Performance reviews: discussing feedback and goals
1
Think about these questions before listening. Share your ideas with a partner.
- Think about a time you received feedback on your work or studies. What made the feedback particularly effective or ineffective?
- Beyond simply judging past performance, what do you think is the most important goal of a performance review for an employee's growth?
- What are some of the challenges in giving honest but constructive feedback to a colleague or manager, and how can they be overcome?
2
Performance Review Feedback
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
3
Answer these questions based on the main lesson audio recording (monologue).
01According to the speaker, why are performance reviews considered crucial even though they can feel daunting?
Sample answerThe speaker states that they are crucial for an employee's professional growth. So, while they might be intimidating, they are a necessary part of developing in your career.
02How does the speaker prepare for a performance review?
Sample answerShe prepares thoroughly by making a list of her achievements from the past year, as well as identifying the areas where she thinks she needs to develop.
03What communication skills does the speaker highlight as being key during the review meeting?
Sample answerShe mentions three things: listening actively, asking for clarification on points that aren't clear, and being able to clearly articulate her own career aspirations.
04What does the speaker suggest should happen after the review to ensure it leads to continuous improvement?
Sample answerAfter the review, she says it's important to reflect on the feedback received and then use that reflection to set specific, actionable goals for the upcoming year.
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Key vocabulary for performance reviews
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you discuss feedback and professional development more effectively.
Examples
To take something on board — to understand and accept a suggestion or piece of criticism and be prepared to act on it.
Usage note: This is a professional and positive way to respond to feedback. It shows you are listening and willing to learn. Example: 'Thank you for the suggestion, I'll take that on board for the next project.'
Room for improvement — a polite way of referring to weaknesses or areas where performance is not satisfactory.
Usage note: This phrase is often used to soften criticism. You can use it to talk about your own weaknesses or to give feedback to others. Example: 'Overall, your work is excellent, but there's some room for improvement in meeting deadlines.'
Actionable feedback — specific, clear, and practical advice that helps a person understand exactly what they need to do to improve.
Usage note: This term is common in modern business contexts. It contrasts with vague criticism. Example: 'The most useful part of my review was the actionable feedback on how to structure my reports more clearly.'
To exceed expectations — to do much better than was expected or required.
Usage note: This is a strong, positive collocation used in formal evaluations to praise outstanding work. Example: 'Her performance on the sales campaign didn't just meet our goals, it completely exceeded expectations.'
To touch base — to make brief contact with someone to get an update or discuss something for a short time.
Usage note: This is a common business idiom for suggesting a short, informal follow-up. Example: 'After the review, my manager and I agreed to touch base in a month to check on my progress.'
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Key phrases for a performance review
Complete the sentences with the most logical ending.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Reporting verbs
Grammar
When we report what someone said, we can use verbs that are more descriptive than 'say' or 'tell'. These reporting verbs, like 'suggest', 'advise', or 'claim', add more meaning and precision. In a professional context like a performance review, using the right reporting verb can accurately convey the tone and intention of the original speaker.
Examples
My manager suggested that I take a course on project management.
Here, 'suggested' is followed by a 'that-clause'. Notice the verb 'take' is in its base form (subjunctive), which is common after 'suggest'.
She advised me to focus more on client communication.
The verb 'advised' uses a different pattern: verb + object ('me') + to-infinitive ('to focus').
I claimed that my team had exceeded its quarterly targets.
'Claimed' is used to report something as a fact, which may or may not be believed by the listener. It is also followed by a 'that-clause'.
Key points
- Choose a verb that adds specific meaning to what was said (e.g., suggest, promise, deny, explain).
- Pay attention to the grammatical structure that follows each verb (e.g., verb + to-infinitive, verb + that-clause, verb + gerund).
- Remember to change pronouns and shift tenses (backshift) when reporting past conversations.
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Find the mistake
Read the sentences below, which are all related to performance reviews and feedback.
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01My manager suggested me to take a course on project management to improve my skills.
Corrected version
My manager suggested me to take taking a course on project management to improve my skills.
02The actionable feedback from my team members have been incredibly helpful for my development.
Corrected version
The actionable feedback from my team members have has been incredibly helpful for my development.
03It's important to give feedback as constructive as possible so the employee can understand it.
Corrected version
It's important to give feedback as constructive constructively as possible so the employee can understand it.
04So far this year, I exceeded all my sales targets by at least 10%.
Corrected version
So far this year, I have exceeded all my sales targets by at least 10%.
05I appreciate the advice and will definitely take it in board for my next project.
Corrected version
I appreciate the advice and will definitely take it in on board for my next project.
06The manager claimed that the employee's performance was not satisfaction.
Corrected version
The manager claimed that the employee's performance was not satisfaction. satisfactory.
07While your presentation skills are good, there is still room of improvement in your delivery.
Corrected version
While your presentation skills are good, there is still room of for improvement in your delivery.
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Navigating a performance review
Read the passage about how to handle a professional performance review.
Fill in each blank with the correct word or phrase from the word bank.
Word bank
During a review, it's important to listen carefully and the manager's comments. Even if the feedback is tough, try to see it as for improvement. A good manager will provide specific, feedback rather than vague criticisms. They will also acknowledge when you expectations on a project. After the meeting, it's a good idea to a week later to discuss your progress on the new goals.
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The art of giving feedback
Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.
Delivering a performance review is just as challenging as receiving one. My main objective is to ensure the conversation is a two-way street, not a lecture. Before meeting with my team members, I gather specific examples of their work. It's not enough to say 'good job'; I need to explain *why* their contribution was valuable. For instance, I recently praised an employee for how she handled a difficult client, noting that she had truly exceeded expectations. When there's room for improvement, the feedback must be actionable. Last quarter, I suggested that another team member take a course on project management. I explained that this would help him develop his organisational skills. The goal is always to deliver comments constructively, so the employee feels motivated, not defeated. The best reviews end with both parties feeling they've had a productive discussion.
01According to the manager, what is the main objective of a performance review?
Sample answerTo ensure the conversation is a two-way street and not a one-sided lecture.
02Why does the manager believe general praise like 'good job' is insufficient?
Sample answerBecause it's important to explain why a contribution was valuable by using specific examples.
03What is an example of 'actionable' feedback mentioned in the text?
Sample answerThe manager suggested that a team member take a course on project management to develop specific skills.
04What can you infer about the manager's leadership style?
Sample answerThe manager likely has a supportive and developmental leadership style, focusing on motivation and clear communication rather than just criticism.
10
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Some companies are replacing traditional annual reviews with more frequent, informal check-ins. Do you think this is a more effective approach? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of no longer having a single, formal moment to discuss performance?
- In your country or culture, how is feedback typically given in a professional setting? Is it usually direct and explicit, or more indirect and subtle? How might these cultural norms affect how a manager delivers feedback about 'room for improvement' or how an employee 'takes it on board'?
- To what extent should performance reviews be directly linked to salary increases and promotions? If a review is tied to money, does it prevent employees and managers from having an honest conversation about development and 'actionable feedback'?