The document discusses the 9-box model for classifying employees based on their performance and potential. The 9-box model assesses individuals on two dimensions: performance and potential. It places employees into nine categories within a grid based on their demonstrated performance and long-term potential. The categories range from "take action" for low performers to "consistent star" for top performers with highest potential. The model is meant to help identify high potentials, guide development plans, and consistently evaluate talent within an organization.

1. ADOPTING THE 9 BOX MODEL®
FOR CLASSIFYING PEOPLE IN
ORGANIZATIONS
Anand Kumar
Director
SurgeForth Technologies
The Talent Management Company

2. ABOUT THE 9-BOX MODEL
• It is simply a tool within the overall people review
process that helps to (more deliberately) identify, high
potentials, high professionals, and those moving towards
those two categories
• Assesses people on two dimensions – performance and
potential
• Drive accelerated development based upon assessment
within the matrix
• Its about accurately assessing individuals so that
development plans appropriately match individuals
• Provides a consistent approach to calibrating potential
• Should be reassessed annually

3. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance

4. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Take Action
Long-Term Potential Agility
DemonstratedPerformance
Take Action/Lower Performer:
Is not delivering results as expected and cannot
effectively adapt to new and different
situations. This is the least-valued cell in terms
of ROI. Occupants of this cell may require
performance action.
Possible Action:
Probably need to take some action, remove from
the organization, or find a role that better suits
his or her skill set.

5. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Solid Performers
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Solid Performers:
Consistently meets and may occasionally
exceed expectations. Knows current job well.
Does not effectively adapt to new situations.
Has a narrow bandwidth in terms of
professional interests.
Possible Action:
Keep in similar type of function or technology
role

6. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Inconsistent
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Inconsistent Performer:
Has some potential to do more but has not yet
fully demonstrated it. Is not meeting
performance standards applied to others in the
organization and, as a result, is struggling. May
be new to the job or to the company. May be in
the wrong job or function.
Possible Action:
Careful next assignment to increase
performance and some learning enhancement
work to improve potential. Consider more time
in role to further evaluate.

7. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – High Pro
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
High Pro:
Consistently produces exceptional results and high
performance ratings in a defined but focused area. Knows
current job extremely well. Does not always easily adapt
to new situations, particularly those outside of his/her
functional area. Cell occupants are very valuable to the
organization. May be promotable within similar level roles
Possible Action:
Help keep current in specialty and have a development and
retention plan. Consider as a Key Contributor to mentor and
coach others

8. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Utility Player
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Utility Player (Key Performer):
Meets the expectations of the role. Understands and knows
the current job well and enhances skills for their current
job as well as the near-term future. Can adapt to new
situations and challenges as necessary. Comfortably
assumes new jobs and roles and performs well in them in
time. Probably promotable a level vertically or could move
laterally within the organization.
Possible Action:
Use in temporary and key positions until a Utility Pro,
Future Star or Consistent Star role becomes available.
Have the person work on a learning enhancement plan to
try to move over to a Future Star or develop deeper skill
and knowledge in his or her field to move to a Utility Pro.

9. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Rough Diamond
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Rough Diamond:
Occupants of Cell 6 are truly High Potential. Most would
agree that they have the potential to perform and do great
things for the organization. They have potential, but as the
word suggests, the actual playing out of the potential is in the
future. They have either not had sufficient time or
opportunities to demonstrate what they can do or have been
inconsistent in the past. Some may have had one or more
significant stumbles recently but people still think they have
the potential to break out and be a significant contributor.
May be in the wrong job or a poor fit for the current situation.
Possible Action:
Place next in a very developmental job and keep in role
longer than usual so he/she can increase along the
performance dimension and become a Future Star.

10. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Utility Pro
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Utility Pro:
Consistently produces exceptional results and receives high
performance ratings. Is particularly good in one or more
areas like businesses, geographies, functions, or specialized
skills. Can adapt to new situations and learn new areas.
May be promotable in multiple functional/technical areas
or general management.
Possible Action:
Place in mission critical jobs and see if you can interest the
person in working on a learning enhancement plan to move
to a 9. Apply a development and retention plan so the
person has no reason to leave the organization.

11. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Future Star
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Future Star:
Consistently meets and sometimes exceeds
expectations and has the capacity to take on new
and different challenges on a consistent basis.
Addresses new challenges and issues with ease.
Quickly gets up to speed when taking on a new
assignment. Has the potential to make career
changes into different situations.
Possible Action:
Continue to move through diverse developmental
assignments and apply a retention plan to make
sure the person stays with the organization.

12. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model – Consistent Star
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance
Consistent Star:
The best there is and the best you have. They are typically
in short supply but in high demand. Performs well in
almost everything they take on. Learns fast. Transfers
learning from one area to another. Resourceful. Gets
things done under tight deadlines and resources. Has the
ability to take on major stretch assignments in new areas
with promotions and lateral movement into just about any
situation.
Possible Action:
Apply a development and retention plan and continue to
challenge with a succession of diverse assignments.

13. Rough DiamondInconsistentTake Action
Future StarUtility PlayerSolid Performers
Consistent StarUtility ProHigh Pro
The 9-Box Model
Long-Term Potential
DemonstratedPerformance

14. Thank you