AI Review Prompt: Addressing Underperformance
These prompts help managers craft professional performance reviews that address underperformance constructively while maintaining fairness and documentation standards. Each template provides a structured approach to delivering difficult feedback that focuses on specific behaviors, measurable outcomes, and actionable improvement plans.
Prompt 1
Write a formal performance review for an employee who has been missing deadlines and producing work below quality standards. The review should be fair but direct, include specific examples, document performance gaps, and provide a clear improvement plan with measurable goals. Include sections for: performance summary, specific concerns with examples, impact on team/business, improvement expectations, support offered, and next steps with timeline. Employee name: [Employee Name], Role: [Job Title], Review period: [Date Range], Manager: [Your Name]
Example Output 1
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Employee: Sarah Martinez
Position: Marketing Coordinator
Review Period: January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Reviewing Manager: Jennifer Chen, Marketing Director
Review Date: July 15, 2024
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
This mid-year performance review addresses significant concerns regarding Sarah's work quality and timeliness that have impacted our marketing team's effectiveness. While Sarah demonstrates creativity and enthusiasm for marketing initiatives, her current performance does not meet the established standards for her role as Marketing Coordinator.
SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE CONCERNS
1. Missed Deadlines
During this review period, Sarah has missed 8 out of 12 major project deadlines, including:
- Q1 Campaign Launch (delayed 5 days, impacting product launch timeline)
- Social Media Content Calendar for March (submitted 1 week late)
- Client presentation materials for Peterson Industries (submitted day-of meeting)
- Monthly analytics reports consistently 3-4 days late
2. Work Quality Issues
Several deliverables have required significant revisions:
- Email campaign for spring promotion contained 6 grammatical errors and incorrect pricing
- Blog posts required extensive editing for clarity and brand voice consistency
- Social media graphics did not adhere to brand guidelines (fonts, colors)
- Market research report lacked proper data validation and contained factual errors
3. Communication Gaps
Sarah has not proactively communicated challenges or requested assistance when falling behind on projects. This has resulted in last-minute scrambles and missed opportunities to provide support.
IMPACT ON TEAM AND BUSINESS
These performance issues have created several negative impacts:
- Increased workload for other team members who have covered missed deliverables
- Delayed client communications affecting relationship management
- Additional time required for review and revision cycles
- Potential damage to brand reputation due to quality inconsistencies
IMPROVEMENT EXPECTATIONS
Effective immediately, Sarah must demonstrate improvement in the following areas:
1. Deadline Management
- Meet 100% of agreed-upon deadlines over the next 90 days
- Implement project tracking system to monitor progress
- Communicate potential delays at least 48 hours in advance
2. Quality Standards
- All deliverables must undergo self-review checklist before submission
- Achieve 90% first-draft approval rate within 60 days
- Complete brand guidelines training and demonstrate proficiency
3. Proactive Communication
- Weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss project status and challenges
- Daily progress updates for high-priority projects
- Immediate escalation of any roadblocks or resource needs
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES PROVIDED
To support Sarah's improvement, the company will provide:
- Enrollment in time management and project planning workshop (scheduled for July 30)
- Access to Grammarly Premium for writing assistance
- Mentorship pairing with senior marketing specialist Tom Rodriguez
- Adjusted workload for next 30 days to focus on quality improvement
- Regular feedback sessions with immediate supervisor
NEXT STEPS AND TIMELINE
30-Day Check-in (August 15, 2024):
- Review progress on deadline adherence
- Assess quality improvements in completed work
- Discuss any challenges or additional support needs
60-Day Formal Review (September 15, 2024):
- Comprehensive evaluation of all improvement areas
- Decision on continuation of improvement plan or further action
- Goal setting for remainder of year
90-Day Final Assessment (October 15, 2024):
- Determine if performance standards are being met consistently
- Make decisions regarding continued employment or role modification
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this performance evaluation. I understand the performance concerns outlined above and the expectations for improvement. I also understand that failure to meet these improvement goals may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Employee Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
Manager Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
HR Representative: _________________________ Date: _____________
Prompt 2
Create a performance review for a sales representative who is not meeting quota and has poor customer relationship management. Focus on specific metrics, behavioral observations, and create a structured performance improvement plan. The tone should be professional but supportive, emphasizing growth opportunities. Include: current performance vs. targets, specific behavioral examples, customer feedback summary, detailed improvement plan with milestones, training recommendations, and success metrics. Employee: [Name], Territory: [Location], Quota: [Amount], Manager: [Your Name]
Example Output 2
SALES PERFORMANCE REVIEW & IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Employee: Michael Thompson
Position: Senior Sales Representative
Territory: Pacific Northwest Region
Review Period: January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Reporting Manager: Amanda Foster, Regional Sales Director
Date: July 18, 2024
CURRENT PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Quota Achievement:
- Annual Quota: $850,000
- YTD Target (50%): $425,000
- YTD Actual: $284,000 (67% of target)
- Performance Gap: $141,000 (33% below target)
Key Performance Metrics:
- New Client Acquisition: 4 (Target: 8)
- Average Deal Size: $23,667 (Target: $28,000)
- Sales Cycle Length: 127 days (Target: 90 days)
- Pipeline Value: $312,000 (Target: $500,000)
- Customer Retention Rate: 78% (Target: 85%)
BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATIONS AND CONCERNS
1. Customer Relationship Management
Several concerning patterns have emerged in Michael's customer interactions:
- Inconsistent follow-up with prospects (CRM data shows 15+ leads with no contact in 30+ days)
- Rushed presentations that don't adequately address client pain points
- Limited post-sale relationship building, contributing to lower retention rates
- Failure to identify upselling opportunities with existing accounts
2. Sales Process Adherence
- Incomplete needs assessment documentation in 60% of opportunities
- Inconsistent use of company sales methodology
- Tendency to discount pricing prematurely without exploring value justification
- Limited competitive intelligence gathering and analysis
3. Activity Management
- Below-target prospecting activity (45 calls/week vs. target of 75)
- Minimal networking and referral generation
- Poor time allocation between existing accounts and new business development
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK SUMMARY
Recent client surveys and direct feedback reveal:
- "Michael seemed rushed during our meetings and didn't fully understand our specific challenges" - Cascade Manufacturing
- "We felt pressured to make a quick decision without proper evaluation time" - Northwest Logistics
- "After the sale, communication dropped significantly" - Oregon Tech Solutions
- Positive feedback: "Knowledgeable about products and responsive to initial inquiries" - Multiple clients
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Objective: Achieve quota performance and improve customer relationship management within 120 days.
Phase 1 (Days 1-30): Foundation Building
- Complete CRM hygiene project: Update all prospect and customer records
- Enroll in "Strategic Selling Skills" training program
- Shadow top performer Jennifer Walsh for 3 client meetings
- Implement daily prospecting routine (minimum 15 calls/day)
- Weekly pipeline review meetings with manager
Target Metrics:
- 75+ prospecting calls per week
- 100% CRM data accuracy
- 5 new qualified opportunities added to pipeline
Phase 2 (Days 31-60): Process Implementation
- Apply new selling methodology to all active opportunities
- Conduct comprehensive needs assessments for top 10 prospects
- Develop account growth plans for 5 largest existing customers
- Participate in customer retention workshop
- Begin monthly customer check-in program
Target Metrics:
- Close 2 deals totaling $80,000+
- Achieve 95% sales process compliance
- Schedule upselling discussions with 3 existing accounts
Phase 3 (Days 61-90): Performance Acceleration
- Launch referral program with satisfied customers
- Implement competitive intelligence gathering process
- Focus on larger deal sizes through value-based selling
- Develop territory expansion strategy for untapped markets
Target Metrics:
- Monthly sales of $75,000+
- Average deal size increase to $26,000+
- Generate 3+ qualified referrals
Phase 4 (Days 91-120): Sustainable Excellence
- Maintain consistent performance above monthly targets
- Demonstrate improved customer satisfaction scores
- Show measurable improvement in retention rates
- Present territory growth plan for following year
Target Metrics:
- Achieve 100% of monthly quota
- Customer satisfaction score of 8.5+/10
- Pipeline value of $450,000+
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
The company will provide the following support:
- Sales training budget of $3,000 for courses and conferences
- Weekly coaching sessions with sales manager
- Access to sales enablement tools and competitive intelligence platform
- Mentorship with top-performing sales representative
- Marketing support for territory-specific campaigns
- Reduced administrative responsibilities for first 60 days
MILESTONE REVIEWS
30-Day Review (August 18, 2024):
- Assessment of activity improvements and process adoption
- Pipeline quality evaluation
- Adjustment of action plan if necessary
60-Day Review (September 18, 2024):
- Sales results analysis
- Customer feedback evaluation
- Determination of progress toward improvement goals
90-Day Review (October 18, 2024):
- Comprehensive performance assessment
- Decision on plan continuation or modification
120-Day Final Review (November 18, 2024):
- Final determination of improvement success
- Long-term employment and development decisions
CONSEQUENCES AND EXPECTATIONS
Michael must understand that consistent improvement is required to continue in this role. Failure to meet the benchmarks outlined in this plan may result in:
- Territory reassignment
- Role modification
- Additional performance management measures
- Termination of employment
SUCCESS COMMITMENT
We are committed to Michael's success and believe that with focused effort and the right support, he can return to quota-achieving performance. This plan represents a significant investment in his development and career growth.
Employee Acknowledgment: I have received, reviewed, and understand this Performance Improvement Plan. I commit to working diligently toward achieving these goals.
Employee Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
Manager Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
Prompt 3
Draft a performance review for a customer service representative with recurring attendance issues and inconsistent service quality. Create a professional document that addresses both problems while providing clear behavioral expectations and support mechanisms. Structure should include: attendance record analysis, service quality examples (both positive and negative), impact assessment, behavioral change requirements, attendance improvement plan, skill development opportunities, and monitoring schedule. Employee: [Name], Department: Customer Service, Review period: [Dates], Supervisor: [Your Name]
Example Output 3
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT REVIEW
Employee: David Kim
Position: Customer Service Representative II
Department: Customer Support Center
Employee ID: CS-2847
Review Period: March 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Immediate Supervisor: Lisa Rodriguez, Customer Service Manager
Review Date: September 5, 2024
REVIEW PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This performance review addresses significant concerns regarding David's attendance patterns and inconsistent service delivery quality. While David possesses strong product knowledge and demonstrates capability for excellent customer service, current performance issues require immediate attention and structured improvement.
ATTENDANCE RECORD ANALYSIS
Attendance Summary (March 1 - August 31, 2024):
- Total Scheduled Workdays: 130
- Unexcused Absences: 12 days
- Excused Absences: 8 days
- Late Arrivals (15+ minutes): 18 instances
- Early Departures: 6 instances
- Overall Attendance Rate: 78% (Company standard: 95%)
Specific Attendance Concerns:
- Pattern of Monday/Friday absences (8 out of 12 unexcused absences)
- Frequent late arrivals following weekend periods
- Last-minute notification of absences (less than 2 hours notice in 75% of cases)
- Inconsistent adherence to break and lunch schedules
Impact of Attendance Issues:
- Increased call queue wait times during peak periods
- Additional overtime costs for coverage ($2,400 in replacement wages)
- Disrupted team scheduling and workload distribution
- Customer complaints about delayed responses to tickets
SERVICE QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Positive Performance Examples:
- Successfully resolved complex billing dispute for Premier Account (Johnson Industries), saving $15,000 annual contract
- Received customer commendation for patient assistance with elderly customer's technical issues
- Demonstrated excellent product knowledge during software troubleshooting sessions
- Maintained calm demeanor during difficult customer escalations
Quality Concerns and Areas for Improvement:
Call Handling Inconsistencies:
- Average call resolution time: 8.2 minutes (Target: 6.5 minutes)
- First-call resolution rate: 72% (Target: 85%)
- Customer satisfaction scores ranging from 3.2 to 9.1 (inconsistent performance)
Specific Service Quality Issues:
- May 15: Customer complaint about rushed service and incomplete problem resolution
- June 3: Failed to follow up on promised callback, requiring manager intervention
- July 18: Provided incorrect billing information, requiring correction and apology
- August 12: Inappropriate tone during customer interaction regarding policy limitation
Documentation and Process Adherence:
- Incomplete ticket documentation in 35% of cases
- Inconsistent use of CRM system for call logging
- Failure to escalate appropriate issues to technical team
- Missing follow-up actions on 15% of customer commitments
IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Team Impact:
- Reduced team morale due to coverage burden
- Missed team meetings affecting information sharing
- Inconsistent customer handoffs affecting service continuity
Customer Impact:
- Delayed response times during peak coverage periods
- Inconsistent service experience affecting brand perception
- Unresolved issues requiring additional contacts
Business Impact:
- Increased operational costs due to overtime coverage
- Risk of customer satisfaction decline
- Potential impact on team performance metrics
BEHAVIORAL CHANGE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance Expectations:
- Achieve 95% attendance rate within 60 days
- Provide minimum 4-hour advance notice for any absence
- Arrive on time for all scheduled shifts
- Adhere strictly to break and lunch schedules
- No unexcused absences for remainder of review period
Service Quality Standards:
- Maintain customer satisfaction score of 8.0+ on all interactions
- Achieve first-call resolution rate of 82% within 90 days
- Complete comprehensive ticket documentation within 24 hours of call
- Respond to all customer follow-up commitments within promised timeframe
- Escalate technical issues appropriately within 10 minutes of identification
ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Week 1-2: Assessment and Planning
- Meet with Employee Assistance Program counselor to address any underlying issues
- Develop personal attendance tracking system
- Review and sign updated attendance policy acknowledgment
- Establish accountability partnership with team member
Week 3-8: Implementation and Monitoring
- Daily attendance check-ins with supervisor for first 30 days
- Weekly attendance review meetings
- Perfect attendance incentive eligibility (additional PTO day if achieved)
- Flexible start time option (8:00-8:30 AM) for 30-day trial period
Week 9-12: Sustainability and Assessment
- Bi-weekly monitoring meetings
- Final attendance performance evaluation
- Determination of long-term accommodations or consequences
SKILL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Training Initiatives:
- "Customer Service Excellence" workshop (September 20, 2024)
- CRM system advanced training session
- De-escalation techniques seminar
- Time management and organization skills course
Ongoing Development:
- Weekly coaching sessions with senior customer service representative
- Peer shadowing program with top-performing team members
- Monthly quality assurance review with constructive feedback
- Access to online customer service training library
MONITORING AND EVALUATION SCHEDULE
Weekly Check-ins (First 30 days):
- Attendance review and discussion of any challenges
- Quality score review and improvement feedback
- Address any support needs or obstacles
30-Day Formal Review (October 5, 2024):
- Comprehensive attendance analysis
- Customer satisfaction score evaluation
- Assessment of improvement progress
- Plan modification if necessary
60-Day Progress Review (November 5, 2024):
- Full performance metrics evaluation
- Customer feedback analysis
- Determination of continued improvement trajectory
90-Day Final Assessment (December 5, 2024):
- Complete performance evaluation against all improvement targets
- Decision on successful completion of improvement plan
- Long-term performance expectations and career development discussion
SUPPORT RESOURCES AVAILABLE
- Employee Assistance Program for personal support and counseling
- Flexible scheduling options during improvement period
- Mentorship pairing with successful team member
- Additional training budget allocation ($1,500)
- Regular feedback and coaching from supervisor
- Access to performance improvement tools and resources
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-IMPROVEMENT
Failing to meet the improvement targets outlined in this plan may result in:
- Formal disciplinary action including written warning
- Temporary suspension without pay
- Demotion to Customer Service Representative I
- Termination of employment
EXPECTATIONS MOVING FORWARD
David has the potential to be a valuable contributor to our customer service team. This improvement plan provides clear expectations, adequate support, and reasonable timelines for positive change. Success in this plan will demonstrate David's commitment to professional growth and customer service excellence.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT
By signing below, all parties acknowledge receipt and understanding of this performance improvement plan and commit to working together toward successful resolution of identified issues.
Employee Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
Supervisor Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
HR Representative Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
Prompting Tips
- Always include specific dates, metrics, and examples rather than vague generalizations to ensure documentation is legally defensible
- Balance criticism with recognition of strengths and potential to maintain employee dignity and motivation
- Create measurable, time-bound improvement goals that give employees a clear path to success
- Offer concrete support resources and training opportunities to demonstrate the company's investment in employee improvement