9 Box Grid

The 9 box grid is a well-known talent management tool in which employees are segmented into nine groups based on two dimensions – performance and potential. The purpose of this matrix is to closely align talent management and development initiatives to where they add the most value.

When making talent management decisions, it is important to consider two things, which will impact the organization’s success. First, how well the employees perform today – their performance – and second, how well they are likely to perform in the future – their growth potential – in line with what the organization wants to achieve. 

For example, employees who do well in their roles but have little growth potential are likely to consistently contribute within their positions. High-performing employees who have great potential are expected to take on more complex roles in the future or be potential successors.

However, low-performing employees with low potential will require a lot of management attention and are unlikely to move into succession pipelines. These different segments of employees require different talent management approaches.