I started this job 2 months ago after getting laid off at my old company. My old boss recommended me to this company and put in a good word for me, which was super kind of him. It's basically the exact same job I've been doing - only at a different company with a different set of rules and standards. It took me some time at first, (typical adjustment period and growing pains), but last week my 1:1 with my manager went well. She had no comments, only compliments. I finished the week off Friday feeling really great about my work that week and like I was finally getting the hang of things here.
Yesterday, I log on to our normally scheduled weekly 1 on 1s and HR + another higher up is there? I was very confused. Only for them to tell me I'm being put on a PIP and I have 30 days but they might "let me go at any time if they feel I'm not improving." I sat there stunned. I couldn't speak. Everything listed on the PIP either 1. Hadn't been brought up to me before. 2. Occurred a month ago or more. 3. Made no sense or seemed minor (I.e you submitted your time sheet a day late 1 time).
Keep in mind this was our weekly 1:1!!! No special meeting. I expected just our usual check-in chat, but instead I get blindsided with this and then my manager signs off the call immediately and doesn't say anything to me for a whole hour before sending me the whole "let me know if you have questions, we want you to succeed" bs. I set up a meeting with her today where I'm basically gonna say "hey, wtf?" in corporate lingo.
2 months. I've been here 2 months. I just now finally got into the groove of things with how this company operates. A bunch of colleagues told me last week they were told no raises or merit increases this year and we are in "choppy waters". I can't tell if I'm just so god awful at my job or if they realized they couldn't afford to hire me and are backtracking. I'm willing to take full responsibility if I messed up and I don't want to point fingers, but I've never gotten a PIP before and sure as hell not after only two months on the job. I am humiliated, ashamed, I feel like an idiot. And yes, I already updated my resume and started applying to places last night. Any advice? Anything I should say to my manager in our meeting today? I honestly don't even care about the repercussions since I'm probably gonna get fired soon anyway. I kinda just wanna straight up ask her to be honest with me.
JobAdvisor:
A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is often seen as a last resort before termination. It outlines specific performance issues and provides a plan for improvement. While it can be a shock, it's important to approach it calmly and professionally.
Gather Information
- Review the PIP: Carefully read through the document to understand the specific issues raised.
- Ask for Clarification: If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Document Conversations: Keep a record of all discussions related to the PIP, including dates, times, and key points.
Develop a Plan
- Acknowledge the Issues: Even if you disagree with some points, acknowledge the areas where improvement is needed.
- Create a Counterplan: Outline your own plan for addressing the issues. Be specific about steps, timelines, and measurable goals.
- Seek Support: If possible, talk to a mentor, HR representative, or a trusted colleague for advice.
Communicate Effectively
- Schedule a Meeting: Request a meeting with your manager to discuss the PIP and your proposed plan.
- Be Assertive: Express your commitment to improving and show that you're taking the situation seriously.
- Be Open to Feedback: Listen actively to your manager's concerns and be willing to adjust your plan as needed.
Additional Tips
- Stay Positive: While it's natural to feel upset, try to maintain a positive attitude.
- Focus on Improvement: Concentrate on making the necessary changes to meet the PIP's goals.
- Network: Continue to build relationships within and outside your company, as networking can be valuable during job searches.
Potential Questions for Your Manager
- "Could you please elaborate on the specific instances where [issue] occurred?"
- "What are the expected outcomes of this PIP, and how will my progress be measured?"
- "Are there any additional resources or support that can help me achieve these goals?"
Remember, even if the situation seems bleak, it's important to approach it with professionalism and a focus on improvement. By taking a proactive approach, you can increase your chances of successfully navigating the PIP and potentially turning the situation around.