“Boss unreasonable in evaluating success of PIP. Any thoughts?”
Published on August 16th, 2009 by Alan Sklover
Question: For the past 75 days, I have been on a 90-day Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). On the 50th day, I asked for a review to date. My boss response: I had completed all 26 tasks on time, in “excellent” fashion, but that I had made one small mistake. The mistake was not even a mistake: it was that I did not tell her something was done, and there was no objective reason to tell her.
My boss called my not telling her “risky and reckless,” and negatively impacting “mission critical systems.” All untrue.
I’ve written to everyone in the company; no one listens. HR just delays. I asked a customer (an old friend of mine) to provide a recommendation; he does not want to get involved. I consulted a lawyer; he said there was nothing I can do. I have written a four-page letter on why I should not have been placed on the PIP in the first place, but it still needs some editing.
Can you offer help?
Bea
West Palm Beach, FL
Answer: First and foremost, you should complete the editing of your letter, and send it to both the CEO, and to each of the Board Members. On the Video Archives of our blogsite, Video #4 provides an overview of what your letter should include. Reviewing Section I on Performance Improvement Plans of our “Newsletter / Q & A Library” may help, too.
Also, on the “Private Library” of our blogsite, our Job Issues – 1 Model Letter gives you a model from which to work. (We do require a nominal fee for our Model Letters; that is how we “keep the lights on” at this blogsite.)
Second, it seems you have gone to an attorney who is not experienced in these matters, not creative and adept at these matters, and/or not courageous enough to stand up for someone who has a tough battle on her hands. I suggest you ask around for an experienced employment attorney who is more of a real advocate. I believe that what your boss is doing is probably (a) false, (b) fraudulent, and (c) defamatory, and she could be held PERSONALLY liable in most states.
Finally, a personal note: Do all you do with the serenity of one who knows deep down that she is right, who accepts that “right” does not always succeed, and who understands that, while jobs and making a living are so very important, they are surely secondary to health, emotional well-being and self-respect.
Keep up the good fight. Don’t let the “bums” get you down.
Best, Al Sklover
© 2009 Alan L. Sklover, All Rights Reserved.
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