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Trainer’s tip: Feedback – what are you saying?

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Garry PlattGarry Platt shares some examples of bad feedback and lists some tongue-in-cheek translations for well-worn phrases.








Inappropriate appraisal comments:

  • Since the last PPDR, he has reached rock-bottom and has started to dig
  • His staff would follow him anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity
  • I personally would not allow this employee to breed
  • Works well when under constant supervision and when cornered like a rat in a trap
  • When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change whichever foot was previously in there
  • He would be out of his depth in a puddle, after a very long dry summer
  • This young lady has delusions of adequacy
  • He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve
  • This member of staff should go far - and the sooner the better
  • This member of staff is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot
  • Performance appraisal terms and their real meanings:

  • Average employee - Not too bright
  • Exceptionally well qualified - Made no major blunders yet
  • Active socially - Drinks a lot
  • Family is active socially - Spouse drinks too
  • Character above reproach – Gave false name and address to police
  • Zealous attitude - Opinionated
  • Quick thinking - Offers plausible excuses
  • Careful thinker - Won't make a decision
  • Takes pride in work - Conceited
  • Plans for advancement - Buys drinks for everyone
  • Forceful - Argumentative
  • Aggressive - Obnoxious
  • Uses logic on difficult jobs - Gets someone else to do it
  • A keen analyst - Thoroughly confused
  • Expresses themselves well - Speaks English
  • Conscientious - Scared
  • Meticulous attention to detail - A nit-picker
  • Has leadership qualities - Is tall or has a loud voice
  • Exceptionally good judgement - Lucky
  • Keen sense of humour - Knows a lot of dirty jokes
  • Strong principle - Stubborn
  • Career minded - Back-stabber and knows who to blame
  • Coming along well - About to be made redundant
  • Of great value to the organisation - Gets to work on time
  • Relaxed attitude – Falls asleep on the job
  • Work is first priority - Just plain ugly
  • Independent worker - Nobody knows what he/she does
  • Forward thinking - Procrastinator
  • Good communication skills - Spends lots of time on phone
  • Loyal - Can't get a job anywhere else
  • View the original posting:

    Bad feedback examples

    See more Trainer’s Tips