What is a 9 Box Grid Template?
A 9 Box Grid template is a pre-designed tool used to assess and visualize employee performance and potential across nine distinct categories. The grid is divided into a 3x3 matrix, where the X-axis represents employee performance (from low to high), and the Y-axis represents potential (from low to high). This template is frequently used in HR and talent management to identify future leaders, support employee development, and make decisions about promotions, training, and retention. The ready-made 9 Box Grid template simplifies the process by providing a structured layout that allows you to categorize employees quickly and strategically.
How to Use a 9 Box Grid Template in Creately?
Click on the “Edit this Template” button of this 9 Box Grid template to start. You can also go to the Templates section in the Creately App, type “9 Box Grid” into the search bar and select Use Template or Add to Workspace to open and customize your 9 Box Grid.
The 9 Box Grid template is structured into a 3x3 grid, assessing Performance (vertical axis) and Potential (horizontal axis) of employees. Each box represents a combination, such as High Potential, High Performance or Low Potential, Low Performance. Use the 9 Box Grid template’s default layout or adjust it to match your organization’s specific evaluation needs.
Double-click on each box in the grid to add employee names, roles, or IDs based on their performance and potential ratings. Alternatively, drag a Text Box or Sticky Note from the Shape Library and place it into the relevant grid box to label employees.
To make the assessment clear, use the Format Toolbar to apply color codes to each box:
- Green for high-performing, high-potential employees.
- Yellow for medium performance or potential.
- Red for low-performing, low-potential individuals. This color-coding helps to visually distinguish levels of performance and potential at a glance.
For each employee or group within the grid, drag a Sticky Note to the relevant box and type in development recommendations, like “Invest in Leadership Training” for high-potential employees or “Consider Alternative Roles” for low-performance areas. This helps align the assessment with actionable steps.
Use the Share button to invite team members, HR, or management to review the 9 Box Grid. They can use the Add Comment feature to provide feedback directly on specific employees or groups. Team members can also suggest additional development actions for each box in the grid.
After receiving feedback, make any necessary changes to your grid. Ensure each employee has been accurately assessed and assigned actionable recommendations. Use the Layout and Align tools in Creately to organize text boxes and notes for a clear, professional layout.
When your 9 Box Grid is complete, click the Export button to save it in formats like JPEG, PNG, SVG, or PDF. This makes it easy to share in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or to create high-quality printouts for HR presentations and performance reviews.
By following these steps, you can effectively create and use a 9 Box Grid Template in Creately to assess employee performance and potential, facilitating strategic talent development and management decisions.
