaging, captivating, and impactful presentations.
  • Contributes valuable insights and ideas in meetings while actively listening to others.
  • Uses positive and constructive language when providing feedback or addressing issues.
  • Facilitates smooth communication between different departments.

Constructive Feedback

  • Should focus on breaking down complex concepts into more accessible language.
  • Needs to improve follow-up communication to ensure that issues are addressed promptly.
  • Should strive to create a more positive and inclusive environment in team communications.
  • Needs to pay more attention to nonverbal cues to understand unspoken concerns or reactions.
  • Should work on managing interruptions during discussions.
  • Needs to develop better techniques for handling tense situations.
  • Could benefit from practicing more concise email communication to increase clarity.
  • Needs to recognize and acknowledge team members’ achievements and efforts.
  • Should strive to use more inclusive language that respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
  • Should work on finding a balance between listening actively and contributing ideas during team discussions.

Performance review phrases for quality of work

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  • Seeks out opportunities to learn and improve work-related skills.
  • Takes ownership of mistakes and proactively works to correct them.
  • Displays a strong ability to assess and analyze work outcomes critically.
  • Shows a commitment to meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Takes the initiative to suggest and implement improvements to work processes.
  • Produces work that consistently receives positive feedback from peers, clients, or supervisors.
  • Shows exceptional accuracy in completing tasks and assignments.
  • Has a keen eye for identifying and resolving issues.
  • Pays close attention to detail, resulting in error-free outputs.
  • Consistently produces work that meets strict regulatory or compliance standards.
  • Often produces work that contains errors, requiring frequent revisions.
  • Struggles to meet quality standards and often requires additional supervision.
  • Fails to take corrective action or learn from mistakes, leading to repeated errors.
  • Does not demonstrate a commitment to producing work that meets established standards.
  • Demonstrates poor organization and planning, resulting in rushed and substandard work.
  • Shows a consistent disregard for feedback, leading to minimal improvement in work quality.
  • Demonstrates a lack of attention to detail, leading to avoidable mistakes.
  • Frequently misses deadlines since work often needs extensive revisions and corrections.
  • Regularly overlooks critical information, impacting accuracy.
  • Displays a lack of accountability for mistakes, often blaming others or external factors.

Performance review phrases for job knowledge

  • Demonstrates a deep understanding of their role and responsibilities.
  • Possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the industry and relevant trends.
  • Shows a strong grasp of the organization’s products, services, and processes.
  • Continuously seeks opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
  • Quickly grasps new concepts and adapts well to changing situations.
  • Shares knowledge willingly and contributes to the development of others.
  • Regularly attends training sessions and workshops to stay up-to-date with industry developments.
  • Displays a strong ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
  • Acts as a go-to resource for team members seeking guidance or information.
  • Demonstrates a high level of expertise in their area of specialization.
  • Struggles to grasp key concepts and frequently requires guidance to complete tasks.
  • Demonstrates a lack of understanding of essential job responsibilities and requirements.
  • Often provides inaccurate or outdated information, leading to mistakes and miscommunications.
  • Displays a reluctance to learn new skills or stay updated in their field.
  • Struggles to communicate complex concepts to others clearly.
  • Demonstrates a lack of curiosity and initiative to expand their knowledge base.
  • Relies heavily on others to provide information and does not take ownership of their learning.
  • Demonstrates a limited understanding of the organization’s products, services, and processes.
  • Shows a lack of awareness of the competitive landscape and industry benchmarks.
  • Frequently makes decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

Performance review phrases for teamwork

  • Collaborates effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to assist team members and readily offers support.
  • Actively contributes to group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
  • Builds positive working relationships and fosters a supportive team environment.
  • Shows a strong sense of responsibility for team success and takes ownership of tasks.
  • Respects diverse perspectives and actively seeks input from others.
  • Recognizes and acknowledges the contributions of fellow team members.
  • Demonstrates flexibility in adapting to different team dynamics and challenges.
  • Offers constructive feedback in a considerate and helpful manner.
  • Has a positive attitude, even during challenging team situations.
  • Struggles to collaborate effectively with colleagues, often working in isolation.
  • Frequently disrupts group discussions with unconstructive criticism or negativity.
  • Shows a lack of commitment to team goals and often prioritizes individual objectives.
  • Exhibits resistance to accepting feedback or incorporating suggestions from teammates.
  • Struggles to respect diverse perspectives and dismisses input from others.
  • Displays inflexibility in adapting to changing team dynamics or priorities.
  • Exhibits a negative attitude that impacts team morale and motivation.
  • Avoids addressing conflicts within the team, allowing issues to escalate.
  • Demonstrates unreliability in fulfilling team commitments and deadlines.
  • Is resistant to working with newcomers and fails to help them integrate into the team.

Performance review phrases for productivity

  • Consistently exceeds productivity targets.
  • Demonstrates excellent time management skills by delivering work on schedule.
  • Strives for continuous improvement and finds innovative ways to enhance productivity.
  • Takes on additional responsibilities without compromising the quality of work.
  • Effectively prioritizes tasks and manages workload to maximize productivity.
  • Demonstrates a strong focus on meeting deadlines, even in high-pressure situations.
  • Proactively seeks opportunities to streamline processes and optimize workflow.
  • Exhibits ability to multitask and maintain productivity across various projects.
  • Tackles complex tasks in a resilient and timely manner.
  • Inspires team members to enhance their own efficiency.
  • Struggles to meet productivity targets, consistently falling behind schedule.
  • Demonstrates poor time management skills, leading to missed deadlines and delays.
  • Frequently fails to complete assigned tasks within the expected timeframe.
  • Displays a lack of initiative in improving productivity or streamlining processes.
  • Requires constant supervision to stay on track and meet productivity goals.
  • Often overlooks important details, resulting in rework and reduced efficiency.
  • Shows resistance to taking on additional responsibilities or tasks.
  • Demonstrates a lack of focus and easily becomes distracted during work hours.
  • Struggles to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Frequently fails to prioritize tasks effectively, resulting in unfinished or delayed work.

Performance review phrases for initiative

  • Consistently demonstrates a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Shows a strong sense of ownership and accountability for their work.
  • Actively seeks opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and contribute to projects outside their role.
  • Takes the lead in implementing new ideas and innovations.
  • Proactively identifies potential challenges and takes action to address them.
  • Organizes team initiatives that improve efficiency and productivity.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to learn new skills independently.
  • Regularly volunteers for new projects and takes on challenging tasks.
  • Displays enthusiasm and dedication when faced with new challenges or complex assignments.
  • Acts as a role model for others by having a can-do attitude and motivating the team.
  • Rarely takes the initiative to solve problems or address issues independently.
  • Demonstrates a lack of proactivity in seeking out new opportunities or additional responsibilities.
  • Struggles to show ownership of their work, often relying on others for direction.
  • Shows little interest in contributing beyond their assigned tasks and responsibilities.
  • Possesses a limited willingness to explore new ideas or approaches to improve efficiency.
  • Displays resistance to change and is hesitant to adopt new ideas or approaches.
  • Frequently requires close supervision and struggles to work independently.
  • Demonstrates a passive attitude toward professional development and acquiring new skills.
  • Fails to address potential challenges or obstacles, leading to avoidable issues.
  • Often waits for instructions or direction from others instead of taking the initiative to lead.

Performance review phrases for accountability

  • Demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility for their actions and outcomes.
  • Takes ownership of mistakes and actively works to fix them promptly.
  • Shows consistent reliability in meeting commitments and deadlines.
  • Takes the initiative to communicate proactively when facing potential challenges.
  • Holds themselves accountable for meeting performance targets and achieving goals.
  • Accepts constructive feedback with an open mind and uses it to improve performance.
  • Takes responsibility for the team’s success and actively contributes to its achievements.
  • Showcases a high level of integrity and honesty in all professional interactions.
  • Follows through on commitments, ensuring they keep all promises.
  • Leads by example, inspiring others to take accountability for their actions and decisions.
  • Demonstrates a lack of responsibility for their mistakes and tends to blame others instead.
  • Struggles to meet commitments and frequently misses deadlines without a valid explanation.
  • Shows a lack of ownership for their actions, often leaving tasks incomplete or unresolved.
  • Avoids taking responsibility for errors or poor performance.
  • Is frequently unresponsive or uncommunicative when facing challenges or setbacks.
  • Demonstrates a lack of follow-through on commitments made to the team or stakeholders.
  • Fails to accept constructive feedback or make necessary adjustments to improve performance.
  • Avoids accountability, negatively impacting the team’s morale.
  • Frequently shifts blame onto external factors rather than acknowledging personal contributions.
  • Often overlooks the impact of their decisions on others, leading to unintended consequences.

Performance review phrases for growth

  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.
  • Shows enthusiasm for taking on new challenges.
  • Actively seeks feedback and uses it constructively to enhance skills and performance.
  • Embraces failures as learning opportunities and bounces back with resilience.
  • Proactively engages in training and development opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise.
  • Displays a strong desire to acquire new skills and take on additional responsibilities.
  • Demonstrates adaptability and openness to change.
  • Sets and achieves ambitious short- and long-term goals.
  • Seeks out mentors or role models to support personal growth.
  • Inspires others with their dedication to growth.
  • Demonstrates resistance to change and is reluctant to embrace new ideas or approaches.
  • Shows a lack of interest in seeking opportunities for professional development.
  • Fails to take initiative in acquiring new skills or improving existing abilities.
  • Displays a limited willingness to learn from feedback or take corrective action to enhance performance.
  • Struggles to adapt to changing circumstances or demands within the organization.
  • Demonstrates complacency in their current role, showing little ambition for advancement.
  • Resists taking on new challenges or responsibilities outside of their comfort zone.
  • Shows a lack of self-motivation to set and achieve meaningful goals.
  • Sees failures as impossible obstacles rather than learning opportunities.
  • Fails to take advantage of available resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Performance review phrases for leadership

  • Demonstrates strong leadership qualities by inspiring and motivating team members.
  • Effectively communicates the organization’s vision and goals, setting the team up for success.
  • Leads by example and sets high standards for professionalism and work ethic.
  • Fosters a positive and collaborative team culture, encouraging open communication and feedback.
  • Shows exceptional decision-making skills, considering diverse perspectives to make informed choices.
  • Empowers team members by delegating responsibilities and trusting their abilities.
  • Exhibits strong problem-solving skills, effectively addressing challenges and finding creative solutions.
  • Provides constructive feedback and guidance to help team members improve their performance.
  • Demonstrates effective conflict resolution and mediation skills to maintain a productive team environment.
  • Inspires professional growth and development in team members through mentorship and coaching.
  • Struggles to effectively communicate the organization’s vision and goals to the team.
  • Demonstrates a lack of confidence in decision-making, leading to indecisiveness and delays.
  • Fails to provide clear direction or set achievable objectives for the team.
  • Exhibits poor communication skills, resulting in misunderstandings and misalignment among team members.
  • Shows favoritism or bias towards certain team members, creating a divisive atmosphere.
  • Displays a lack of accountability for mistakes or shortcomings, often blaming others for failures.
  • Does not actively involve or seek input from team members when making important decisions.
  • Struggles to handle conflicts within the team, leading to unresolved issues and tension.
  • Exhibits a lack of empathy and understanding toward team members’ concerns and needs.
  • Fails to recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of the team.

Performance review phrases for new employees

  • Demonstrates a strong eagerness to learn and adapt to the company’s culture.
  • Shows great enthusiasm for their role and responsibilities within the organization.
  • Quickly grasps new concepts and is eager to apply their knowledge in practical situations.
  • Proactively seeks feedback and guidance to improve performance.
  • Establishes positive relationships with colleagues and fits well into the team dynamic.
  • Takes ownership of tasks and responsibilities, delivering results with a positive attitude.
  • Adapts well to changes and remains resilient in the face of challenges.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to take on additional responsibilities and contribute beyond their role.
  • Shows excellent collaboration skills and actively participates in team activities.
  • Possesses a strong sense of initiative, finding opportunities to contribute to the organization’s success.
  • Struggles to meet deadlines and frequently falls behind schedule.
  • Demonstrates a lack of attention to detail, resulting in frequent errors and mistakes.
  • Requires constant supervision and struggles to work independently.
  • Displays a negative attitude that affects team morale and productivity.
  • Fails to take responsibility for mistakes and tends to blame others.
  • Shows resistance to feedback and is reluctant to make necessary improvements.
  • Demonstrates poor time management skills and struggles to prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Does not actively contribute to team discussions or participate in group activities.
  • Exhibits a lack of motivation and enthusiasm for their role and responsibilities.
  • Shows poor communication skills, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Performance review phrases for longtime employees

  • Demonstrates deep knowledge and expertise in their role and the organization’s processes.
  • Shows strong dedication and loyalty to the company, contributing to long-term organizational success.
  • Consistently delivers high-quality work and maintains a strong work ethic.
  • Serves as a valuable resource and mentor to newer employees, sharing knowledge and insights.
  • Exhibits exceptional problem-solving skills and effectively handles complex challenges.
  • Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in response to organizational changes.
  • Takes the initiative to improve processes and efficiency, drawing on years of experience.
  • Builds strong working relationships across the organization, facilitating seamless collaboration.
  • Consistently meets and exceeds performance goals, setting a positive example for others.
  • Displays a long-term commitment to professional growth and development.
  • Demonstrates resistance to change and struggles to adapt to new processes or technologies.
  • Displays complacency in their role, showing a lack of initiative to take on new challenges.
  • Has difficulty accepting feedback and tends to become defensive or dismissive.
  • Shows a decline in performance compared to previous years.
  • Fails to keep up with industry trends and best practices, resulting in outdated knowledge and skills.
  • Exhibits resistance to collaboration and tends to work in isolation rather than as part of a team.
  • Demonstrates a lack of flexibility and unwillingness to take on additional responsibilities.
  • Has a negative attitude that impacts team morale and hinders productivity.
  • Struggles to meet performance expectations and requires additional supervision.
  • Shows a reluctance to mentor or support newer employees.

Writing performance reviews can be a daunting task. It is important to capture the essence of the employee’s performance while maintaining a positive attitude. These review phrases should help as a jumping-off point for managers and supervisors writing evaluations. Whether you are looking for positive reinforcement or “opportunities for improvement” phrases, this list should address your needs.

Depending on the context of the review, consider checking out our posts on having difficult conversations at work or the top job well done messages for your team.

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FAQ: Performance review phrases

Here are answers to common questions about performance review phrases.

What are performance review phrases?

Performance review phrases are short sentences that describe an employee’s workplace competence. These terms can either praise staff members for excelling or share information on where they have been falling short. Managers or employers can use these phrases while giving periodic reviews. Ultimately, these terms aim to help team members understand what behavior they should continue and what to work on.

What are some good performance review phrases?

The best performance review phrases are specific to each team member and their strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some examples of sentences that can help kickstart productive conversations:

Overall, it is important to tailor these terms to each employee.

How do you use performance review phrases?

When using performance review phrases, it is important to remember a few steps:

  • Be empathetic : Getting a review can be a scary experience, even if the review is positive, so remember to approach the conversation gently. If the review is positive, then you can lighten the mood with some jokes at the start of the discussion. If the feedback is more negative, then you can ask the employee about their life and workload before getting into your comments. Using this tactic, you can understand what outside factors may contribute to the employee’s performance before addressing it.
  • Provide specific examples : Offering feedback can be helpful, but it can feel hollow without specific examples. Staff members will be able to more easily identify what to improve or what to continue when you list detailed examples. For instance, if you are discussing how this team member helped their colleague understand a project, then you can bring a note from the colleague detailing their praise. Or, if you are reviewing an employee’s unclear writing style, then you can bring in a piece of their writing and show them how to make it more concise.
  • Come prepared with solutions : Telling a staff member that their performance needs work will likely be upsetting. Especially if this employee believes that they have been working up to par, they may feel confused or blindsided by constructive criticism. Hence, it is essential to offer a detailed action plan to help the employee improve. For example, perhaps the staff member has been writing confusing emails. In this case, you could have this worker take a business writing course and install a grammar-checking program like Grammarly.

By keeping these steps in mind, your employee will leave the review feeling like a valued and respected team member. Additionally, this employee will be able to implement your comments in order to improve their performance.

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Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.

Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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Why do employers hire employees? To help them solve problems. Whether you’re a financial analyst deciding where to invest your firm’s money, or a marketer trying to figure out which channel to direct your efforts, companies hire people to help them find solutions. Problem-solving is an essential and marketable soft skill in the workplace. 

So, how can you improve your problem-solving and show employers you have this valuable skill? In this guide, we’ll cover:

Problem-Solving Skills Definition

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Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify problems, brainstorm and analyze answers, and implement the best solutions. An employee with good problem-solving skills is both a self-starter and a collaborative teammate; they are proactive in understanding the root of a problem and work with others to consider a wide range of solutions before deciding how to move forward. 

Examples of using problem-solving skills in the workplace include:

  • Researching patterns to understand why revenue decreased last quarter
  • Experimenting with a new marketing channel to increase website sign-ups
  • Brainstorming content types to share with potential customers
  • Testing calls to action to see which ones drive the most product sales
  • Implementing a new workflow to automate a team process and increase productivity

Problem-solving skills are the most sought-after soft skill of 2022. In fact, 86% of employers look for problem-solving skills on student resumes, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2022 survey . 

It’s unsurprising why employers are looking for this skill: companies will always need people to help them find solutions to their problems. Someone proactive and successful at problem-solving is valuable to any team.

“Employers are looking for employees who can make decisions independently, especially with the prevalence of remote/hybrid work and the need to communicate asynchronously,” Eric Mochnacz, senior HR consultant at Red Clover, says. “Employers want to see individuals who can make well-informed decisions that mitigate risk, and they can do so without suffering from analysis paralysis.”

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Problem-solving includes three main parts: identifying the problem, analyzing possible solutions, and deciding on the best course of action.

>>MORE: Discover the right career for you based on your skills with a career aptitude test .

Research is the first step of problem-solving because it helps you understand the context of a problem. Researching a problem enables you to learn why the problem is happening. For example, is revenue down because of a new sales tactic? Or because of seasonality? Is there a problem with who the sales team is reaching out to? 

Research broadens your scope to all possible reasons why the problem could be happening. Then once you figure it out, it helps you narrow your scope to start solving it. 

Analysis is the next step of problem-solving. Now that you’ve identified the problem, analytical skills help you look at what potential solutions there might be.

“The goal of analysis isn’t to solve a problem, actually — it’s to better understand it because that’s where the real solution will be found,” Gretchen Skalka, owner of Career Insights Consulting, says. “Looking at a problem through the lens of impartiality is the only way to get a true understanding of it from all angles.”

Decision-Making

Once you’ve figured out where the problem is coming from and what solutions are, it’s time to decide on the best way to go forth. Decision-making skills help you determine what resources are available, what a feasible action plan entails, and what solution is likely to lead to success.

On a Resume

Employers looking for problem-solving skills might include the word “problem-solving” or other synonyms like “ critical thinking ” or “analytical skills” in the job description.

“I would add ‘buzzwords’ you can find from the job descriptions or LinkedIn endorsements section to filter into your resume to comply with the ATS,” Matthew Warzel, CPRW resume writer, advises. Warzel recommends including these skills on your resume but warns to “leave the soft skills as adjectives in the summary section. That is the only place soft skills should be mentioned.”

On the other hand, you can list hard skills separately in a skills section on your resume .

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In a Cover Letter or an Interview

Explaining your problem-solving skills in an interview can seem daunting. You’re required to expand on your process — how you identified a problem, analyzed potential solutions, and made a choice. As long as you can explain your approach, it’s okay if that solution didn’t come from a professional work experience.

“Young professionals shortchange themselves by thinking only paid-for solutions matter to employers,” Skalka says. “People at the genesis of their careers don’t have a wealth of professional experience to pull from, but they do have relevant experience to share.”

Aaron Case, career counselor and CPRW at Resume Genius, agrees and encourages early professionals to share this skill. “If you don’t have any relevant work experience yet, you can still highlight your problem-solving skills in your cover letter,” he says. “Just showcase examples of problems you solved while completing your degree, working at internships, or volunteering. You can even pull examples from completely unrelated part-time jobs, as long as you make it clear how your problem-solving ability transfers to your new line of work.”

Learn How to Identify Problems

Problem-solving doesn’t just require finding solutions to problems that are already there. It’s also about being proactive when something isn’t working as you hoped it would. Practice questioning and getting curious about processes and activities in your everyday life. What could you improve? What would you do if you had more resources for this process? If you had fewer? Challenge yourself to challenge the world around you.

Think Digitally

“Employers in the modern workplace value digital problem-solving skills, like being able to find a technology solution to a traditional issue,” Case says. “For example, when I first started working as a marketing writer, my department didn’t have the budget to hire a professional voice actor for marketing video voiceovers. But I found a perfect solution to the problem with an AI voiceover service that cost a fraction of the price of an actor.”

Being comfortable with new technology — even ones you haven’t used before — is a valuable skill in an increasingly hybrid and remote world. Don’t be afraid to research new and innovative technologies to help automate processes or find a more efficient technological solution.

Collaborate

Problem-solving isn’t done in a silo, and it shouldn’t be. Use your collaboration skills to gather multiple perspectives, help eliminate bias, and listen to alternative solutions. Ask others where they think the problem is coming from and what solutions would help them with your workflow. From there, try to compromise on a solution that can benefit everyone.

If we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it’s that the world of work is constantly changing — which means it’s crucial to know how to adapt . Be comfortable narrowing down a solution, then changing your direction when a colleague provides a new piece of information. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone, whether with your personal routine or trying a new system at work.

Put Yourself in the Middle of Tough Moments

Just like adapting requires you to challenge your routine and tradition, good problem-solving requires you to put yourself in challenging situations — especially ones where you don’t have relevant experience or expertise to find a solution. Because you won’t know how to tackle the problem, you’ll learn new problem-solving skills and how to navigate new challenges. Ask your manager or a peer if you can help them work on a complicated problem, and be proactive about asking them questions along the way.

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What careers are right for you based on your skills? Take this quiz to find out. It’s completely free — you’ll just need to sign up to get your results!

Step 1 of 3

Companies always need people to help them find solutions — especially proactive employees who have practical analytical skills and can collaborate to decide the best way to move forward. Whether or not you have experience solving problems in a professional workplace, illustrate your problem-solving skills by describing your research, analysis, and decision-making process — and make it clear that you’re the solution to the employer’s current problems. 

Image Credit: Christina Morillo / Pexels 

Zoe Kaplan

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Problem/Situation Analysis: 40 Useful Performance Feedback Phrases

Problem/Situation Analysis: Use these sample phrases to craft meaningful performance evaluations, drive change and motivate your workforce.

Problem/Situation Analysis is the ability to solve problems and assess situations to know what kind of solution is required to calm it down.

Problem/Situation Analysis: Exceeds Expectations Phrases

  • Asks oneself what the situation is, makes a list of issues within the situation, and defines why each one is a problem
  • Brainstorms possible ways to resolve the issue at hand and writes down possible solutions even those that seem absurd
  • Weighs both the positive and negative effects of the suggested solutions to the problem or situation at hand
  • Looks for the solution that highlights the most positive effects as well as that, which produces the mildest consequences
  • Concentrates on the solution that can lead one to achieve the set goals and anticipates possible challenges associated with this solution
  • Defines own goals specifically and makes them as realistic and as attainable as possible
  • Accepts that the problem already exists and puts more energy into solving it rather than in resisting it
  • Gathers some good knowledge about the problem at hand in order to decrease the uncertain anxiety and fear that one would face when solving it
  • Tries to look for solutions from other people who have faced the same situation, how they have solved it and the kind of challenges they have faced along the way
  • Opens own mind to a solution that may work and tries it out instead of making snap judgments based on little experience and information

Problem/Situation Analysis: Meets Expectations Phrases

  • Tries to break the problem down into smaller, manageable parts in order to decrease anxiety and think more clearly
  • Finds a more positive side of the situation and focuses on it in order to reduce the situation's negative emotional impact
  • Uses more positive or neutral words to describe the situation and avoids words that may make one feel frustrated about the situation
  • Keeps own motivation up by rewarding oneself after successfully completing a phase of the problem
  • Looks at the problem from different directions in order to identify the root cause rather than getting sidetracked by the symptom
  • Prepares for the worst possible outcome and how to deal with it; tries something else when a solution one has implemented doesn't work
  • Tries to form own goals in the sense of actions one can take to achieve the desired goals
  • Keeps track of each solution in order to know what needs to be changed or whether the solution itself needs to be changed
  • Takes full responsibility for mistakes made from solutions that one has implemented and refrains from blaming other people
  • Sets a deadline for when a situation should be solved and a schedule for reporting in order to stay on track and know when one is falling apart

Problem/Situation Analysis: Needs Improvement Phrases

  • Blames other people when one makes mistakes instead of taking responsibility for own actions
  • Spends time complaining about the problem at hand instead of looking for solutions and prevention of such a problem in the future
  • Does not take the time to create a plan that would help one stay on track when analyzing the situation at hand
  • Faces the problem alone without involving other people's ideas and therefore ends up spending more time on the problem than expected
  • Believes in perfection; spends time going through a problem over and over instead of trying out the available solutions and looking for changes afterward
  • Does not care about checking the progress of the implemented solutions or suggesting changes
  • Does not create time to do exercises that improve one's ability to think strategically and analytically
  • Jumps into solving a problem without enough information and facts thus generates solutions that are half-baked
  • Does not ask questions or look at the situation from different angles thus fails to understand it better
  • Breaks down a problem into smaller ones but does not develop strategies to solve the problems

Problem/Situation Analysis: Self Evaluation Questions

  • Describe a time when you solved a problem without all the necessary information about it in hand. How did you go about it and what was the outcome?
  • How do you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a solution before implementing it?
  • Can you explain the steps you have taken to troubleshoot a problem? How effective have these steps been?
  • What information do you research when analyzing a problem and how do you use it?
  • Your manager wants to buy a program that will improve the customer service and asks you for a recommendation. How would you reply?
  • Describe a time when you have anticipated a problem. What did you do about it?
  • Describe the most difficult situation/problem you have ever solved. What steps did you take to diagnose it and what was the outcome?
  • What factors have you considered when developing and evaluating solutions to a problem?
  • What are some of the challenges that you have encountered when analyzing problems and how have you faced them?
  • Describe a time when you have found a creative way to solve a problem. How did you feel?

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Problem solving: Performance Review Phrases Examples

Problem solving: sample phrases to write a performance appraisal feedback.

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37 Analytical Skills Self Evaluation Comments Examples

Self-evaluation of analytical skills can help us identify our strengths and weaknesses in this area, and develop strategies for improving our analytical abilities.

To evaluate your analytical skills, start by considering the types of tasks or projects you have worked on in the past that required analysis. Reflect on how you approached these tasks, what methods you used to collect and analyze data, and how you communicated your findings. Consider the outcomes of your analysis, and whether your conclusions were accurate and supported by evidence.

Next, consider your ability to think critically and creatively. Analytical skills require both the ability to analyze data and information, as well as the ability to think outside the box and find new solutions to problems. Evaluate your ability to identify patterns, make connections between seemingly unrelated information, and generate new ideas.

Also consider your communication skills. Analytical skills are only valuable if you can effectively communicate your findings and conclusions to others. Evaluate your ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner, and to explain your thought process and reasoning.

Questions to Ask Yourself to Evaluate Analytical Skills

  • What are my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to analyzing complex data and information?
  • How do I approach tasks that require analysis? Do I have a structured approach or do I tend to jump in without a clear plan?
  • Am I able to identify patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated information?
  • Do I consider multiple perspectives and potential outcomes when analyzing data?
  • How do I communicate my findings and conclusions to others? Am I able to present complex information in a clear and concise manner?
  • Do I have the ability to think critically and creatively? Can I generate new ideas and solutions to problems?
  • How do I handle uncertainty and ambiguity when analyzing data?
  • Do I have the necessary technical skills and tools to effectively analyze data?
  • How do I ensure that my conclusions are supported by evidence and data?
  • Am I open to feedback and willing to learn new analytical skills and techniques?

Examples of Analytical Skills Self-Evaluation Comments

Examples of positive comments.

  • I am skilled at analyzing complex data and information to arrive at logical conclusions.
  • I have a structured approach to analyzing data, which allows me to effectively manage large amounts of information.
  • I am able to identify patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated information, which helps me to draw accurate conclusions.
  • I am skilled at considering multiple perspectives and potential outcomes when analyzing data.
  • I am able to present complex information in a clear and concise manner, which helps others to understand my findings and conclusions.
  • I am able to think critically and creatively, which allows me to generate new ideas and solutions to problems.
  • I am comfortable handling uncertainty and ambiguity when analyzing data, and am able to make informed decisions based on incomplete information.
  • I have strong technical skills and am able to effectively use tools and software to analyze data.
  • I am able to ensure that my conclusions are supported by evidence and data, which helps to build trust in my findings.
  • I am open to feedback and am willing to learn new analytical skills and techniques to improve my abilities.
  • I am able to quickly identify key trends and insights in data, which allows me to make informed decisions.
  • I am skilled at synthesizing information from multiple sources to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of a problem or situation.
  • I am able to effectively communicate the results of my analysis to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • I am able to identify potential biases and assumptions in my analysis, which helps me to avoid errors in my conclusions.
  • I am able to use data visualization tools to effectively communicate complex information.
  • I am able to identify gaps in data and information, and take steps to fill those gaps in order to arrive at more accurate conclusions.
  • I am able to effectively manage large amounts of data and information, and am able to quickly identify key insights.
  • I am able to identify potential risks and opportunities based on my analysis, which helps to inform strategic decision-making.
  • I am able to effectively use data to identify trends and patterns, and to make predictions about future outcomes based on those trends and patterns.
  • I am able to effectively prioritize information and focus on the most important factors when analyzing data.
  • I am able to identify trends and patterns that may not be immediately obvious to others.
  • I am able to use statistical analysis to draw accurate conclusions from data.
  • I am able to work collaboratively with others to analyze data and arrive at shared conclusions.
  • I am able to effectively communicate the limitations of my analysis, and to acknowledge areas where further research may be necessary.
  • I am able to identify potential sources of bias in data and information, and take steps to mitigate those biases in my analysis.
  • I am able to effectively manage my time and resources when analyzing data, and am able to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
  • I am able to effectively use data to inform decision-making, and am able to communicate the rationale behind my decisions.
  • I am able to identify potential outliers in data, and take steps to investigate those outliers to ensure the accuracy of my analysis.
  • I am able to effectively use both quantitative and qualitative data to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of a problem or situation.
  • I am able to identify potential gaps in my knowledge or understanding of a problem, and take steps to fill those gaps in order to arrive at more accurate conclusions.

Examples of comments that indicate need for improvement

  • I tend to jump into analyzing data without a clear plan.
  • I struggle with identifying patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated information.
  • I sometimes struggle to consider multiple perspectives and potential outcomes when analyzing data.
  • I have difficulty presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner.
  • I sometimes struggle to think critically and creatively.
  • I find it challenging to handle uncertainty and ambiguity when analyzing data, which can lead to indecisiveness.
  • I lack some technical skills and tools necessary to effectively analyze data.

Example Paragraph (Positive)

“I am pleased with my analytical skills and believe that they are a strength that I bring to my work. I am skilled at identifying patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated information, which allows me to draw accurate conclusions from data. I am able to think critically and creatively, which allows me to generate new ideas and solutions to problems. I am also able to effectively communicate my findings to others, which helps to build trust in my conclusions. While there are always areas for improvement, I believe that my analytical skills are a valuable asset to my work and I am committed to continuing to develop them. Overall, I am proud of my analytical abilities and believe that they contribute to my success as a problem solver and decision maker.”

Example Paragraph (Areas of Improvement)

“Overall, I believe that my analytical skills are strong, particularly when it comes to identifying key trends and insights in data. However, I recognize that there are areas where I could improve. One area is my ability to handle ambiguity and uncertainty when analyzing data. To address this, I plan to practice using decision-making frameworks and risk analysis techniques to help me make more informed decisions in uncertain situations. Another area for improvement is my ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. To address this, I plan to work on developing my communication skills by practicing presenting information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Finally, I would like to improve my technical skills in order to better analyze data. To achieve this, I plan to take courses and attend workshops on statistical analysis and data visualization tools. I am committed to improving my analytical skills and believe that these actionable steps will help me achieve my goals.”

Tips for Effective Analytical Skills Self-Evaluation

  • Be honest with yourself: It’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses when evaluating your analytical skills. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and develop strategies to enhance your abilities.
  • Use specific examples: When evaluating your analytical skills, use specific examples from your work or personal life to illustrate your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify areas where you excel and areas where you need to improve.
  • Focus on actionable steps: When identifying areas for improvement, focus on actionable steps that you can take to enhance your analytical skills. This may involve seeking out additional training or education, practicing critical thinking exercises, or working on improving your communication skills.
  • Consider feedback from others: It can be helpful to seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors when evaluating your analytical skills. This can provide valuable insights into areas where you may need to improve.
  • Celebrate your strengths: Don’t forget to celebrate your strengths when evaluating your analytical skills. Recognizing your strengths can help build confidence and motivation to continue to develop your skills.
  • Set goals: Set specific goals for improving your analytical skills and develop a plan for achieving those goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work to enhance your abilities.
  • Reflect regularly: Regularly reflect on your progress and evaluate whether your strategies for improving your analytical skills are effective. Adjust your approach as needed to ensure that you are making progress towards your goals.

With dedication and effort, anyone can improve their analytical skills and become a more effective problem solver and decision maker.

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