The 9 Performance Grid is a tool used to evaluate and categorize employees based on their performance and potential. It provides a visual representation that helps organizations make informed decisions regarding talent management, promotions, and development plans.

The grid consists of two axes: the X-axis represents an employee’s current performance, while the Y-axis indicates their potential for future growth. These two factors combined allow leaders to identify where each employee stands in terms of contributions and advancement opportunities.

The goal of the 9 Performance Grid is to align an organization’s talent with strategic objectives by identifying top performers, underperformers, and those with potential for growth.

Employees are generally categorized into three distinct groups:

  • High Performers with high potential
  • Solid performers with moderate potential
  • Underperformers with low potential

The grid is divided into nine segments:

Performance Potential
Low Low
Low Medium
Low High
Medium Low
Medium Medium
Medium High
High Low
High Medium
High High