Problem solving performance review phrases
The best way to review problem solving is to ask the person to walk you through one real problem, then write about what you heard. 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 problem solving looks like
Problem solving is how someone handles issues without an obvious answer: finding the real cause, weighing options and getting to a decision. Reviewers look for sound reasoning, creativity and fixes that last.
- Finds the root cause, not just the symptom
- Gathers the right information quickly
- Weighs options and trade-offs
- Makes a call and owns it
- Prevents repeat problems
Exceeds expectations
For work that sets the standard. Add the specific result after each phrase; that's what makes it believable.
- Finds the root cause rather than patching symptoms; their fix for [issue] ended a problem that had recurred for months.
- Breaks complex problems into clear steps others can follow.
- Weighs trade-offs well and explains them, so decisions are easy to make.
- Stays calm under pressure and works methodically, including during [incident].
- Brings creative options to problems that have stumped the team.
- Uses data to test assumptions before acting.
- Builds safeguards so the same problem doesn't happen twice.
- Teaches others how they approached a problem, which raises the team's skills.
Meets expectations
For solid, reliable work. "Meets expectations" is a good rating, so say that out loud in the conversation too.
- Identifies problems and works to resolve them.
- Gathers relevant information before making decisions.
- Considers different options before choosing a solution.
- Asks for help when a problem is beyond their expertise.
- Resolves routine issues independently.
- Learns from problems to prevent repeats.
- Makes reasonable decisions within their role.
- Stays calm when unexpected issues come up.
Needs improvement
Pair each one with a specific example and a goal. A needs-improvement line without a next step reads as a verdict.
- Tends to fix symptoms rather than causes, so the same issues come back.
- Jumps to solutions before fully understanding the problem.
- Escalates problems without first trying to solve them; trying one approach first would build independence.
- Struggles to decide when information is incomplete, which delays the team.
- Relies on familiar solutions even when a problem calls for something new.
- Doesn't always write down what they learned, so others repeat the same investigation.
- Gets stuck on complex issues instead of breaking them into smaller parts.
- Misses input from the people closest to the problem.
Self-evaluation: strengths
First-person versions for your own review. Swap in your real projects and numbers.
- I found the root cause of [recurring issue] and fixed it for good.
- I resolved [incident] in [time] by working through it step by step and keeping everyone updated.
- I proposed [solution] for [problem], which saved [result].
- I wrote up how we solved [issue], and the team has used it twice since.
- I tested [assumption] with data before we committed, which changed our plan.
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 jump to solutions too fast. I want to spend more time understanding the problem first.
- I escalate earlier than I need to. I'd like to try one approach on my own first.
- I want to write up fixes so others don't repeat my investigation.
- I'd like to get faster at making calls with incomplete information.
Problem solving goals for next period
Goals work when someone else could tell whether they happened.
- Write a short root-cause note and one prevention step for every recurring issue.
- Try at least one solution before escalating a routine problem, and include it in the escalation.
- Lead the post-incident review for [system or process] next quarter.
A sample review paragraph
Behavior, example, impact, then one growth area with a goal. Replace the brackets with specifics from the review period.
[Name] is a strong problem solver. They found the root cause of [recurring issue] and fixed it for good, and they stayed calm and methodical during [incident]. They explain trade-offs clearly, which makes decisions easier. One area to build on: their fixes aren't always written down, so others repeat the same investigation. Next quarter, the goal is a short root-cause note for every recurring issue.
How to say it in the review meeting
Ask them to walk you through how they approached one problem. You'll learn more about their thinking than any rating shows, and it's a natural way to coach.
When someone escalates too fast, don't just say "try first". Agree on what trying means: one approach, fifteen minutes of research, or a message to the person who knows.
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.
one of my engineers escalates every little problem to me. I'm drowning
fixable. usually it means he's not sure what he's allowed to decide, or he's been burned before
has he been criticized for a call he made?
maybe? there was an outage he got blamed for last year
that would do it. in the review: "Before you bring me a problem, try one fix and tell me what you tried. For anything under [scope], make the call." and say out loud that a wrong call made in good faith won't be held against him
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 problem solving section.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you assess problem-solving skills in a review?
Look at real problems from the period: how they found the cause, the options they weighed, the decision, and whether the problem came back. Ask them to walk you through one.
What if someone escalates every problem?
Define what they can decide alone and ask them to try one approach before escalating. Check whether past mistakes were punished, because fear is a common cause.
How do I show problem solving in a self-evaluation?
Pick one hard problem and tell it briefly: what was wrong, how you found the cause, what you did and what changed. That's more convincing than a list of traits.