Dear Bossy
I was put on a performance improvement plan at work (a PIP) and given 30 days to improve my performance. This has never happened to me before. I am usually a top performer, but I just feel like my boss doesn’t get me and we struggle a lot. HR is no help. Should I assume I’m going to be fired and look for a job? Or what should I do?
PIP Problems
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Dear PIP Problems
Yeah. That stinks. It is a warning, but it doesn’t have to spell doom. A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a management tool that can be used to help get an employee back on track who either has a behavior issue or is struggling to meet the objectives of the role. You can and should use it to get CRYSTAL CLEAR with your boss (and HR) what the expectations are and how you will be measured.
I have found that sometimes managers and employees lack alignment around goals and objectives and it leads to poor communication and sometimes the impression that the employee isn’t focused on the right things or not achieving the desired business outcomes. it sounds like you know you have communication issues with your boss, this may be the manifestation of your boss not being able to clearly communicate expectations and get you focused on the things he/she needs from you.
In order for this PIP to work for all parties, it should be clear about several key things:
What specifically are you not doing that needs to be done or are you doing that needs to stop?
how much time do you have to improve (usually 30 - 90 days)
How will your improvement be measured - this is where specifics are key!
If you have a clear sense of the above, then it is a GREAT opportunity to figure out if this is the right job, can you achieve the results, can you clear up any mis-perception about you or your work and rebuild trust with your boss. If you can focus on the objectives laid out in the PIP and knock it out of the park, you may be surprised how fast a turnaround can happen, because you have clear direction and measurable objectives.
However, If you don’t have a clear sense of the above, you need to ask. Without better communication on goals and outcomes, you and your boss will continue to struggle.
if you have asked and you still can’t get clear, it is probably a sign that this isn't likely to resolve well and you should start to network and find a new job. In the meantime, focus on what your boss is asking you to do and do them to the best of your abilities. It is always better to leave a job feeling like you did your best, even if this job doesn’t work out in the long run.
Good Luck!
Bossy
Have a question for Dear Bossy - write to me at elizabeth@negotiatingatwork.com