Inspiration › Culture · 2 of 4
Position Affirmation
By RISE Business Framework · Created by Gary Harper and Brandon McCurdy · Reviewed
Position affirmation is confirming each person is in a role where they can succeed. RISE uses a 9-Box with performance on the horizontal axis and potential on the vertical axis. Each box has a label and a prescribed action. A Star gets promoted, while an Up & Out Grinder gets a PIP.
How RISE does it
- Performance runs left to right from one to three. Potential runs bottom to top from one to three.
- High potential and high performance is a Star: promote them.
- Two boxes call for a PIP, a performance improvement plan.
- A Work Horse performs well with low potential: maintain.
Position Affirmation is one of four tools in Culture, part of the Inspiration quadrant of the RISE Business Framework.
The RISE tool
Position Affirmation 9-Box: performance x potential
Rows are potential (three is highest). Columns are performance.
| Potential \ Performance | One | Two | Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three | Idle Genius: set expectations | High Potential: invest in them | Star: promote them |
| Two | Up or Out Dilemma: conduct a PIP | Core Players: coach them | High Performer: inspire them |
| One | Bad Hire: move on | Up & Out Grinder: conduct a PIP | Work Horse: maintain |
PIP = performance improvement plan.
“By utilizing tools like the 9-Box in talent optimization, businesses can foster a culture where everyone feels valued, understood, and perfectly positioned.”Gary Harper
AI RISE Coach
Work through Position Affirmation with the AI RISE Coach
“Walk me through Position Affirmation in the RISE Business Framework and help me apply it to my business.”
Quick self-check
“We have a distinct company culture that keeps our team members engaged and inspired.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the performance and potential 9-Box?
It is a 3x3 grid that rates each person on current performance and future potential. In RISE, each box carries a prescribed action.
How do I know if an employee is in the right role?
Plot them on performance and potential. Position Affirmation is about setting every team member up in a role that allows them to shine.
The other tools in Culture
- People AffirmationA 9-Box that plots each team member on trust and alignment, with a prescribed action for every box.
- Goal AffirmationSet the revenue goal needed to fulfill your purpose, then test it with four questions.
- Mission AffirmationConnect personal and company purpose with six WE BELIEVE statements and a Key Purpose Indicator sentence.
Related in another quadrant: Talent Optimization
