Alan L. Sklover - Sklover Working Wisdom

Question: Two weeks ago I received from my manager a document with the title “Performance Enhancement Plan.” It basically says that I am not performing satisfactorily (which is untrue), and unless I immediately improve drastically in vague ways (like “make me feel confident in you”) in 60 days, I could get terminated.

The last sentence of the Performance Enhancement Plan is this: “Failure to show immediate and sustained improvement while in this PEP may result in additional disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.”

I used your Model Memo to “push back” and was invited to a meeting where I was told by HR and my Manager not to worry because what I received is not a PIP, but instead is intended to show that I am trying to be a better employee. It seems the situation is stable for now. Should I trust that?

Gretta W.
Brisbane
Queensland, Australia

Answer: Dear Gretta: For over 20 years I’ve been heavily involved in helping employees, worldwide, address Performance Warning and Performance Improvement Plans (“PIPs”). Take my word for it, PLEEEZE: A PEP is a PIP is a PAP is a POP, so long as it says, one way or another, what your “PEP” says. Do not let trust their unwritten assurances; don’t forget their written, decidedly non-assuring paper trail.

Take it from me, your Performance Enhancement Plan is a PIP, and don’t believe for one moment that it is not. Whether called a PEP (Performance Enhancement Plan) or anything else, it is a THREAT to your livelihood.

Here are seven points to keep in mind:
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“How did things ever get so far? I don’t know. It was so unfortunate, so unnecessary.”

– Don Corleone, “The Godfather”

It happens to everyone, every once in a while: a difference becomes a dispute becomes a war. “It is so unfortunate, so unnecessary.” It’s one thing when you yell at a passing motorist, but it is another when you harm an important relation, or make an unnecessary enemy at work or among family. In times of heated weather or heated words, where and when patience is thin and tempers flair . . . take a breather, go for a walk, count to one hundred, keep in mind how important relations are. Don’t let things get “so far, so unfortunate or so unnecessary.” At work perhaps more so than most other places, relations are important, so don’t waste them.

This quote was recently used by one of my favorite newspaper columnists, Peggy Noonan, a former speech writer for President Reagan. A shout out to you, Peggy.

If you would like to contribute a saying, proverb or quote, we’d love to receive it and share it with our Blog Family. To do so, just send it to “The Boss,” Vanessa@ExecutiveLaw.com.

Need a model memo or letter to transmit a request or complaint? A good checklist or form agreement? For a complete list of our Model Letters, Memos, Checklists and Sample Agreements, Just [click here.]

Interested in Membership? It’s free, and has advantages, including discounts on our products. Just [click here.]

Need a private telephone consultation? Just [click here.] Evenings and weekends can usually be accommodated.

SkloverWorkingWisdom.com – Your Path to Dignity at Work™

© 2019 Alan L. Sklover. All Rights Reserved and Strictly Enforced.

“Summer is when laziness finds respectability.”

– Sam Keen

Boy, oh, boy . . . we can all sure use a break from work this year! In fact, this year we can all use a break from just about any serious thought or endeavor. Unfortunately, surveys show Americans are taking off less time from work than ever. Plain old simple relaxing seems a thing of the past, but it’s been proven to be a necessary ingredient for health and well-being, both physical and emotional. Yes, after crazy weeks, crazy news and crazy weather – and that does not even include crazy people at work – we can all use a nap, a walk, a good book, a day at the beach, and other forms of respectable “laziness” to maintain balance in our lives. Don’t be afraid to be a bit “lazy” this summer; rather, be afraid not to.

This quote was offered to us by Beverly of Bethesda, Maryland, who has shared, as well, that her favorite form of “laziness” is playing “house” with her granddaughter. Sounds good to me!

If you would like to contribute a saying, proverb or quote, we’d love to receive it and share it with our Blog Family. To do so, just send it to “The Boss,” Vanessa@ExecutiveLaw.com.

Need a model memo or letter to transmit a request or complaint? A good checklist or form agreement? For a complete list of our Model Letters, Memos, Checklists and Sample Agreements, Just [click here.]

Interested in Membership? It’s free, and has advantages, including discounts on our products. Just [click here.]

Need a private telephone consultation? Just [click here.] Evenings and weekends can usually be accommodated.

SkloverWorkingWisdom.com – Your Path to Dignity at Work™

© 2019 Alan L. Sklover. All Rights Reserved and Strictly Enforced.

“The bravest things we do in our lives are usually known only to ourselves.”

– Peggy Noonan

You might not have thought about it, but Lady Liberty always stands by herself. The quest to be free, and to help others be free, is first and foremost an internal quest. When my mother was a child, she arrived in New York harbor on a boat, and she no doubt saw Lady Liberty standing there, all by herself. At that moment, I’m certain my mother felt less alone. Just as Lady Liberty does each day, so, too, can each of us do something – however small – to help someone be free: free from hunger, free to express his or herself, free to pray (or not to pray) in any way they want to, and to be free from fear. Go ahead, lift a torch to someone. Enjoy your freedom to do so.

That’s what our blog efforts are all about. On behalf of all of us at SkloverWorkingWisdom we wish you a happy and safe 4th of July.

© 2019 Alan L. Sklover. All Rights Reserved and Strictly Enforced.

“Be a voice, not an echo.”

– Albert Einstein

We all have our own unique experiences, our own unique perspectives, our own unique special “gifts” to share with others. Together, they comprise our own unique voices. The toughest part is listening to it ever so intently, and discovering what that “voice” is, and what it sings. While we are tempted – even encouraged by some – to “echo” the voices of others, your own special gift is your own unique voice. Pursue it, explore it, cherish it, share it. And never lose sight of its unique, extraordinary sweetness. At work and elsewhere, that is what you will be known for: the sweetness of your inner voice.

This quote was offered to us by Gil and Laura, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Thanks, Gil and Laura!

If you would like to contribute a saying, proverb or quote, we’d love to receive it and share it with our Blog Family. To do so, just send it to “The Boss,” Vanessa@ExecutiveLaw.com.

Need a model memo or letter to transmit a request or complaint? A good checklist or form agreement? For a complete list of our Model Letters, Memos, Checklists and Sample Agreements, Just [click here.]

Interested in Membership? It’s free, and has advantages, including discounts on our products. Just [click here.]

Need a private telephone consultation? Just [click here.] Evenings and weekends can usually be accommodated.

SkloverWorkingWisdom.com – Your Path to Dignity at Work™

© 2019 Alan L. Sklover. All Rights Reserved and Strictly Enforced.