Why You Need to Use the 9 Box Matrix

Most Organisations are managed for Mediocrity. Don’t take my word for it though, check out the research by Keller and Price from McKinsey who share my view.1

Now that’s a BIG statement but as you are finishing collating, analysing and reporting on this half-year’s Performance Appraisal results you may just be starting to nod your head in agreement.

Just how many average performers have you got?

The Nine Box Grid System

Of course, you can always lower the performance bar and then even the most deleterious can look a bit good, but I wouldn’t suggest that as a strategy!

Standardising performance management

A very common problem is a disparity in how people are rated by their managers. Often the underlying cause is that there is no mandated organisation wide performance grading system such as the 9 box grid shown in the following diagram.2

The 9-Box Grid or Matrix system focuses on developing a matrix to standardise the measurement of performance versus potential.
By dividing up the measurement of current performance and future estimated potential into realisitc expectations you can then assign values to those expectations and come to a final conclusion.
The idea is that you need to ascertain whether the team member needs to be observed, developed, or pushed (stretched) to achieve better results.
 

Performance versus Potential

Performance is based on the current job. This is the extent to which the team member delivers functiona results, demonstrates core compentencies and acts in line with the company’s core values.

Potential is the ability to undertake increasingly broad or advanced accountabilites as the business needs during the next 12 – 18 months.

9-Box Matrix for measuring performance

Barriers to a great performance management system

In addition to the disparity in treatment of team member performance by their managers, a lack of mandated, standard and universally applied KPIs is also a major underlying cause. KPIs can vary wildly from manager to manager and across departments.

Both of these factors contribute to compromised performance data being generated from the performance management system.

The problems with adage “If you can’t measure it you can’t manage it” starts when the integrity of the measures is compromised.

But as you are reviewing your current results (you are doing a system review aren’t you?), you may consider introducing a 9 box grid3 into your system that measures performance and potential.
This will help bring your KPIs and performance expectations into line across the board and foster positive working relationships (and hopefully – productivity!).
 

Learn how to implement the 9 Box Grid

If you’re looking to get confident with your performance management system, upskill with the College for Adult Learning’s nationally accredited Project Management or HR Management Diploma. You’ll learn how to implement the 9 box model, review, update and evaluate your current performance management system, develop agreed and mandated KPIs and train managers and supervisors to provide meaningful input and feedback into the performance review system.