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PERFORMANCE REVIEW PHRASES

Problem solving performance review phrases

Problem solving: Finds the real cause and proposes workable fixes.

Good problem-solving phrases describe the thinking, not just the result: did they find the real cause, weigh options, and make it stick?

Replace [Name] and [example] with the person and a real piece of work.

Strengths: exceeds expectations

  • [Name] finds the root cause rather than patching symptoms. Their work on [example] stopped a problem that had recurred for months.
  • [Name] brings options, not just problems, with the trade-offs laid out so decisions are quick.
  • Under pressure on [example], [Name] stayed calm, broke the problem down and fixed it methodically.
  • [Name] uses data to test ideas before committing, which has saved the team from at least one costly mistake.
  • [Name] asks "why" until the real issue is clear. Colleagues bring their hardest problems to them.
  • [Name] documents what they learned from each problem, so the team does not solve it twice.

Solid: meets expectations

  • [Name] solves the problems in their area well and asks for help when stuck.
  • [Name] fixes issues quickly. The next step is checking whether the underlying cause has been addressed.
  • [Name] contributes useful ideas when the team is working through a problem.
  • [Name] approaches problems logically and explains their reasoning clearly.
  • [Name] handles routine problems independently.

Needs improvement

  • [Name] tends to jump to the first solution. On [example], spending ten more minutes on the cause would have avoided the second fix.
  • [Name] raises problems without a suggested next step. I would like at least one option alongside each problem.
  • [Name] stays stuck too long before asking for help. If you are stuck for more than [time], ask.
  • Fixes on [example] solved the immediate issue but it came back. Checking the cause is the priority.
  • [Name] sometimes makes decisions without the data available. Checking [source] first would improve them.
  • When problems get complex, [Name] tends to escalate rather than break them down. We will practise this together.

Self-review phrases for problem solving

  • I found and fixed the root cause of [problem], which had been recurring.
  • I improved how I approach problems by writing down options before choosing one.
  • I want to get faster at deciding when to ask for help.

How to make these phrases land

  • Describe the before and after. What was broken, what they did, and what is different now.
  • Use one phrase per point and follow it with what happened. A phrase without an example reads like a template.
  • For areas to improve, say what good looks like and what support you will give.
  • Nothing in a review should be a surprise. Raise problems in one-on-ones during the year.

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