BEM: the six causes of performance
Step 1 / 3·Gilbert's six cells
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Grasp the 6 cells of the Behavior Engineering Model
- Distinguish environmental from individual causes
- Understand why to examine the environment first
Gilbert's six cells
Have a complete map of performance causes.
Thomas Gilbert — the 'father of performance improvement' — created the Behavior Engineering Model (BEM): performance depends on 6 factors in two groups. ENVIRONMENT (created by the organization) and INDIVIDUAL (belonging to the performer). Only ONE of the six cells is 'skill/knowledge' — the one training solves.
Behavior Engineering Model (BEM)
| Group | Factor | Diagnostic question |
|---|---|---|
| ENVIRONMENT | 1. Information / expectations | Do they know what to do, the standard, do they get feedback? |
| ENVIRONMENT | 2. Tools / resources | Do they have enough tools, time, process to do it? |
| ENVIRONMENT | 3. Incentives / consequences | Is doing right recognized? Doing wrong has consequences? Is there motivation? |
| INDIVIDUAL | 4. Knowledge / SKILL | Do they know HOW to do it? ← training solves this cell |
| INDIVIDUAL | 5. Capacity / aptitude | Do they have the aptitude for the role? (hiring/placement) |
| INDIVIDUAL | 6. Individual motives | Do they want to do it, does it fit their values/desires? |
A shocking number
Gilbert's research showed most performance gaps stem from the ENVIRONMENT (information, tools, incentives) — not from a skill gap. Yet the organization's first reflex is always 'run a training course'. That's why performance consulting matters.
Key takeaway: BEM 6 cells: 3 environment (information, tools, incentives) + 3 individual (skill, aptitude, motives); only 1 is training.