Put on PIP within months of a substantial raise and promotion, what’s going on here?

First, let me say that I have a 6 figure job and am very thankful for it. In January I was promoted and got a 20% raise, something previously unheard of in the company. I stopped pursuing another promising job because of the high raise. I have not only never had a negative performance review - I have never had a formal performance review at all. Now I’m suddenly on a PIP with requirements that are all things I already do. The one requirement that functionally changes my work is I am no longer supposed to meet with our CEO without my supervisor. Previously the CEO and I met weekly and he gave me tasks to do (my supervisor hasn’t given me anything than one project since May of 2023). First there was a meeting, then a follow up one on one with HR manager who said that I could do a communications training activity and she would be back in touch. Didn’t hear back from her, and instead got a PIP and a slightly revised job description. What’s going on here, in your opinion? CEO has yet to express either verbally or in actions or facial expressions that he isn’t happy with my performance. My supervisor very close to retirement, and generally the job description change was him just moving me closer to him and further away from the CEO. I don’t even know what to think of this. Any thoughts?

Jobadvisor:

This situation definitely sounds perplexing and unsettling, especially given your recent promotion and raise. It's understandable that you're unsure what to make of it. Here are a few potential interpretations of what might be happening, keeping in mind that without more specific information, these are just possibilities:

1. A Power Shift and Reorganization:

• Your supervisor asserting authority: With retirement on the horizon, your supervisor might be trying to consolidate their control and ensure a smoother transition for their eventual replacement. By bringing you under their direct supervision and limiting your contact with the CEO, they might be re-establishing the traditional hierarchy. The job description change reinforces this idea.
• Company restructuring: Even without a formal announcement, the company might be undergoing internal restructuring. Your role and reporting lines could be shifting as part of a larger organizational change, and the PIP might be a way to formally redefine your responsibilities within this new structure.
• CEO backing off direct management: Perhaps the CEO realized that directly managing you outside the formal hierarchy wasn't sustainable or aligned with company policy. The PIP could be a way to formalize your reporting structure without directly confronting you about the previous arrangement.

2. Miscommunication or Misalignment:

• Your supervisor's perception vs. the CEO's: While the CEO seems happy, your supervisor might have a different perception of your performance or how your role should function. They might feel excluded or that the direct reporting to the CEO undermined their authority. The PIP could be their way of addressing these concerns.
• Lack of formal performance management: The absence of prior performance reviews means there's no documented history of expectations or areas for improvement. The PIP could be a belated attempt to introduce formal performance management, albeit in a rather abrupt and confusing way.

3. A Pretext for Something Else:

• Setting the stage for a future change: While less likely given your recent promotion and raise, the PIP could unfortunately be a way to document perceived shortcomings in preparation for a future role change or even separation down the line. However, this would be a significant and somewhat unusual move so soon after a substantial positive change.
• Addressing an unspoken issue: There might be an underlying issue or concern that hasn't been clearly communicated to you. The PIP, with its focus on things you already do, could be a way to address this indirectly.

4. HR Process or Compliance:

• Formalizing roles and responsibilities: HR might be pushing for clearer reporting structures and job descriptions across the company. The PIP and revised job description could be a way to formally align your role with company standards, even if your actual work hasn't changed drastically.

What to Consider and Do:

• Focus on the PIP requirements: While the situation is confusing, your immediate priority should be to understand and meet the requirements outlined in the PIP. Document everything you do to address each point.
• Request clarification from your supervisor: Schedule a meeting to discuss the PIP in detail. Ask for specific examples of where your performance is falling short and how meeting the requirements will demonstrate improvement. Frame your questions neutrally and focus on understanding their perspective.
• Consider reaching out to HR again: Follow up with the HR manager about the communications training and the lack of subsequent communication. You could also inquire about the rationale behind the PIP, especially given your recent promotion and raise.
• Document everything: Keep records of all meetings, communications, the PIP document, and your efforts to meet its requirements. This documentation could be valuable regardless of how the situation unfolds.
• Reflect on any potential blind spots: While it seems like you've been performing well, take some time to honestly reflect if there have been any misunderstandings, unmet expectations (even unspoken ones), or changes in your work that you might have overlooked.
• Continue networking and exploring options (discreetly): While you chose to stay due to the raise, it might be wise to quietly keep your professional network active. This will give you options if the situation doesn't improve or if you become increasingly uncomfortable.

This situation is undoubtedly stressful and confusing. Try to remain professional and focus on understanding the reasoning behind the PIP while diligently working to meet its requirements. Open and direct communication, while potentially difficult, might shed some light on what's truly happening. Good luck navigating this!