Because employees possess varying degrees performance and potential, you should assess your employees across both dimensions.

☛ High performance or high potential:

1. Regularly exceeds expectations

2. Lacks skills for success at higher level

3. Sets standard of excellence in role

4. Model leadership candidate

☛ Low performance or low potential:

1. Little-to-no aptitude

2. Weak, unsatisfactory performance

3. Above-average aptitude

4. Inconsistent performance

After you have determined which quadrant an employee falls under, you can develop a plan for employee development. Each of these categories requires a specific approach when it comes to discussing development opportunities.