Leadership and Management Skills: Performance Review Phrases & Paragraph Examples
Use these leadership performance review examples, phrases, and ready-to-paste paragraphs to evaluate performance at five levels—from Outstanding to Unacceptable—plus FAQs managers ask most often.
5 – Outstanding
Example Phrases
- Leads with clarity and conviction, setting an example the entire team wants to follow.
- Consistently turns goals into results that surpass leadership performance review expectations.
- Inspires others through a mix of strong vision and hands-on support.
- Turns leadership appraisal comments into action, creating a measurable impact across teams.
Paragraph Examples
It’s hard to miss when someone operates at this level. Their presence changes how the team works—steady confidence, genuine empathy, and a clear sense of direction. In every leadership skills performance review, you’ll see the same pattern: strong vision, sharp execution, and an uncanny ability to bring people together around bold, meaningful goals. This individual doesn’t just meet the mark—they shift the standard upward for everyone else.
Leadership appraisal comments often point to their instinct for mentorship and problem-solving. They see around corners, take initiative before issues arise, and communicate in ways that foster genuine buy-in. You can see it in every leadership evaluation example tied to this person—a steady mix of drive, accountability, and genuine inspiration that leaves a tangible impact on the people around them. For broader context on structuring roles and ladders for high performers, see our overview of job families and how they support advancement.
4 – Exceeds Expectations
Example Phrases
- Regularly exceeds expectations in every leadership performance review cycle.
- Handles challenges with steady focus and creative thinking.
- Brings leadership comments examples to life by coaching teammates through complex work.
- Demonstrates leadership skills, with appraisal comments that highlight a strong balance of direction and empathy.
Paragraph Examples
This is the type of leader who doesn’t just get things done—they do it better than most. Their leadership performance review usually notes their ability to see the big picture and act decisively. They think ahead, communicate clearly, and deliver work that lifts the team’s results across the board.
Leadership self-appraisal comments often include sample notes that describe a self-aware individual who continues to learn. They listen to feedback, test new ideas, and refine their style without losing sight of results. Over time, these behaviors turn into real momentum—teams trust them, projects stay on track, and the business benefits from their steady hand. If you’re aligning competencies to expectations, explore competency frameworks to make “exceeds” behaviors explicit and measurable.
3 – Meets Expectations
Example Phrases
- Meets most leadership appraisal comments, benchmarks, and fulfills expected goals.
- Applies leadership skills effectively in typical situations.
- Communicates clearly during leadership performance reviews and check-ins.
- Reflects many of the positive qualities found in standard leadership evaluation examples.
Paragraph Examples
A leader at this level consistently does what’s required. They plan, follow through, and contribute to achieving results that align with company goals. Their leadership skills performance review reflects reliability and a professional approach to solving everyday challenges. They maintain strong relationships and effectively represent the company.
In leadership appraisal comments by employee, they often show awareness of both their strengths and limits. They understand what’s working and where growth is needed. Targeted coaching combined with stretch opportunities could give them the push needed to break into a higher level of performance. As you define the next step, reference the role details and success profiles that clarify scope and expectations.
2 – Needs Improvement
Example Phrases
- Puts in the effort but doesn’t always apply leadership skills in a steady, reliable way.
- Leadership appraisal comments point to uneven communication and follow-through.
- Would benefit from setting clearer expectations and a more structured approach when guiding or delegating work.
- Leadership evaluation examples highlight potential, but not enough measurable progress has been made.
Paragraph Examples
Someone in this range usually has good intentions but struggles to put everything together. Their leadership performance review highlights inconsistency—some projects are successful, while others fall short of expectations. They might hesitate in decision-making or avoid difficult conversations that need to happen.
Leadership self-appraisal comments often mention the desire to grow, but not the follow-through. Implementing a development plan and pairing it with mentoring or targeted leadership training could help them turn the corner. They’re not far off; steady effort and a bit more ownership of follow-through would close that gap. For practical development ideas, browse these skill development examples managers can use in check-ins and growth plans.
1 – Unacceptable
Example Phrases
- Leadership skills appraisal comments repeatedly show a lack of initiative or accountability.
- Does not meet the minimum standards of the leadership performance review process.
- Struggles to motivate others or maintain clear communication.
- Leadership comments examples identify persistent performance and engagement issues.
Paragraph Examples
At this level, leadership gaps are significant and visible. The person may struggle to communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, or set a good example. Leadership appraisal comments often describe confusion, missed goals, or a lack of basic management follow-up.
You’ll notice that reliability and teamwork frequently appear in many leadership performance review phrases. Those patterns shouldn’t be ignored. They call for quick, hands-on support and a clear plan to help the employee improve. If progress still isn’t showing after focused coaching and specific feedback, the next step is a formal corrective discussion.
FAQs
How do you write an appraisal comment for leadership?
When writing an appraisal comment for leadership, focus on specific behaviors and outcomes rather than general traits. Mention how the leader influences others, communicates expectations, and drives results. A strong leadership appraisal comment often connects the person’s actions to measurable business or team outcomes. For example, instead of saying “good leader,” describe how they “built trust across departments and improved collaboration through regular check-ins.”
Good leadership performance review comments also strike a balance between recognition and direction. Highlight what the person does well, such as mentoring or decision-making, and include one or two areas for improvement. The goal is to encourage reflection, not just evaluation.
What are positive leadership comments examples?
Positive leadership comments examples highlight initiative, vision, and the ability to bring out the best in others. You might write:
- “Leads by example and maintains calm focus during complex projects.”
- “Encourages open communication and helps team members grow through constructive feedback.”
- “Demonstrates strong strategic thinking that keeps the team aligned and motivated.”
These kinds of leadership comments show genuine appreciation for performance while reinforcing the behaviors you want repeated.
What is an example of leadership in a performance review?
A solid example of leadership in a performance review could read: “Showed strong leadership skills by steering the team through a demanding project deadline, keeping quality high and morale steady.” This type of feedback directly ties leadership skills performance review notes to the results that matter most.
Leadership evaluation examples like this demonstrate accountability, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that define effective leadership in real workplace situations.
What is an example of self-appraisal for leadership?
An example of self-appraisal for leadership might be: “I’ve worked to improve delegation by setting clearer priorities and providing follow-up support for my team. This has helped projects move faster and reduced last-minute stress.”
Strong leadership self-appraisal comments sample entries are honest but confident. They show awareness of what’s going well and where growth is still possible. The best ones use evidence—such as team results, feedback, or outcomes—to illustrate leadership progress over time.
