STEPS IN PROGRESSIVE DISCPLINE
The first step in progressive discipline, often used for minor issues and intended to correct behavior without formal write-up.
What is a verbal warning?
This is what PIP stands for.
What is Performance Improvement Plan?
Documentation should focus on these observable elements instead of assumptions about attitude.
What are facts and behaviors?
This step usually comes after a written warning if behavior doesn't improve.
What is a Final Warning?
A PIP that lacks measurable outcomes suffers from this flaw.
What is being too subjective or unclear?
This "rule of thumb" for documentation means recording the who, what, when, where, and why.
What is the 5W's?
This final step in the progressive discipline occurs when prior corrective actions have failed.
What is termination?
Failing to do this regularly during the PIP period leaves employees confused and undermines the process.
What is providing consistent feedback/check-ins?
Writing "employee was lazy and unmotivated" in documentation is an example of this type of documentation error.
What is subjective or biased language?
This review should occur before termination to confirm all steps were followed.
What is HR review?
When a PIP is used as a 'paper trail' to fire someone instead of genuinely supporting improvement, it can lead to this.
What is legal risk of unfair treatment?
If an employee refuses to sign a disciplinary document, you should do this.
What is document the refusal?
Before beginning progressive discipline, leader should usually take this step to rule out misunderstandings.
What is investigation or fact-finding?
A common mistake in creating a PIP is setting goals that are too vague instead of this type of measurable objective.
What are SMART goals?
This is why documentation should be completed immediately after an incident.
What is to ensure consistency, accuracy and credibility?