itsual Performance Review
Overview
Effective performance reviews are evidence-based, balanced, and forward-looking. They help the person understand impact and how to grow.
When to Use
- Formal performance review cycles
- Promotion or compensation cases
- Structured upward or peer feedback
- End-of-project performance summaries
Core Elements
- Summary of overall performance
- Key accomplishments with evidence
- Strengths demonstrated
- Growth areas with specific examples
- Goals and development plan for the next period
- (When relevant) rating or calibration context
Principles
- Be specific — replace vague praise or criticism with examples
- Separate impact from effort and from personality
- Balance recognition and development feedback
- Avoid surprises; reviews should reflect ongoing conversations
- Write so the recipient can act on the feedback
- Stay fair and consistent with the evaluation criteria
Verification
- Claims are supported by concrete examples
- Strengths and growth areas are both addressed
- Next-period expectations are clear