Performance improvement plans…

I remember “back in the day” when someone was put on a “performance improvement plan.” The stated goal was to give the person whose performance required improving a very specific plan to work.  It was always clear, concise, and direct.  The problem, oftentimes, was that it was also very late.  Instead of being a primer for performance it was the kiss of death.  

The kiss of death.  When you had been PIP’ed, you had better be looking for another job.  Bummer for the PIPer. Bigger bummer for the PIPee.  

Today, I watched a couple brothers work out their new plan to improve their performance.  This time it wasn’t the kiss of death.  The BTL PIP always involves playing to your strengths.  This time was no different.  It was really cool to watch it unfold.  The brothers won’t be doing the work they’ve been doing historically. This plan does NOT involve them “gutting it out” any longer with what weakens them.  

Who knew…

This plan does involve deep change. Any plan that improves performance most likely does.  Rarely does one get to “magic” by simply repeating the current model.

Here’s another thing that often accompanies high performance and high performance improvement plans. It’s scary.

This plan has them both a little scared.  AND, this plan, was crafted, designed, and developed by THEM.

As I watched this performance improvement plan unfold I was amazed at how married most of us are to doing things the way we’ve always done them.  Even when this way is NOT working optimally and even when it’s wearing us out.  We can’t seem to see the looks on our face.  If we could, this would be so much easier.

Today, I saw a couple brothers that were scared, yes, they are human.  AND, I witnessed their faces.  Faces don’t lie.  At least not for a brief second if you’re watching.  I saw a couple faces that are jazzed about what’s happening.  A couple faces that are crafting and designing a new plan that plays to each of their strengths. The “ten year” rule is still in play.  Hard work is still on the horizon.  No escaping that reality.   

I, however, really like their chances.  Why?

Because mastery rarely comes when someone else is designing the plan.

What are you mastering?

Are you sure that you are attempting to master something that you deeply want to MASTER?

What is your plan?

Who is it’s designer?

Tell me more…