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The Global Insight

What are 5 things a manager should never do in a performance review?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 28, 2026

Here are 14 phrases to avoid in the performance review:

  • ‘Jane can do this–why can’t you?’
  • ‘Everything is perfect.
  • ‘You always/never do X.
  • ‘If you can’t do a better job, I’ll find someone who can.
  • ‘I’m not sure how to help you.
  • ‘What’s wrong with you?!
  • ‘I hope you’re going to have a better year.

What do you do when an employee does not agree with a performance review?

You could:

  • Ask them what their issues are and change the appraisal so they would agree to sign it.
  • Tell them they will face discipline for not signing it, so they better just go ahead and do it now.
  • Just fire them on the spot for their gross insubordination.
  • Say, “Fine, don’t sign it,” and leave it at that.

    What should a performance review include?

    A review should also include any company-specific or position-specific competencies, as well as the employee’s accomplishments and contributions to their role or organization. After addressing the key areas of assessment, you’ll need to evaluate and weigh each to get a picture of the employee’s overall performance.

    What should you not write in a performance review?

    Extremes. Avoid using words like “always” and “never” in employee appraisals. Employees rarely “always” or “never” do something, whether it is positive or negative. Using extremes can leave you open to employees who want to argue and prove that they did what you accused them of “never” doing.

    Can I say no to a performance review?

    “Employees do not have to agree with or even sign their performance appraisal. However, an employee’s failure–indeed refusal, even to acknowledge does not speak well to the employee’s paying attention to the concerns raised by the employer. The employer may want to communicate this fact to the employee.”

    Should HR be present at performance reviews?

    1. HR managers should be present during negative reviews. Since negative reviews can generate unpredictable feedback, up to and including lawsuits, HR managers should stay close to the process to protect the company from exposure.

    Why do you need a performance review from your boss?

    A performance review or an upward appraisal is used to evaluate your manager or boss and is a document that represents that treacherous water. A performance review comes with various benefits including enhanced management and more engagement between top leadership and staff members. This is why it is widely used in organizations across the globe.

    What are common mistakes made within employee performance reviews?

    Here are some of common mistakes made within employee performance reviews. In Dan Pink’s book Drive, two of the things he talks about is autonomy and mastery being incredibly important to people as intrinsic motivators. It’s clear that professional development at work will lead to a more engaged, more productive employee.

    How often should you do a performance review?

    Throughout the performance review, a supervisor will identify employee’s strengths and weaknesses, set goals and offer feedback for future performance. Many organizations conduct reviews annually and others conduct performance reviews quarterly, monthly or even weekly. Performance reviews may help employers to:

    Which is an example of a performance review?

    Examples of performance review for your boss Example 1…..Rating scale for performance review. The performance review for performance and planning is made up of five major factors including Poor, Needs, Enhancement/Improvement, Meets Requirements, Exceeds requirements and outstanding.