A Nine-Box matrix is typically used in succession planning to plot the potential of an employee to move up in the organization on one axis and performance ratings on the other axis.  This allows you to compare, contrast, and desk check that you are considering as many individuals as possible for succession plans.

But, why should we stop there?  Aquire is implementing some great creative usage in the 9 box to help solve many business and talent-driven decisions.  I bet you would love to see performance rating on one axis and the scale of salary or raise % within a 9 box.  It allows people to fall directly into the 9 box and you can see the outliers during your bonus planning.  It is very powerful. read more »

Lately, there has been a lot of talk  about how the recruiting department is a critical location to focus your brand and culture training.  But what about your purchasing department?  Are they damaging your brand?  Here are a few examples of bad corporate citizenship displayed by purchasing departments recently.  They seriously tarnish their corporate reputation. read more »

When you present your processes and ideas that are best practices or that have the potential to be repeatable best practices, you are likely to get some professional respect and a lot more open ears listening. People are always looking for new ideas that have yielded good results and can be used and adapted for their needs. But what really makes something a ‘best practice’? read more »