A Better Way to Improve Performance (That Doesn’t Include a PIP)

How effective is a personal improvement plan (PIP) really?

PIPs have a bad rap, with some people seeing them as a formality before the inevitable firing. But they can be an invaluable tool in helping to raise and nurture performance across an organization if you get them right. 58% of people on average see an improvement after getting a PIP. But with such a huge percentage of people seeing poor results, how do you make sure your PIP approach is successful?

Anita Grantham and Vanessa Brulotte dive into the tricky world of PIPs and performance management in this episode. They explore how we can reframe the purpose and perception of PIPs in an organization, how to manage performance effectively, and the common pitfalls to avoid. We hear why context and communication are key and why PIPs should be a two-way street, with clear expectations of leaders and a more collaborative approach to working toward goals.

Key moments: 

• Why PIPs sometimes fail
• Different approaches to performance improvement
• How to set the right expectations for both teammates and leaders
• Ways to maintain momentum in personal development
• What leaders can do to make sure improvement plans are a success
• Alternatives and things you should do before using a PIP
• How to deal with leaders who don’t want to improve performance

Key links: 

• Subscribe to HR Unplugged Series: https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/podcasts/hr-unplugged/
• Join HR Heroes Slack Community: https://join.slack.com/t/hrheroesworkspace/shared_invite/zt-21ad3f1r8-dkWC2EdmyhxUAHw9cGLdQw/
• Bamboo HR Homepage: https://www.bamboohr.com/