Can I use this performance review example for my direct report?

Use the structure — wins with artifacts, behavioral improvements, a dated growth commitment — and replace every specific. A review recognizably assembled from a template damages exactly the trust it's meant to build. The generator drafts one from your notes; preview free.

What should a written performance review include?

An overall rating in plain words, two or three wins with evidence, one or two improvements phrased as actions with a timeframe, and a growth path the manager is also accountable for. Everything else is padding.

How do I write a review for an underperformer fairly?

Name what's genuinely working first — there's almost always something — then state the gap as measurable behavior with a support plan and a date. Euphemisms feel kind and are the opposite: they deny the person a real chance to correct.

Can I get a review drafted from bullet points?

Yes — the performance review generator takes the period, wins, improvements, and growth path, previews free, full review $14.

Free performance review example · full text · no signup

A complete performance review — free example

Most managers write reviews the night before they're due, which is how "meets expectations" became a genre. Here's a complete written review that says something — free to adapt for your own direct reports.

The rules it follows: every win carries a number or a named artifact, every improvement is an action rather than a personality diagnosis, and the growth section commits to a timeframe. "Keep up the good work" appears nowhere.

The complete example — a strong H1 review

Written from these details: Priya Shah, Senior Account Manager — two saved accounts, one playbook, two clear stretch areas.

H1 2026 Performance Review — Priya Shah, Senior Account Manager Overall: Strong period. Priya continues to be one of the most reliable contributors on the team. What worked this quarter: - Retained our two largest at-risk accounts, worth $1.1M combined. - Built the renewal playbook now used by the whole team. - Onboarded two new AMs who both ramped ahead of schedule. What I'd like to see next quarter: - Delegate the smaller renewals sooner instead of absorbing them. - Raise pricing concerns in the deal review, not after the quarter closes. Growth direction: I see Priya growing into a team lead role within the next review cycle. I want to support that.

113 words · free to read, print, and adapt

Why this example works

Wins are receipts: dollar figures, a named playbook, ramp times. Reviews without artifacts are vibes with a deadline.
The improvements are behaviors with a when ("in the deal review"), not traits ("be more strategic"). People can change what they do, not what they are.
The growth line commits the manager too. A review that names "team lead, next cycle" creates an obligation in both directions — which is what retention actually looks like.

More performance review examples — other situations

Self-review

Writing about yourself without cringing — claim the wins with evidence, name a real improvement.

H1 2026 Performance Review — Marcus Webb, Product Designer (self-review) Overall: Solid period. Marcus delivered consistent work this quarter.

…opening shown; the generator drafts the complete version from your details.

For an underperformer

The hard one — direct, fair, and documented, without a single vague euphemism.

Q2 2026 Performance Review — Jordan Pike, Sales Development Rep Overall: Needs improvement period. Jordan needs focused support to get back on track.

…opening shown; the generator drafts the complete version from your details.

This is a real example — free to take. Want one built from your names and memories?

Answer a few questions, read a free preview of your own draft, and pay $14 only if it sounds right.

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Common questions

Can I use this performance review example for my direct report?: Use the structure — wins with artifacts, behavioral improvements, a dated growth commitment — and replace every specific. A review recognizably assembled from a template damages exactly the trust it's meant to build. The generator drafts one from your notes; preview free.
What should a written performance review include?: An overall rating in plain words, two or three wins with evidence, one or two improvements phrased as actions with a timeframe, and a growth path the manager is also accountable for. Everything else is padding.
How do I write a review for an underperformer fairly?: Name what's genuinely working first — there's almost always something — then state the gap as measurable behavior with a support plan and a date. Euphemisms feel kind and are the opposite: they deny the person a real chance to correct.
Can I get a review drafted from bullet points?: Yes — the performance review generator takes the period, wins, improvements, and growth path, previews free, full review $14.