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How can I enable AI-based 9-box grid placement suggestions?

Enhance reviews with AI-assisted 9-box grid suggestions for accurate and informed performance evaluations.

Written by Myka

This feature supports reviewers in making clear, well-informed decisions for their direct reports. It brings together performance data, average ratings, and review feedback to suggest the most appropriate options. This helps simplify the review process while improving accuracy and consistency.

Where the reviewer sees it: in the Review Result Section of the review.

By enabling this feature, reviewers can receive intelligent suggestions, making the evaluation process more meaningful and efficient.


What it does / doesn’t do

AI 9‑Box Suggestions help reviewers choose a placement faster.

  • Does: analyzes the info available in the review context (ratings + written feedback + performance-related signals) and recommends a 9‑box placement.

  • Does not: auto-submit, override the reviewer, or change employee data. The reviewer can always select a different box.

AI Checks the following inputs:

  1. Ratings captured in the review (e.g., competency/goal ratings, question ratings - whatever is present in the template)

  2. Average rating(s) calculated from those review ratings

  3. Written feedback inside the review (free-text responses/comments provided in the review)

Inputs NOT used

The suggestion doesn’t pull from:

  • Teams chats/emails/files

  • Microsoft Graph data outside the review

  • Private 1:1 notes

  • Other review cycles (unless explicitly mentioned in the review)


How to Enable AI-Assisted 9-Box Grid Suggestions

Follow these steps to enable the AI-assisted 9-box grid suggestions:

Step 1: Navigate to the Admin Center

Step 2: Access Review Templates

  • Click on Reviews on the Modules menu.

  • Select Review Templates.

Step 3: Configure the Review Result Section

  • Go to the Review Result Section.

Step 4: Enable the 9-Box Grid

  • Turn on the 9-box grid option.

Step 5: Enable AI-Assisted Suggestions

  • Enable the Show AI-assisted 9-box suggestion setting.

By following these steps, you can take advantage of the new AI-assisted feature, enhancing the overall evaluation process for your team.


FAQ

  1. Can reviewers ignore the suggestion? Yes - manual placement is always possible.

  2. Does the AI auto-save a placement? No; it only recommends.

  3. Is the suggestion visible to employees? Depends on the review template configuration. Admins can select if the placement is visible to the employee or not.

  4. Does it use data outside the review? No.

  5. Why do two reviewers get different suggestions? Because their ratings/comments differ.

  6. How do we improve suggestion quality? Encourage consistent rating completion + meaningful written feedback.


Use Cases for AI-Assisted 9-Box Grid Suggestions

The AI-assisted 9-box grid suggestion feature can greatly enhance the performance review process. Here are some practical use cases:

1. Performance Reviews

Managers use the 9-box grid to assess team members' performance and potential. AI suggestions ensure fair, accurate, and informed evaluations.

2. Succession Planning

HR identifies high-potential employees for future leadership. AI highlights strong performers with growth potential to support planning.

3. Development Planning

Managers spot strengths and improvement areas for employee growth. AI guides tailored development plans and training programs.

4. Team Restructuring

Leaders realign roles during departmental changes. AI ensures data-driven assignments, placing the right people in the right roles.

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