Performance-Values Matrix

The namesake of Chris’ website is the Performance-Values Matrix.

High-performance, values-aligned companies needs employees who are high performers (who contribute extensively to the accomplishment of organizational goals) and good corporate citizens (who behave in alignment with the stated values espoused by the organization). The Performance-Values Matrix describes the four possible combinations for all staff.

The goal is the green box [high performance and high values-match]. This person exceeds performance expectations and demonstrates declared values. Staff who live here need to be celebrated daily.

A person in the red box [low performance and low values-match] needs to be offered outplacement assistance. Staff who ‘live’ here do not belong in your organization.

Move staff towards the Green Box

Opportunities lie in moving employees towards the desired green box. A person in the blue box [low performance and high values-match] should be placed on a customized training and development plan, designed to increase their performance.

A person in the yellow box is a conundrum; do you keep the high performer, even if they don’t live your company’s values? The “yellow boxer” is your biggest challenge; leaving the high performer/poor citizen in the organization can poison the rest of your workforce!

Through direction, support, and monitoring, a “yellow boxer” can see the value (pun intended) of aligning their values with the organization’s values. If they don’t, you must offer them the same outplacement assistance as you would the “red boxers.”

Focus on Performance AND the Values-Match

Don’t fall into the trap of measuring, monitoring, and rewarding only performance. The values-match is vitally important! Learn more about Blanchard’s proven culture change process on Chris’s blog.