{"id":59626,"date":"2021-11-12T11:15:55","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T09:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/?p=59626"},"modified":"2025-09-23T15:39:33","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:39:33","slug":"9-box","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/factorialhr.com\/blog\/9-box\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Box Grid Explained: Free Employee Evaluation Template"},"content":{"rendered":"

The way we measure employee performance is changing. Instead of focusing on employee behaviour, companies must evaluate employee based outcomes with clear performance metrics. As a result, Tools like the <\/span>9 box grid<\/b> help you and your team with <\/span>talent mapping<\/b> and <\/span>performance evaluation<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the 9 box for talent review is easy. Try it for yourself after reading this article! Download our free template<\/strong> at the bottom of this page to get started.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we will explain what the 9 box is and how it can be used as part of your <\/span>performance management<\/span> process. We will also discuss the pros and cons of conducting a 9 box assessment to help you decide if it is the right tool for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"9<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What is the 9 box in talent management?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The 9 box grid is a talent management and evaluation tool that can help you review employee performance and identify areas for growth and improvement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

McKinsey developed this assessment method in the 1970s to help General Electric prioritize investments across its 150 business units. The McKinsey 9 box talent matrix has evolved since then into an <\/span>HR management tool used to measure two factors: performance and potential<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

9 box for succession planning<\/h3>\n

The 9 box grid is a valuable tool for succession planning, particularly in identifying and developing talent for leadership. By assessing employees based on both their performance and potential, the grid helps pinpoint individuals who are not only excelling in their current roles but also have the capacity to take on more significant responsibilities in the future.<\/p>\n

In succession planning, the focus is often on identifying and nurturing “stars” \u2013 those employees who score high in both performance and potential<\/strong>. These stars represent the future leaders who will drive the organization forward.<\/p>\n

The 9 box grid serves as a visual representation of the organization’s talent pipeline, mapping out critical roles and identifying top employees who are well-suited to fill these positions. When vacancies arise<\/strong> in key roles, organizations can refer to the grid to quickly identify potential successors, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.<\/p>\n

Developing talent with 9 box<\/h4>\n

Once identified, these high-potential employees can be developed for more senior leadership positions within the organization through targeted development plans<\/a>. This may include participation in leadership development programs, one-on-one coaching sessions<\/a>, mentorship opportunities, regular feedback mechanisms such as 360-degree reviews<\/a>, and other tailored development initiatives aimed at maximizing their leadership capabilities.<\/p>\n

The 9 box grid is an indispensable tool for succession planning, enabling organizations to proactively identify, nurture, and deploy their leadership talent to drive long-term success and resilience.<\/p>\n