How NOT to Write a Performance Review:
A Visit to the “Hall of Fame of Review Phrase Shame” ....and Back
Great examples of what not to say in a performance review
This is a list of actual performance review phrases that may make you laugh.
Warning: In the world of dos and don’ts of performance reviews, these are high on the don’ts list. This tells you how NOT to write a performance review.
1. Since my last report, this employee has reached rock bottom…. and has started to dig.
2. His men would follow him anywhere… but only out of morbid curiosity
3. I would not allow this employee to breed.
4. This employee is really not so much of a ‘has-been’, but more of a definite ‘won’t be’.
5. Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.
6. When she opens her mouth, it seem that it is only to change feet.
7. He would be out of his depth in a parking lot puddle.
8. This young lady has delusions of adequacy.
9. He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.
10. This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
11. This employee should go far… and the sooner he starts, the better.
12. Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together.
13. A gross ignoramus - 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus.
14. He certainly takes a long time to make his pointless.
15. He doesn’t have ulcers, but he’s a carrier.
16. I would like to go hunting with him sometime.
17. He’s been working with glue too much.
18. He would argue with a signpost. 19. He has a knack for making strangers immediately.
20. He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room.
21. When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell.
22. If you see two people talking and one looks bored… he’s the other one.
23. A photographic memory but with the lens cover glued on.
24. A prime candidate for natural deselection.
25. Donated his brain to science before he was done using it.
26. Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn’t coming.
27. Has two brains: one is lost and the other is out looking for it.
28. If he were any more stupid, he’d have to be watered twice a week.
29. If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you’d get change.
30. If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the oceans.
31. It’s hard to believe that he beat 1,000,000 other sperm to the egg.
32. One neuron short of a synapse.
33. Some drank from the foundation of knowledge; … he only gargled.
34. Takes him 2 hours to watch 60 Minutes.
35. The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.
The brighter side of performance reviews
For the opposite side of the spectrum enjoy our list of “Bonus Superlative Phrases” here. Consider it a “Hall of Fame of Review Phrase Acclaim” list. Or you could call it a visit to the bright side of performance review phrases. That’s the side you want to be on.
Related articles, documents and resources
1. Free Phrases for Your Employee Performance Review
2. How to Give a Performance Review of an Employee- Dos and Don’ts
3. How NOT to Write a Performance Review
4. Employee Review Preparation Form
5. Instant Performance Documentation Form
6. How to Say It Performance Reviews Store Page
7. Bonus Superlative Performance Review Phrases
8. Problem Solving Worksheet
9. ‘Ask the Right Question’ Problem Solving Worksheet for an Essential Managerial Problem Solving Exercise
10. Put Sarcasm in Its Place
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Meryl Runion and Speak Strong (SpeakStrong) provides Power Phrases (PowerPhrases) and other tools to help you improve communication skills at work and at home.
She is the author of the books PowerPhrases!, How to Use PowerPhrases, Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors and How to Say It: Performance Reviews. She can be reached by email:
or at: 719-684-2633.
