[JamesVI]

Stack ranking is a terrible way to measure performance. If managers can’t figure out how to objectively measure performance using tools like skill matrices then they are just bad managers.

I’ve left companies because they used stack ranking. When I’ve been in a position of authority I’ve crushed any attempt to introduce stack ranking (or “calibration” or any other variant).

First line managers should be able to determine if an individual is performing at, below, or above expectations on their own merits. If they can’t you should fire the second line manager for failing to train the first line manager.

Jack Welch introduced stack ranking as a way to force managers to terminate poor performers who were being kept around too long. That’s a distinct issue (under empowered or gutless managers) that should (again) be fixed by training and holding managers accountable.