SHRM All Things Work In a PIP Panic? How to Turn a “Death Sentence” into Your Biggest Opportunity
Nov 11, 2025
Nicole Belyna, Director of Talent at SHRM and co-host of the Honest HR podcast, offers crucial insights on navigating performance improvement plans (PIPs). She explains how PIPs should be viewed as opportunities for growth rather than end-of-the-line situations. Nicole emphasizes the importance of accountability, clear communication, and specific feedback during the process. She busts myths about PIPs being terminal and shares strategies for both employees and managers to transform a challenging situation into a chance for professional success.
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PIP As A Roadmap Not A Punishment
- A PIP's primary goal is to create clarity and set a clear path forward for improvement.
- When done well it acts as a coaching tool with specific, time-bound expectations and resources.
Treat The PIP Like A Project Plan
- Don't panic; read the PIP carefully and understand timelines and what success looks like.
- Schedule clarifying meetings, track milestones like a project, and document weekly progress.
Ask For Specifics And Show Visible Effort
- Ask clarifying questions and request examples and feedback so you know what 'right' looks like.
- Show visible effort, document progress, and demonstrate accountability throughout the PIP.