Resources · Topic 3 of 4
What is talent development?
By RISE Business Framework · Created by Gary Harper and Brandon McCurdy · Reviewed
Talent development is the ongoing work of attracting, onboarding, growing and recognizing people. RISE runs it as a cycle: Recruit & Attract, Hire & Onboard, Develop & Evaluate, and Encourage & Recognize. The 9-Box, which plots potential against performance, ties the cycle together with a prescribed action and a budget for every box.
Key takeaways
- Score your opportunity 1-3 on ten factors, from Challenge to Brand.
- Place every team member on the 9-Box by potential and performance.
- Each box has a prescribed action, from promote them to move on.
- A $100 budget grid shows how to split development spend across the 9-Box.
Talent Development in the RISE Business Framework
Talent Development is the third topic in the Resources quadrant. It covers the full path from attracting a candidate to recognizing a proven team member.
RISE uses the same 9-Box grid three times. First to name where someone sits, then to prescribe an action, then to allocate development dollars. Potential runs up the side and performance runs across the bottom.
Why talent development matters
Without a structured program, development happens by accident. Strong people get the same attention as struggling ones, and your best talent leaves for a clearer path.
Without an honest view of your opportunity, you compete for candidates on salary alone. You also can't see why good people choose other companies over yours.
“Skill development is the bridge between potential and performance.”Gary Harper
The 4 tools of Talent Development
1 of 4
Recruit & Attract
Score how your opportunity compares on ten factors, then write action items to attract better candidates.
2 of 4
Hire & Onboard
Use the 9-Box to name where a candidate or team member sits on potential and performance.
3 of 4
Develop & Evaluate
Apply the prescribed action for each 9-Box, from promote them to conduct a PIP to move on.
4 of 4
Encourage & Recognize
Split a $100 development budget across the 9-Box so investment follows potential and performance.
How to build talent development with RISE
- 1
Score your opportunity
Pick a position of need. Score it 1-3 against similar positions on ten factors, then write action items.
- 2
Place people on the 9-Box
Rate each candidate or team member 1-3 on potential and on performance. Name the box they land in.
- 3
Act on each box
Apply the prescribed action, such as invest in them, coach them or conduct a PIP.
- 4
Allocate development spend
Use the $100 grid to split development dollars and attention. Compare it to what you actually spend.
- 5
Repeat on a regular rhythm
Re-score people as they grow. Move them between boxes and adjust actions and budget.
Quick self-check
“We have a structured, ongoing program for developing team members after they are hired.”
AI RISE Coach
Place your team on the 9-Box with the AI RISE Coach
“Help me place each person on my team on the 9-Box and tell me the action for each box.”
Frequently asked questions
What is a talent development program?
It is a structured, ongoing plan for growing people after they are hired. RISE runs it as four stages: Recruit & Attract, Hire & Onboard, Develop & Evaluate, and Encourage & Recognize.
What is the 9-Box model?
The 9-Box is a 3x3 grid that plots potential against performance. In RISE each box has a name, such as Star or Core Player, and a prescribed action.
How do you develop employees in a small business?
Place each person on the 9-Box, apply the action for their box, and weight your investment toward high potential and high performance. RISE gives the Star the largest share of a $100 development budget.
Related in RISE
- Talent Optimization (Resources)
- Finance (Resources)
- Culture (Inspiration)
- Branding (Engagement)
- The Resources quadrant
Further reading
- Understanding Employee Onboarding toolkit (SHRM)
- Talent Management topic hub (Harvard Business Review)
- Gallup Workplace (Gallup)
