JD's Journal
JD's Journal
John 'jd' Dwyer
Beyond the Bell Curve
33 minutes Posted Aug 25, 2025 at 6:00 am.
Introduction to Performance Management
Origins of the Vitality Curve
Netflix's Keeper Test Approach
Criticisms and Biases in Performance Models
GE's Evolution Beyond Rankings
NextJump's Revolutionary No-Firing Policy
Comparing Models and Their Impact
Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
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Show notes
Performance management frameworks shape organizational culture in profound ways. Looking beyond traditional models, this episode dives deep into the evolution of how companies evaluate, develop, and sometimes dismiss their talent. We begin by examining two competing philosophies: the belief that shedding low performers naturally improves an organization versus the conviction that every employee can contribute effectively in the right circumstances. Jack Welch's famous "vitality curve" at Gen...