Being on a Performance Improvement Plan is tough. And it can be difficult even if you’re in a positive dynamic where you (1) agree that you’re having issues and (2) have a boss who supports you and wants to help you succeed. (Of course, if either of those dynamics don’t apply to you, then it’s even more difficult.) I think what makes them so tough is that it’s hard to keep a positive mindset. You’re very aware that your job is on the line. If you don’t improve and meet your boss’s expectations, you’re out. It’s a lot of pressure.
In theory, PIP’s are supposed to be helpful. They outline specific areas that need improvement. And they tell you exactly what WILL meet expectations. The best PIP’s also outline suggestions for how to get there. For example, maybe someone isn’t demonstrating the level of customer service they should. Their overall attitude and approach toward customers just isn’t cutting it. A PIP could outline expectations to be courteous, respectful, and helpful. It would explain what that looks like. And it would contain suggestions for how to improve.
So, PIP’s can have great intentions. Leaders need to have expectations, and employees need to know when they aren’t meeting them. Ignoring performance issues isn’t helpful for anyone. But, again, even if a PIP is needed, that doesn’t make it easy to go through.
I’m big fan of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. And now that I’m nursing a baby again, I’m catching up on the current season. (Read my tips from my first time as a breastfeeding mom.) The whole process fascinates me. Those ladies are so talented! I’ll never be able to do half of what they’re able to do. But they all won’t make the team. There are a certain number of spots. And the leaders have a brand to maintain and expectations of excellence to uphold.
In almost every episode, Kelli and Judy call a few of the dancers into their office. They explain the issues they’re seeing. And they tell the dancers what needs to be improved. The dancers are always super respectful and say that they’ll improve. Some of them do and ultimately make the team. Others, however, don’t.
In a lot of cases, you can see them start to really get in their heads. They over-analyze what they’re doing and get really anxious. The more they stress, the worse they seem to do.
I’ve seen that happen in the workplace too. Employees on PIP’s get so anxious about the idea of making any mistakes that they paralyze themselves. And they stop improving. Sometimes, they even get worse.
Mindset is so important. So, how do you stay in the right mindset so you can succeed when you’re on a PIP? (Note that we’ll assume in this post that the PIP is fair and so is your boss.)
Remind yourself the expectations haven’t changed.
The expectations have been the same since Day 1. It may feel more formal now that some of them are on paper in a PIP. But they aren’t new. Those have always been the expectations.
In the same vein, those are the expectations for anyone else in the same job also. Nothing is being asked of you that isn’t required of other people.
This doesn’t necessarily make it easier to meet the expectations. But it can help put your mind at ease. Nothing new is being added to your plate. This is just about meeting the expectations that have always been there.
If you don’t understand how to improve, ask.
Ask questions! Make sure you understand what the expectations are and how to improve. In one of the DCC episodes I just watched, Kelli gave a critique to one dancer, who responded with the usual, “Yes, ma’am.” Kelli asked her if she understood the comment, and then the dancer said no!
Don’t just accept the PIP. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask! That’s the only way to make sure you know how to improve.
The best leaders will have regular meetings with you during your PIP. In these meetings, you’ll go over each area and talk about where improvements have been seen. Ask any questions you need to!
Get a support system around you.
I get it – you may not want anyone else to know you’re on a PIP. And that’s okay. But you need people in your corner. Having that reassurance is huge in helping you keep a positive mindset so you can keep improving.
Having a supportive boss is huge. It’s helpful to be able to go to them whenever you need feedback on how you’re doing.
But look around you also. Look for others who are succeeding in the areas where you need to improve. Ask them for advice. You don’t have to tell them you’re on a PIP. Tell them you’re wanting to improve in a certain area, and ask if they’d be willing to spend some time with you. They might have nuggets of wisdom that make a world of difference to you. Plus, you’ll feel extra supported.
PIP’s are difficult roads to travel. Make sure you don’t get in your own way. You can do this!
Photo credit: By Dilok Klaisataporn / Canva