Grote Consulting Resources

Books to Help With Performance Appraisals

Forced Ranking: Making Performance Management Work

In this highly practical book, performance management expert Dick Grote demonstrates that forced ranking can be the antidote to the common problems of inflated ratings and flawed appraisal processes that many organizations encounter. While forced ranking has been the focus of debate and conflict, Grote dispels common misperceptions about the process and offers a clear-headed, convincing argument as to why forced ranking is a critical part of any robust performance appraisal system. Based on extensive research and thirty years of consulting with many of America’s best-managed organizations, Grote explains how to create a forced-ranking system that is fair, evenhanded, and effective. Readers will learn how to:

  • Determine how forced ranking can work within their organization’s culture
  • Make the right policy and procedure decisions
  • Communicate the process clearly to everyone involved
  • Discuss ranking results frankly with A, B, and C players
  • Ensure the legal defensibility of the system

Transforming a controversial management practice into a powerful leadership-development tool, Forced Ranking will help organizations and their employees reach new heights of performance success.

Who says Forced Ranking is worth reading?

“Grote makes a compelling case for integrating a forced ranking process into the overall performance management system. He demonstrates that managing performance without forced ranking is like trying to bake bread without the yeast — the bread will not rise.”

Tom Meeker President and CEO, Churchill Downs Incorporated

“Forced ranking is a powerful business tool that will help the human resources professional to navigate the business of performance management. Grote’s book is a must-read for those responsible for managing a workforce.”

Jordan Cowman Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP