3000 Power Words and Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews

Book excerpt: A comprehensive yet accessible handbook for writing and conducting meaningful, effective performance reviews, geared toward managers of all levels, from the author of How to Write It. Performance reviews are one of the best tools managers have to shape company talent and culture, develop strong channels of communication with employees, and create systemic change. However, the stress and struggle to find just the right words is often what managers and HR professionals dislike most about conducting employee evaluations. In this pithy, user-friendly handbook, author and writing teacher Sandra E. Lamb lays out the best methods and proven tactics to administer productive evaluations that benefit both parties—and the company. Lamb teaches managers how to design scoring systems for employees that track progress with hard data, how to best prepare for and conduct both in-person and written reviews, and the key words to use. Covering hard and soft skills, 3000 Power Words and Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews includes lists of powerful phrases and words that clearly describe performance—both positive and negative—including sections targeted to specific industries and jobs. This guide empowers managers at all levels to master the art of performance reviews that achieve results.