The 9-Box Method in Talent Management

Modified on Wed, 17 Apr 2024 at 04:22 PM

What is 9-Box Grid in Performance Management

Imagine you have a map that not only shows where your employees are but also points to where they could go. That’s the 9-box method for you in the world of HR. It’s a straightforward yet powerful tool used by companies to assess their team members’ current performance against their potential for growth. The 9-Box method is mainly utilised for talent management, offering a clear framework to gauge and guide an employee’s journey.

Why the 9-Box Grid Matters

The 9-box grid is essential for a few very important reasons:

  • Spotlights Future Leaders: It helps you pick out who’s ready for a step up, ensuring you’re prepping the next generation of leaders.
  • Highlights Development Needs: The grid can show who might benefit from extra training, so everyone gets the chance to shine.
  • Encourages Career Pathing: For employees, it’s a road map for growth. It shows them clear routes they can take within the company.
  • Balances the Present with the Future: It ensures you're not just rewarding past performance but also investing in potential.


9-Box Method in Keka

If you have potential rating enabled then you will be able to see 9-Box Method. However, if potential ratings are not part of your current strategy, you can still rely on the Bell Curve analysis to calibrate performance ratings fairly.

Keka HR simplifies 9 Box process and embeds it into your performance review workflow:

  • Assessment & Placement: After the review ratings are completed the system automatically will assign the 9 box grid to the employee whether they fall in the rough diamond or future star. You can access 9 box analysis by clicking on the icon next to the departmental break down.


  • Visual Overview: With Keka’s user-friendly interface, you get a visual snapshot of where everyone lands on the grid, making it easy to digest and act on.

  • Customization: You can change the grid to fit your company’s language and culture, so it feels like a natural part of your review process. To edit or update bands click on 'View' bands in review analysis step.


To know more about how calibration happens after setting up 9-Box, please go through our article Calibration in Performance Reviews


Using the 9-box method with Keka HR turns a complex assessment process into a simple, clear, and strategic exercise. It’s about getting the full value out of your reviews and making sure your team knows there’s a path forward for them. With Keka, the 9-box grid becomes less of an HR task and more of a growth engine for your company.

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