Performance Improvement Plan and Probation Concerns
I joined a company on 1st September 2021. Until 7th September 2021, I was on orientation. From 8th September 2021, I started my fieldwork. On 1st October '21, my boss wrote an email stating that I was given a target until 15th October. Unfortunately, I didn't achieve the target. I am currently on a six-month probation period. I asked for his support in the field, but he denied it. On 27th October, he sent an email mentioning that from 1st November, I will be on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) until 30th November. If I don't achieve the target by then, starting from 1st December, I will no longer be an employee. He is aware that I will be on leave from 1st November until 13th November.
I am unsure about what steps to take and how to handle this situation.
From India, Pune
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I joined a company on 1st September 2021. Until 7th September 2021, I was on orientation. From 8th September 2021, I started my fieldwork. On 1st October '21, my boss wrote an email stating that I was given a target until 15th October. Unfortunately, I didn't achieve the target. I am currently on a six-month probation period. I asked for his support in the field, but he denied it. On 27th October, he sent an email mentioning that from 1st November, I will be on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) until 30th November. If I don't achieve the target by then, starting from 1st December, I will no longer be an employee. He is aware that I will be on leave from 1st November until 13th November.
I am unsure about what steps to take and how to handle this situation.
From India, Pune
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Dear Colleague,
The Crux
You joined a company on 1st September 2021 and were on orientation until 7th September 2021. You started your work on 8th September 2021 in the field. On 1st October '21, your boss sent an email giving a target to achieve by 15th October 2021. You could not achieve it. You are on a probation period for six months, likely starting from 1st September 2021. You asked for support but were denied. On 27th October 2021, your boss wrote an email stating that from 1st November, you would be on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) until 30th November, and if you don't achieve the target, then from 1st December 2021, you will not be an employee. You had applied for leave from 1st November until 13th November. You are in a puzzle.
Based on the information provided by you, suggest a few thoughts for your validation. In your challenge, you are the boss to decide the way forward that will be more fitting for you. Have a read:
1. First of all, please understand that throughout your career, any probation period is an acid test for talents during which a series of targets, assessments, observations, and so on are conducted. This is the time you should build confidence in the minds of the organization's managers and your immediate boss. Even after the probation is over, there should be a fire in the belly to achieve something in life. Not to boast, but I know talents who worked vigorously and became an indispensable part of the organization from the probation period itself. This fire needs to be ignited in performance.
2. Whenever targets are set, do not blindly accept them. If there are any challenges, do not hesitate to communicate and ensure they are moderated. Once you accept the target, it is in your hands to work towards it. Whether you achieve or fail, put your wholehearted effort into it, which will be observed by your colleagues and boss. Also, explain the hard work you put in the field without fail.
3. Your long leave during probation (reasons for leave are not known) could be one reason why the boss set a tough target. Kindly review if the reason for leave is avoidable, then prove yourself.
4. Most bosses do not put their subordinates in hardship because their performance depends on their subordinates' performance, and without that, the boss cannot achieve. Hence, have an open dialogue with your boss and make him understand your side.
5. Sometimes, if the boss is intentionally causing trouble, consider looking for other options like changing jobs or using grievance redressal mechanisms if available in the organization. Only use this option as a last resort, as escalation can make your life miserable with your boss.
6. Consult your colleagues in similar roles for support if your boss is not cooperative and prove that you are a contributor.
7. Remember to maintain a cordial relationship with your boss, align with him, work together, and do your best in the field to achieve the given target, provided they are realistic and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound).
8. Look internally, innovate in your work, give your best, and leave the rest to your boss and organization.
9. Maintain close communication with your boss and HR during the probation period to quickly become a part of the organization.
10. Add any valid points shared by other colleagues, friends, family, or someone close to you to the list and start.
All the Best, God Bless
Dr. P. Sivakumar
Doctor Siva Global HR
Tamil Nadu
From India, Chennai
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321The Crux
You joined a company on 1st September 2021 and were on orientation until 7th September 2021. You started your work on 8th September 2021 in the field. On 1st October '21, your boss sent an email giving a target to achieve by 15th October 2021. You could not achieve it. You are on a probation period for six months, likely starting from 1st September 2021. You asked for support but were denied. On 27th October 2021, your boss wrote an email stating that from 1st November, you would be on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) until 30th November, and if you don't achieve the target, then from 1st December 2021, you will not be an employee. You had applied for leave from 1st November until 13th November. You are in a puzzle.
Based on the information provided by you, suggest a few thoughts for your validation. In your challenge, you are the boss to decide the way forward that will be more fitting for you. Have a read:
1. First of all, please understand that throughout your career, any probation period is an acid test for talents during which a series of targets, assessments, observations, and so on are conducted. This is the time you should build confidence in the minds of the organization's managers and your immediate boss. Even after the probation is over, there should be a fire in the belly to achieve something in life. Not to boast, but I know talents who worked vigorously and became an indispensable part of the organization from the probation period itself. This fire needs to be ignited in performance.
2. Whenever targets are set, do not blindly accept them. If there are any challenges, do not hesitate to communicate and ensure they are moderated. Once you accept the target, it is in your hands to work towards it. Whether you achieve or fail, put your wholehearted effort into it, which will be observed by your colleagues and boss. Also, explain the hard work you put in the field without fail.
3. Your long leave during probation (reasons for leave are not known) could be one reason why the boss set a tough target. Kindly review if the reason for leave is avoidable, then prove yourself.
4. Most bosses do not put their subordinates in hardship because their performance depends on their subordinates' performance, and without that, the boss cannot achieve. Hence, have an open dialogue with your boss and make him understand your side.
5. Sometimes, if the boss is intentionally causing trouble, consider looking for other options like changing jobs or using grievance redressal mechanisms if available in the organization. Only use this option as a last resort, as escalation can make your life miserable with your boss.
6. Consult your colleagues in similar roles for support if your boss is not cooperative and prove that you are a contributor.
7. Remember to maintain a cordial relationship with your boss, align with him, work together, and do your best in the field to achieve the given target, provided they are realistic and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound).
8. Look internally, innovate in your work, give your best, and leave the rest to your boss and organization.
9. Maintain close communication with your boss and HR during the probation period to quickly become a part of the organization.
10. Add any valid points shared by other colleagues, friends, family, or someone close to you to the list and start.
All the Best, God Bless
Dr. P. Sivakumar
Doctor Siva Global HR
Tamil Nadu
From India, Chennai
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Performance Improvement Plan.doc