There’s no way to sugarcoat it—getting placed on a PIP is a miserable and humiliating experience. Even more so if you rightly believe the criticisms of your job performance are unfair or inaccurate.
Don’t let shame or embarrassment stop you from quickly taking these five actions.
Acknowledge Receipt of the PIP and Ask Clarifying Questions
If asked, sign the acknowledgment that you received the PIP. Write “acknowledging receipt only” to make clear you do not agree with the contents.
When you receive your PIP, resist the temptation to argue about the accuracy of the criticisms. Instead, ask clarifying questions, ask for specific examples, and take lots of notes.
You’ll submit a written response later.
Show the PIP to Friends and Colleagues You Know You Can Trust
Ask people who know your work whether any of the criticisms are valid. But be exceedingly careful about trusting any of your coworkers.
You need to hear from someone willing to say “Well, you DO turn in your assignments late…”
Be Honest With Yourself About Your Shortcomings
No one is a perfect employee. Are any of the criticisms in the PIP accurate?
Start addressing those issues now because they’ll continue to be an issue with your next employer.
Gather Documents
Gather copies of your performance evaluations, emails from your supervisors complimenting (or criticizing) your performance, and the company’s employee handbook.
Is the PIP the first time your supervisor raised these concerns about your performance?
Write a Chronology
Write a chronology of your time with the company to help you spot patterns and causes for the PIP.
Did the criticisms of your performance start shortly after you complained about discrimination, or after you took leave to care for a seriously ill family member?