How To You should respond to a performance improvement plan.
You may view a performance improvement plan from your boss as a list of reasons why you will be fired.If your boss doesn't show interest in helping you improve based on thePIP, then start looking for a new job.PIPs can be used to start fresh and make a new and better impression in your current role.To make the most of yourPIP, respond to it calmly and rationally, study it carefully, get clarifications as needed, and make necessary changes to meet the goals it sets out for you.
Step 1: Wait until you are calm, composed, and focused.
Resist the urge to respond immediately.Your reaction will make matters worse, as you will be upset, afraid, and possibly angry.Wait until the next day, or even after the weekend, to give your full response to thePIP with your boss.Stick to a simple response when you get thePIP.I will take a good look at this tonight.If you've already made an immediate response that's negative or hostile, apologize as soon as possible: "I'm so sorry that my disappointment got the best of me, Alex."We can have a more fruitful discussion about it tomorrow if I take some time to look over it.
Step 2: Take the time to read it carefully.
Along with taking the time to cool down, make sure you keep an eye on thePIP.Specific details and actionable goals are what a well-madePIP should have.You can discuss it in detail with your boss if you take notes on it.As you read thePIP, keep your emotions in check.Take a few deep breaths.It is important to keep a rational perspective when reading negative feedback.
Step 3: As you absorb the contents of thePIP, keep your ego in check.
It is a standard business tool for assessing job performance, not an attack on your character.Don't get overwhelmed by it and ignore it.Don't deal with it.Imagine that you are reading someone else'sPIP.Take it away from you and read it for what it is.
Step 4: If you want to pass blame, don't waste time trying to rebut the PIP.
You will want to refute parts of thePIP no matter how hard you try.It won't help your situation if you say things like "That's not my fault"Accept that this is how your boss views your performance.It is best to just start developing your exit strategy if you cannot accept the findings.
Step 5: You should state your acceptance of the findings and ask for clarifications.
Don't be apologetic when you meet with your boss to discuss thePIP.You should be calm, serious, direct, and businesslike.Let them know that you accept thePIP and want to move forward.No matter how clear yourPIP is, you will want to clarify some things.Make this request in a professional way.I accept the findings of thePIP after reading it carefully.I would appreciate a little more clarification in a few areas.Can we discuss those?
Step 6: If you need more feedback, make sure yourPIP has concrete steps and goals.
If these elements aren't crystal clear and actionable as written, you need to do D, E, and F in order to keep your job.APIP should not say you need to get better.It should say that you need to improve your sales figures by 30% or increase your productivity by 4 units per week.
Step 7: Evaluate your ability to meet these goals.
If thePIP goals are not possible, or simply not worth your time, then it is time to look for a new job.Sometimes aPIP is the confirmation you need that a job isn't the right fit for you.Treat it like an opportunity to find something better.If you answer yes to the question of your willingness and ability to meet the goals, you will get to work on them.
Step 8: If you want to succeed in this job, treat thePIP as a fresh start.
ThePIP can be used to find a new job or to hit the reset button on your current job.If you want to start fresh with a new focus and goals, use thePIP as your gameplan.If you envision your first day on the job, you should get to know everyone.Taking a new approach to your job is based on the benchmarks in yourPIP.If you embrace this fresh start and run with it, your boss may forget their previous concerns and only see the new you on the job.
Step 9: Do what thePIP lays out for you.
This is related to forgetting your old ways and starting the job fresh.What is expected of you and how to achieve it should be given to you by yourPIP.If you follow it to the letter, you can impress your boss and save your job.If you want to improve customer satisfaction ratings by 25%, you need to focus your time and energy on this.If yourPIP gives specific advice on how to do this, use it!
Step 10: During yourPIP period, make sure to check in with your boss.
You can schedule a weekly meeting with your boss if yourPIP period lasts for 1 month.Discuss your efforts to make changes based on thePIP and ask for feedback and clarifications during these meetings.Show your boss that you want to succeed.If this effort isn't enough to save your job at the end of thePIP period, you will make a positive impression on your boss.If you need a reference for a new job, this will come in handy.
Step 11: Look for signs that you are about to be fired.
For some bosses and companies, the justifications for letting people go are documented.It is safe to assume that the same thing will happen in your case ifPIPs have led to firings before.Consider how you are treated by your boss.If they show little interest in helping you improve, they will let you go after thePIP period.They don't expect to be around much longer if you ask for help in improving cold-call sales by 30%.
Step 12: If you want to keep your current job, begin a discreet job search.
Updating your résumé, searching for new jobs, and networking in your field without being obvious about it at your current job are all ways to hope for the best.If you can't save your current job and it's making it hard to find a new one, talk to your boss about quitting.
Step 13: If the writing is on the wall, you should negotiate a graceful exit with your boss.
If you know you are going to be fired, you should leave on your own terms.It is possible that your boss will be happy to not have to explicitly fire you.Be respectful, but direct.Lowe, I appreciate the effort you put into crafting thePIP, but I feel it is best if I look for a new opportunity.Take this as my notice.
Step 14: Look for a mentor rather than a boss who relies on them.
More and more people in the business world think thatPIPs are relics of the past.Opponents say bosses should focus on engaging, encouraging, rewarding, and leading their employees instead of instilling fear through the threat ofPIPs.Evaluate your potential bosses when you are interviewing for a new job.Do they make you a leader and mentor?Are they dedicated to your success?