A Succession Planning Process for Identifying Project Managers

The 9Box Grid is a proven tool most human resource professionals use in today’s market to help identify employee performance and potential. The Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) explains that the 9Box Grid is a simple table graph that rates “potential” on the y-axis and “performance” on the x-axis. The SHRM further explains that the 9Box Grid allows managers to easily view employees’ actual and potential performance. Individuals in the uppermost right are deemed high-potential candidates, while individuals in the lower left are considered to be “at-risk.” (See Figure 4.)

To implement the 9Box Grid, one needs to consider several key steps before assigning in which quadrant an employee should reside:

• Performance History – Supervisors should obtain the employee’s past performance appraisals to identify the employee’s performance trend. Typically, appraisals over a three- to five-year period should suffice. Look for scores that show the ability to maintain an “exceed expectations” score over a period of time.
   
• Impact on Others – Obtain observations of the employee from clients (internal and external), peers, subordinates, and others that work closely with him or her. This information can be acquired by completing a standard 360-degree appraisal. Look for feedback that shows a positive impact and the ability to maintain productive relationships at all levels.
   
• Potential – Potential incorporates various skills and attributes of an employee that will lead to high performance in a new job position. Potential can be measured by the employee’s ability to learn and commitment to improving his or her skills through continual development and training. Superiors can also look for the attributes that will be required if the employee is to fill the current vacancy. In the case of PMs, companies can implement the RT-325 interview questions to identify high-potential traits.