Send us a text

Performance improvement plans are supposed to help employees get back on track, but as Harvard Business Review reports, a shocking 90% of employees placed on PIPs don't survive them. This episode pulls back the curtain on what a PIP really means for your career and future with your company.

When a friend called me about being put on a performance improvement plan, I examined the document and couldn't even determine what specifically needed improvement. That's when I realized the truth many managers won't admit: most PIPs aren't designed to help you succeed—they're the first step toward termination.

During this season of mass layoffs across industries, companies frequently use performance improvement plans as documentation to justify terminations and protect themselves legally. These plans create the paper trail needed to demonstrate "cause" and avoid severance payments. If you find yourself facing a PIP, you need to make a strategic decision: will you fight to prove them wrong, or focus your energy on finding your next opportunity?

The episode reveals ten crucial things companies won't tell you about PIPs, including their true purpose as legal documentation, the reality of "quiet firing," and why HR isn't a neutral party in the process. You'll learn concrete strategies for navigating a performance improvement plan, from ensuring goals are specific and measurable to documenting everything and knowing when to negotiate an exit.

Whether you're currently on a PIP or want to understand how these processes work, this episode provides honest guidance from someone who's seen both sides of the performance management equation. Share your own PIP survival story by reaching out at info@thenatalieparker.com or messaging @thoyourbosssucks on social media.

Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.

Send us a text

Natalie Parker and leadership coach Ayana Coston dive into what happens behind the scenes when organizations call in executive coaches to help struggling leaders develop or correct performance issues.

• Most leaders lack fundamental leadership skills despite technical expertise
• Leadership effectiveness rarely measured in performance management
• Leaders need safe spaces to be heard without judgment
• Employees betraying themselves by not asking for what they need
• Cultural differences dramatically impact conflict management styles
• 95% of the time, the feared conversation is worse in your head than reality
• Giving feedback requires psychological safety on both sides
• Leaders being monitored/evaluated on keystroke counts rather than outcomes
• Understanding before action when addressing leadership issues
• Clear communication about values and expectations prevents misalignment

If you're working for a leader who isn't supporting you properly, have the conversation about what you need, document your approach, and be willing to make changes if the environment doesn't improve. Remember that your value isn't determined by one workplace.

Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.

Send us a text

Finding yourself stuck with a terrible boss can feel like a nightmare, but what if you could spot the warning signs before accepting the job? In this illuminating conversation with talent matchmaker Julia Cooper, we uncover the secrets to test-driving potential managers during the interview process.

Julia reveals that authenticity has become the true currency of successful workplace relationships. As a recruiter who has placed thousands of candidates throughout her career, she shares insider knowledge on how to identify red flags in leadership styles. From observing how engaged managers are during interviews to paying attention to whether they apologize for tardiness, these subtle cues often predict future behavior.

The discussion tackles today's most pressing workplace challenges, including the post-pandemic tension between remote flexibility and office requirements. One listener's frustration with inconsistent policies prompts practical advice: if remote work matters to you, verify whether your potential manager works remotely—this often determines the team's long-term arrangement. We also address the delicate dance of setting boundaries in a world where technology enables 24/7 connectivity.

Most valuably, Julia provides five essential questions every candidate should ask potential managers: How would you describe your leadership style? How do you keep your team motivated during challenges? How do you set goals and measure success? How do you onboard new team members? What's the most important leadership lesson you've learned?

Remember that in today's job market, organizations should be selling themselves to you just as much as you're selling your skills. Don't be afraid to interview the company while they're interviewing you—your future happiness depends on it.

Don't let your boss suck the life out of you.
Share your bad boss story on our website.
Learn more or Book Natalie.