In 2006, after attending the executive education program formerly known as Birthing of Giants – the Entrepreneurial Masters’ Program (EMP) – EO Philadelphia member John Ratliff implemented the Topgrading candidate evaluation process taught by speaker Geoff Smart. Read on as John shares the positive changes he has seen since implementing his own Topgrading process.

My company, Appletree Answering Services, Inc., underwent a total Topgrading process starting late last summer. If I had to Topgrade myself, I would have had to fire me— but that’s a separate issue altogether!

Topgrading Training essentially teaches CEOs like me how to evaluate job candidates for key positions. It also teaches us how to coach our own key executives to maximize their career success. Through intensive feedback and action planning, Topgrading helps to improve skills related to hiring, coaching and keeping top talent.

We started at the supervisor level up, with the intention to add in the front line soon thereafter.  Since we started the process, our management team has experienced an incredible transformation, both with existing employees and new hires. The management team took a good look in the mirror and started to evaluate themselves under the same microscope, and the results were astounding.

Our ability to hire quality managers increased tenfold. It also showed prospective “A” players that we were serious. In two cases, it made the difference in the candidates selecting our company over another.

Today, every single manager is Topgraded and practices Topgrading, but more importantly we have taken it to the front line. Each month, we give a Topgrading score to every front line employee. We then track it month to month and compare it to their performance numbers and compensation. I get an instant color-coded snapshot of where the problems are and what needs to be addressed.

Topgrading is a tough process – especially the intense interview process – but the benefits are outstanding. I highly recommend it!