Recap - Step 3: Assess Workforce Talent

This step builds a shared, structured understanding of current talent within the organization. Leadership teams identify employees to include in the talent pool, review available performance and potential evidence, and engage in a facilitated Talent Pool Review using the 9-Box Grid. 

The process supports more consistent and transparent decision-making by grounding discussions in shared criteria rather than informal impressions. 

By completing Step 3, your organization now has: 

  • An identified talent pool of employees included in succession planning discussions  

  • A collection of "performance and potential" evidence used to inform decision-making  

  • A completed 9-Box Grid reflecting initial placements of employees across performance and potential levels  

  • A shared understanding among leaders of current workforce capacity and bench strength  

  • Documentation of development needs and readiness considerations across the talent pool  

This work provides a foundation for the next phase of succession planning. In Step 4, leaders will use the 9-Box Grid and earlier outputs to confirm talent categories, assess readiness levels, and begin identifying potential successors. Step 5 will translate these insights into targeted development actions and plans.