When you google “performance improvement plan,” you’ll find a wide variety of recommendations.
Liz Ryan of Forbes Magazine online says that PIPs are just the first step to being fired. She was an HR manager and never used them. Says they’re a bullying tactic to scare people and get rid of them.
What to do when you’re put on a PIP by Alison Greene contains useful advice: take the whole thing seriously and make sure you do exactly what’s expected. Meanwhile, keep looking for a job.
This article shares excellent advice from an attorney on how to fight a PIP. The key is to be polite and realize you may have to quit, but often you have little to lose and much to gain when you protest inaccuracies and vague statements.
And here’s an opposite perspective: this career mentor advises that you “suck it up,” make sure you understand what’s expected, and keep a positive attitude. When you do this, he says, you’re likely to win and keep your job.
I would also add:
Keep your game face.
Smile and be positive and proactive. Make it easy for your boss to talk to you.
Never, ever indicate that you are worried about being fired. That could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Be confident!
I’ve summarized these perspectives and added my own advice in this video. And you might like my special report on dealing with performance reviews. Just click here.
Or hire me for a consultation and we’ll strategize what to do next.