PIP or Demotion?

Question

Hey Savages, AE here, been given the option to go on a PIP or take a demotion as a BDR.

Truthfully, not looking to do either, this wasn't a blindsided PIP had a gut feeling and been expanding personal pipeline for a while.

The sales org is trash operationally (100 calls a day, poor contact data, no intent etc. >15% floor hitting quota this fiscal), the only reason I've stuck it out is because of the people.

The rationale my immediate manager gave me was that I have the "intangibles" that can't be trained which is why he advocated for this option for me instead of a PIP (don't buy it think its coming up from higher in leadership).

Curious to understand the rationale behind this decision-making from any sales leaders here?

Accepted Answer

Take the step back and start interviewing like crazy.

Answer

would probably opt to take the demotion and be applying anywhere else for AE roles. and by probably I mean I would

Answer

I just had the same option given to me except the PIP came out of no where as I was leading the team. Turns out they were just eliminating the role and giving a reason to fire people to hire and train new monkeys that can clap a cymbal.
I told them at first I would take my chances at the PIP, but then they told me what the real plan was and basically forced my job change into a hybrid Enterprise BDR/IC/Case Management person.
I would just take the role, don't put it on your resume, and look for something new as I am.
Which btw, if anyone wants to refer your guy on a remote AE, my DM is open for conversation.

Answer

I’d take the demotion, I was put in similar situation years ago, worked as a BDR for 2 months then the company realized I was better then the sales reps I was giving leads too and I got moved to a different team and crushed it and got promoted to team lead. Give yourself the bigger runway and always be looking for a new role. Remember your just a number at a company.

Answer

What I’m reading is that you’re on a paid job search.

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Any idea if other AEs have been placed on PIP?

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Pay cut?

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Sounds like you should take the option that gives you the most runway then use that as a paid search for a new gig.

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I would take the demotion just from the cash flow point of view and apply for a new role if I am 100% sure that I cannot get through the PIP

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Layoffs happening or coming? What's the buzz?

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PIP is likely guaranteed firing. Demotion is paid job search. I would rather make money to search than lose money!

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As long as it's not a reduction in pay, the demotion should give you some time to get another job, so that would be my suggestion.

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Time to get a new AE role.

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Either option is a red flag on your reputation. Time to look for something else! Hopefully you are still early on in your career.

Answer

Interview like crazy, someone saying you have the "intangibles" is pretty BS thinking when it comes to demoting you to BDR (which is the exact OPPOSITE of an intangible skillet that can be coached easily).
Take the one that gives you more cash over time

Answer

I accepted the demotion when I couldn't make quota. My year has sucked rocks though. All the AE's are doing great but the only two SDRs are barely getting by. I love what I do, I just hate failing so badly. I've been considering moving towards Data Analytics or User Design now and taking Linkedin Learning courses to move that way.

FuckMaybes

PIP or Demotion?

24 comments

FuckMaybes

PIP or Demotion?

24 comments

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