Employees need to know how well they’re communicating and dealing with others so that they can effectively carry out their responsibilities and meet their short-term and long-term objectives. Ironically, some managers have difficulty communicating assessments in these two areas, especially when it comes to written comments. The managers are concerned that their feedback on communication won’t be communicated clearly, and they worry that providing feedback on interpersonal relations will actually strain the working relationships instead of improving them. When written comments focus on vague and general trends and themes, these outcomes are the most likely.
Written and Verbal Communication
Exceptional: Consistently exceeds expectations
Is a master of written communication
Is the go-to person when others need help with writing
Has the most readable writing in the company
Keeps e-mail messages on target and to the point
Has clear, direct, and concise writing
Writes without grammatical errors
Creates reports and documentation that are consistently outstanding
Is a compelling speaker
Says more by saying less
Actively listens to others
Thinks before he talks
Uses captivating language
Gives highly organized presentations
Is a superb public speaker
Is totally comfortable in front of a group
Is known as the company wordsmith
Is a great debater
Is a great communicator
Is an enthralling speaker who easily holds the attention of others
Reads other people well
Senses when others are on data overload and when they need more information
Excellent: Frequently exceeds expectations
Has very readable writing
Hits the perfect level of detail
Writes to the point, rather than around it
Is a gifted writer
Has raised the writing in her department to a new level
Sets the standard for excellent business writing
Proofreads carefully
Carefully crafts all his writing
Is always well organized with her written work
Selects the appropriate writing style for different readers and situations
Holds the interest of others in his writing
Is a clear and articulate communicator
Has an outstanding vocabulary, but never overdoes it
Generates a great deal of interest whenever she speaks
Communicates easily with everyone
Is an excellent writing coach
Effectively reads subtle cues and body language
Is smooth without being slick
Fully competent: Meets expectations
Is confident and comfortable with writing projects
Is at ease and effective in front of a group
Prepares thoroughly before making presentations
Communicates easily with employees at all levels
Is not inclined to talk for the sake of talking
Is a good listener
Uses words effectively and economically
Is clear and informative when speaking or writing
Avoids excessive use of jargon
Writes with very few grammatical errors
Marginal: Occasionally fails to meet expectations
Uses a writing style that can be difficult to understand
Hasn’t shown interest in becoming a better writer
Procrastinates on projects that involve writing
Sends e-mail messages that are unclear
Writes too much on every project
Has writing that lacks adequate detail and specificity
Doesn’t listen carefully enough, and communication suffers as a result
Speaks without organizing his thoughts
Provides too much detail
Doesn’t provide enough detail
Uses e-mail style for formal written business communications
Needs to listen more and talk less
Unsatisfactory: Consistently fails to meet expectations
Writes with numerous grammatical errors and typos
Takes a long time to get to the point
Ignores punctuation
Is a grammatical nightmare
Tends to ramble
Tends to mumble
Uses inappropriate terms and expressions
Is insensitive to others in her comments
Is unaware of messages that his body language is sending
Produces work that always needs significant editing
Often uses the wrong words
Rushes when writing, and it shows
Doesn’t pay attention to the cues and body language of others
Doesn’t listen
