Performance gauge: software optimizes workplace talent.

• Author: Beck, Cathie
• Position: High Tech Coloradobiz

TEAH BENNETT'S I*LEVEL INC. SOFTWARE is based on two famous theories on motivation, but the idea for the product derives from personal experience, not theory. Englewood-based I*LEVEL offers a software suite that allows CEOs and managers to assess employee performance and, when necessary, recommend corrective actions.

Bennett also owns IT Jazz, an executive search and outsourcing company. She founded I*LEVEL Inc. in 2002, and developed its software product based upon "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" and "Hertzberg's Theory" on motivation.

"Those principles speak to basic human needs," says Bennett. "How those principles manifest in the work environment fuels the backbone of the I*LEVEL product.

"Because we were building a product for all employees, we looked at the core of how to meet those needs," Bennett adds. "Then we bundled statistics and analysis into our database to correlate not just the employee feedback to those principles, but how to react to that and what to do about it. Statisticians, operations researchers, psychologists and psychometricians all fed into the process as well--that's a lot of years of investment by a lot of 'human capital' experts. Getting it to all come together has been incredibly satisfying."

The five-module subscription-based suite gives businesses a chance to substantially evaluate, then assess and retain productive employees. The product delivers real-time reporting and corrective actions; companies then use the information continuously to improve employee performance.

National companies with local offices are employing I*LEVEL, including Rocky...