Initiative performance review phrases
If you want more initiative from someone, the review is the place to define what they're allowed to decide on their own. Below are 33 phrases sorted by rating, with self-evaluation versions, goals and a sample review you can adapt.
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What good initiative looks like
Initiative is acting before being asked: spotting problems and opportunities, proposing fixes and following through. Reviewers look for ideas that turned into results, and good judgment about when to check in first.
- Spots problems before they're assigned
- Brings a fix along with the problem
- Follows through, not just suggests
- Takes on stretch work
- Knows when to check in first
Exceeds expectations
For work that sets the standard. Add the specific result after each phrase; that's what makes it believable.
- Spotted [problem] before it was on anyone's radar and fixed it, saving [result].
- Proposed and led [initiative], which [result].
- Brings solutions, not just problems; every issue they raise comes with options.
- Took on [stretch project] outside their role and delivered it.
- Finds process gaps and fixes them without being asked.
- Seeks out feedback and acts on it quickly.
- Learned [skill] on their own to solve [problem].
- Uses good judgment about when to act alone and when to check in first.
Meets expectations
For solid, reliable work. "Meets expectations" is a good rating, so say that out loud in the conversation too.
- Takes ownership of their work without needing close direction.
- Raises problems when they see them.
- Suggests improvements to processes in their area.
- Looks for ways to help when their own work is done.
- Is open to new assignments and responsibilities.
- Follows through on the ideas they propose.
- Seeks out the information they need.
- Takes on stretch tasks when offered.
Needs improvement
Pair each one with a specific example and a goal. A needs-improvement line without a next step reads as a verdict.
- Waits for direction on next steps, even on familiar tasks. Taking the first step and checking in after would speed things up.
- Raises problems without suggested solutions; bringing one option each time would help.
- Proposes ideas but doesn't always follow through on them.
- Rarely volunteers for new work or stretch assignments.
- Sometimes acts on decisions that affect others without checking in, which caused [issue].
- Works around process problems instead of raising them.
- Waits for feedback rather than asking for it.
- Hesitates to make small decisions that are within their authority.
Self-evaluation: strengths
First-person versions for your own review. Swap in your real projects and numbers.
- I noticed [problem] and fixed it before it reached [customers or the team].
- I proposed [idea], got buy-in and led it to [result].
- I volunteered for [stretch project] and delivered it on time.
- I built [tool or process] to fix a recurring problem nobody owned.
- I asked for feedback after each [deliverable] and applied it.
Self-evaluation: where you're growing
Name the gap and what you're doing about it. Reviewers trust a self-evaluation that includes one honest growth area.
- I sometimes wait to be asked. I want to make small decisions within my role without checking first.
- I have ideas I haven't pushed forward. I'd like to pitch one a quarter.
- I've acted alone on things that affected others. I want to loop people in earlier.
- I'd like to take on one stretch project outside my core role.
Initiative goals for next period
Goals work when someone else could tell whether they happened.
- Propose one process improvement a quarter, with a short written plan and a measurable result.
- Own decisions on [area] within [scope] without sign-off, checking in only on exceptions.
- Take on [stretch project] by [date], with monthly check-ins.
A sample review paragraph
Behavior, example, impact, then one growth area with a goal. Replace the brackets with specifics from the review period.
[Name] takes initiative. This year they spotted [problem] before anyone else and fixed it, and they proposed and led [initiative], which [result]. They bring options along with problems. One area to build on: they sometimes change shared processes without checking in with the teams affected. Next quarter, the goal is to loop in those teams before making changes.
How to say it in the review meeting
If you want more initiative, define the space. People often hold back because they don't know what they're allowed to decide. Say it plainly: "Anything under [amount] or within [scope] is your call."
When someone takes initiative and it goes wrong, praise the initiative and talk about the judgment separately. Punish the attempt and you won't see another one.
Talk it through with Lauren
The written review is half the job. Here's what it looks like to get the hardest line right by text, the night before.
my team never takes initiative. they wait for me to tell them everything
can I push back a little? when they've taken initiative before, what happened?
...I probably redid some of it
that's usually the reason. people stop when their attempts get rewritten
in reviews, define their space: "Decisions on [scope] are yours. Make them and tell me after." then the hard part is on you: let their version stand
Get a second read before you send it.
Text Lauren the situation and your draft. She'll help you make it specific and fair, and prep you for the conversation itself.
Hi Lauren! I'm writing a performance review and want help with the initiative section.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you encourage initiative in a performance review?
Give an example of the initiative you'd like to see, define what they can decide on their own, and make the goal one specific thing to propose or own.
What's the difference between initiative and overstepping?
Judgment. Acting within your role and telling others is initiative; changing something other people depend on without asking is overstepping. Name the line in the review.
How do I show initiative in a self-evaluation?
Describe a problem you spotted, what you did without being asked, and the result. One clear example beats a list of adjectives.