Performance Appraisals and Phrases For Dummies
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Employees need to know how well they’re communicating and dealing with others so that they can effectively carry out their responsibilities and meet their short-term and long-term objectives. Ironically, some managers have difficulty communicating assessments in these two areas, especially when it comes to written comments. The managers are concerned that their feedback on communication won’t be communicated clearly, and they worry that providing feedback on interpersonal relations will actually strain the working relationships instead of improving them. When written comments focus on vague and general trends and themes, these outcomes are the most likely.

Written and Verbal Communication

Exceptional: Consistently exceeds expectations

  • Is a master of written communication

  • Is the go-to person when others need help with writing

  • Has the most readable writing in the company

  • Keeps e-mail messages on target and to the point

  • Has clear, direct, and concise writing

  • Writes without grammatical errors

  • Creates reports and documentation that are consistently outstanding

  • Is a compelling speaker

  • Says more by saying less

  • Actively listens to others

  • Thinks before he talks

  • Uses captivating language

  • Gives highly organized presentations

  • Is a superb public speaker

  • Is totally comfortable in front of a group

  • Is known as the company wordsmith

  • Is a great debater

  • Is a great communicator

  • Is an enthralling speaker who easily holds the attention of others

  • Reads other people well

  • Senses when others are on data overload and when they need more information

Excellent: Frequently exceeds expectations

  • Has very readable writing

  • Hits the perfect level of detail

  • Writes to the point, rather than around it

  • Is a gifted writer

  • Has raised the writing in her department to a new level

  • Sets the standard for excellent business writing

  • Proofreads carefully

  • Carefully crafts all his writing

  • Is always well organized with her written work

  • Selects the appropriate writing style for different readers and situations

  • Holds the interest of others in his writing

  • Is a clear and articulate communicator

  • Has an outstanding vocabulary, but never overdoes it

  • Generates a great deal of interest whenever she speaks

  • Communicates easily with everyone

  • Is an excellent writing coach

  • Effectively reads subtle cues and body language

  • Is smooth without being slick

Fully competent: Meets expectations

  • Is confident and comfortable with writing projects

  • Is at ease and effective in front of a group

  • Prepares thoroughly before making presentations

  • Communicates easily with employees at all levels

  • Is not inclined to talk for the sake of talking

  • Is a good listener

  • Uses words effectively and economically

  • Is clear and informative when speaking or writing

  • Avoids excessive use of jargon

  • Writes with very few grammatical errors

Marginal: Occasionally fails to meet expectations

  • Uses a writing style that can be difficult to understand

  • Hasn’t shown interest in becoming a better writer

  • Procrastinates on projects that involve writing

  • Sends e-mail messages that are unclear

  • Writes too much on every project

  • Has writing that lacks adequate detail and specificity

  • Doesn’t listen carefully enough, and communication suffers as a result

  • Speaks without organizing his thoughts

  • Provides too much detail

  • Doesn’t provide enough detail

  • Uses e-mail style for formal written business communications

  • Needs to listen more and talk less

Unsatisfactory: Consistently fails to meet expectations

  • Writes with numerous grammatical errors and typos

  • Takes a long time to get to the point

  • Ignores punctuation

  • Is a grammatical nightmare

  • Tends to ramble

  • Tends to mumble

  • Uses inappropriate terms and expressions

  • Is insensitive to others in her comments

  • Is unaware of messages that his body language is sending

  • Produces work that always needs significant editing

  • Often uses the wrong words

  • Rushes when writing, and it shows

  • Doesn’t pay attention to the cues and body language of others

  • Doesn’t listen

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

Ken Lloyd, PhD, is a nationally recognized consultant, author, and columnist who specializes in organizational behavior, communication, and management coaching and development.

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