HR / Free editable template

9-box talent grid template

A 9-box grid places each person by current performance and future potential so a review group can discuss development and succession together. This example labels all nine cells, places ten employees as sticky notes and adds the questions to ask in calibration and a typical next step for each box.

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9-box talent grid example showing performance and potential axes, nine labelled cells with employee notes, calibration questions and next steps
Everything in this example is editable. Replace the labels, move the shapes and adapt the layout to your work.

How to use this template

  1. Agree what the axes mean

    Write down the evidence for performance, such as the last review rating, and the behaviours that signal potential. Without shared definitions, each manager places people by instinct and the grid reflects opinions rather than evidence.

  2. Place people before the meeting

    Ask each manager to move their team onto the grid in advance. The meeting can then focus on placements that others question instead of filling in boxes one by one.

  3. Record an action for each box

    Use the next-step panel to agree what happens after the session. A placement with no development action, stretch role or support plan changes nothing for the employee.

Questions about this template

Can I move employee notes between boxes?

Yes. Drag each sticky note to the cell agreed in the calibration discussion, and rename the cells if your talent review uses different labels.

Do I need an account to use it?

No. Open the template and edit it in your browser. Your work saves on this device. An account is optional if you want to sync your workspace.

Can I export the finished diagram?

Yes. Use Export in the editor to save a PNG, SVG or PDF, or download an editable .epicdraw backup.

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