So, You’re on a Performance Improvement Plan…Now What?

Surviving and thriving after a PIP

Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together. -Brene Brown

I’ve had many amazing people come to me for support and advice after being put on some form of a "Performance Improvement Plan" or "Coaching Plan." Often, they were in a role that wasn’t a good fit. Maybe they couldn’t hit their stride. Sometimes they were one of the many people caught in the unhealthy dynamic of the set-up-to-fail syndrome. No matter what, it doesn’t have to eat you alive. And you are not alone in navigating the process.

Here is my advice on how to survive — and move on from — a PIP. And, even if you’re not on a PIP or Coaching Plan, I hope you find this helpful in navigating any career setback or lousy job fit.

The Bland Guide to Surviving a PIP

Step 1: Take a few days to feel your feelings.

Yes, this sucks. Unless you're a complete robot, the feelings kicked up by a bad performance review are hard and complicated. Rather than feeling motivated by the critical feedback, we're generally pushed into a fight-or-flight response. As a…