UserNotFound

Account Executive

First ever PIP 😩

Today I was put on my first ever PIP. I knew I wasn't doing great in my role, but if you've followed my journey it's been rough- from zero training to stolen deals, it's a damn roller coaster over here.

Do I stick it out and claw my way out of slump (there's BIG $ at the end of the tunnel if I can stick it out), or do I begin actively pursuing other opportunities? Having never been on a PIP before, I don't know how these usually turn out.

I don't have any peers, or many friends in sales to bounce this off of- so hit me with the good stuff that only a best friend would say please!

🧠 Advice

🎯 Career Development

💆‍♂ Mindset

29 comments

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CaneWolf

Politicker

Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract

Everyone is hiring! You know this!

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

First thing you need to know, is that being in a PIP can happen to anyone. Second thing you should know is that your manager is partly responsible for this, meaning he or she should have helped you way more (especially from what I read) to avoid this. I managed sales teams for 12 years and I never put anyone on a plan. Whatever you feel right now is ok, just don’t let it drown you. If you feel hurt that’s normal. If you’re pissed like hell, that is ok too. If you are able to do that then ask yourself if the parameters of the pip are attainable, and if you want to try out. If you don’t think it makes sense or just feel it’s not worth it, I’d start looking for another job. If there’s a chance and you want to try it out, commit to it like never before. I got put into a PIP early in my career and I came back from it. It’s doable. You’ve got this, whatever you decide!

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

This is exactly what I was hoping to get. Yes, the PIP parameters are attainable, but also, yes, I do feel hurt. I’ve fought like hell over the past year and I don’t feel like I’m being evaluated fairly- however, are we ever? Thanks for the perspective!

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

There is very possibly a better job (and a better manager) out there for when you’re ready. Good luck!

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I cannot tell you what to do. I can however remind you that you are strong and you've got my support whatever you decide. ❤

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

Start looking elsewhere but also feel out the PIP. If you do the things on the PIP identified for performance improvement and there is a true light at the end it could be worth it. PIPs are for the birds anyway…

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

Weren’t these people assholes? I thought you were bringing in big value. Why the PIP? I mean, I know why I got one and I deserved it because I was coasting until I secured a better job. Get real with yourself - if you deserve it, then use it as fuel to put yourself in a better position (in this company or the next). If you don’t, then fuck those assholes with a whole lot of pine cones and gtfo

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

I can’t wait until DMs open, and I can give the full details to you. I think you’d lose your shit. Basically, as the conversation went, it’s been determined that the large deals are counting against me. The whole point of having reps os to increase revenue without increasing workload of management and all I’ve done is increase workload with those… Ummm, okay? Thanks for communicating that AFTER you’re already pissed with me. I’ve never been given a clear set of goals, KPIs, metrics of any sort- so now that I’m on a PIP it’s my first time having a definition of what success looks like. Lol. It’s a shit show. I’ve decided I’m going to entertain other conversations, but will also give my all to hit this PIP. I hate “losing” and see this as a definite loss.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

Ok I understand what they’re saying though. These big deals take a lot of resources, and if they don’t close then that’s a real hit to their balance sheet. I’ve encountered the same thing when pitching the billion dollar firms - you gotta take it seriously even if you only have a small chance at winning because of reputation and all so the company has to pay. Sweet when it works out, but the real revenue drivers are consistent small to medium sized deals.

Sounds like they’re shitty communicators, and it now makes sense as to why your boss is “stealing” your deals. They want you to focus on better ROIs. So stop prospecting the whales, but it’s awesome that you can go there! Just save that for later in your career.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

Also - it’s not a “loss”. It’s LEARNING.

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

I agree! Makes total sense, but shouldn’t that have been communicated to me before this point? I still see it as stealing, I mean there’s a bit more nuance but if I go into it I’m afraid it would “out” me if there are any of boss’ friends or boss on here. Also, since I respect your experience and input so much… I’d like to get your thoughts on something else? How do you feel about being asked to stay late every night? I can most nights, but I do have 3 kids and daycare closes at 5:30 and sometimes I’m the pickup person (once a week or so). It was brought to me that my leaving “so early” causes an issue. Once school starts we have almost nightly commitments between all kids and I don’t know how to approach it… I am the only person at my company with young kids and no trophy-wife to do the running. I’m also the only mother, and while I’m not usually one for touting gender roles- I think it is an important distinction in this environment.

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

I think that if you hit all the metrics, then how and when you actually work is irrelevant. If someone can bring in a fuckload of revenue and only work 4 hours a week, then they should be left alone.

Is staying late arbitrary or is there a real reason for it? If you hit your numbers better at that time, then I could understand the ask. If most reps hit their numbers better at that time and you’re falling short, I can understand that ask. If they just want you to look busy, then it’s fucking bullshit. Also, if they gave you a PIP, maybe they want you to work harder or quit.

Being a mother is hard without a job. Being a mother without a stay at home partner is ridiculously hard. I don’t plan on breeding, so I’m not the person to ask about this. My sister runs a billion dollar retail firm and has a 2 year old, but she has a full time nanny to make it work. I really have no advice other than to do what you can to hit your numbers, so you can tell them to stuff it.

LordBusiness

Politicker

Chief Revenue Officer

Every company I've worked at is different, but the majority of them (not the one I currently run) look at PIPs as "documentation before termination" So to answer your question, I would bust my ass to jam out the PIP during the day, and dedicate some of my evenings and weekends to identifying and pursuing a new spot. TBH, I don't know why you would want to stick out a gig with "no training, and stolen deals" as your first experiences anyway?

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

I’m the very first rep this business has ever hired, so I see most of the “issues” as growing pains to be overcome. I have confidence they want me to succeed just aren’t sure how to facilitate that success. Also, there is more money to be earned than I’ve ever earned or even dreamed of earning! But… right now I’m trying to figure out if it’s even a good fit. I’ll stay through the PIP until I hit the metrics- failure isn’t an option for me. Maybe after that I’ll have a better feel for it this is a fit or if I should throw in the towel.

RaymundoFlex

Opinionated

Curious why you can say with such certainty there is big money at the end of the tunnel? This is the big question that my answer would hang on. But really, go somewhere you’ll be happy. I feel fulfilled in my role and it’s pretty crazy going from just working to play and grinding it out as a necessary evil to moving to something you care about. I’m still adjusting.

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

It’s a residual comp/book of business. So, as I continue to sell the pay increases and I’m already compensated well. I would love to sell something I actually care about. Lol. Can’t even imagine that world!

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

Ah. So it’s like my job. To me, where I build my book is very important. I left my old firm because they kept losing clients. Not much revenue to made if it never sticks around.

The firm I’m at now is well known for service, sales is secondary. Much better for me long term.

Remember this.

Sinatetra

Opinionated

AE (Account Executive)

Curious, has anyone seen someone survive a pip?

FeedTheKids

Politicker

Solutions Consultant

Never...

At my current company - this year it's 2/2 - where they all end up gone within X timeframe (90 days sounds right?)

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

This is what I was wondering also…

seasonedsavage82

Good Citizen

Senior Sales Leader

It’s rare but it does happen. But let’s be honest I’ve never known someone in 16yrs that didn’t see it coming. You can argue it’s not fair but we are in the business of delivering results, so if you aren’t it shouldn’t surprise you.

Kirby

Politicker

Sales Representative

I think you know in your gut this place isn’t worth it. Between the PIP and the stolen deals alone, it’s best to go somewhere you’ll be taken care of.

FeedTheKids

Politicker

Solutions Consultant

Clean up that resume

justatopproducer

Politicker

VP OF SALES -US

August is the biggest month of the year for openings. Flip the switch on linkedin that youre open. Although maybe others can weigh in on this. I recently heard companies are more inclined to hire someone who isn’t looking for a new job. Sounds stupid to me but whatevs

UserNotFound

Politicker

Account Executive

I never turn that off, actually. Lol. Never know when that dream job might sliiiide into your DMs!

RedLightning

Politicker

Mid-Market AE

I've seen people stick it out and have success. Regardless, prep that resume

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

MDR

I cannot tell you what to do. I can however remind you that you are strong and you've got my support whatever you decide.

Clashingsoulsspell

Politicker

ISR

Start looking elsewhere but also feel out the PIP. If you do the things on the PIP identified for performance improvement and there is a true light at the end it could be worth it.

MR.StretchISR

Politicker

ISR

I cannot tell you what to do. I can however remind you that you are strong and you've got my support whatever you decide.

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UserNotFound

First ever PIP 😩

29 comments

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