Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

"Houston We Have a Problem" XOM PIP Reallity

EM PIP in reality can be driven by statistics, internal politics, bias, or interpersonal conflicts not your performance. So many people end up on a PIP for reasons that have nothing to do with their actual work. Some examples I have seen in past years/teams:

  • He was put on a PIP after questioning unethical practices used by senior team members and suggesting better methods. They felt threatened and collectively turned against him.
  • She was sharp, social, and highly capable. Her manager recognized her potential and gave her additional responsibilities, which triggered jealousy among other women on the team who then ganged up on her.
  • He was new to the group, and instead of helping him integrate, they isolated him, refused to let him blend in, and targeted him for bottom ranking.
  • She consistently helped others develop, but instead of being recognized, her peers sabotaged her work because she was naïve and overly friendly.
    How PIP Practices Often Work in Reality:
    In many organizations, the outcome of a PIP is predetermined long before the process officially begins.
  • Some employees receive only a few formality emails and “pass” without any real process.
  • Some endure a three‑month ordeal that feels like a continuous interview, filled with pressure, bullying, and harassment—only to be told they “failed.”
  • Employees targeted for removal often face hostility, humiliation, and impossible expectations, and at the end they’re given vague statements like “We don’t think you’re a good fit.”
  • Some people have their PIP extended because of medical leave or mental‑health‑related disability leave, only to return and be failed anyway—or receive a letter saying their disability benefits are ending and they will be terminated if they cannot return...
    Bottom line if you are not PIPed soley for statistics choose PIL....Up to you

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| 1825 views | | 11 replies (last March 7) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1kjrv6zke

11 replies (most recent on top)

I know someone finished all assignments and documented all they said "we saw improvement but not significant improvement" and just failed him for no good reason

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Post ID: @wk+1kjrv6zke

Some people get PIP because they transfer out of a group in February and their old group gets to meet their PIP target without losing headcount.

Some people get PIP because the get transferred into a tight group with extreme loyalty such that the Supervisor will protect his buddies and PIP the new guy.

In the real world, the number of persons needing significant improvements is determined by the assessment process based on performance evaluations.
In the EM world, the % of Needs Significant Improvement is announced before any evaluation started. This just means that performance has zero to do with NSI and everything to do with layoff target.

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Post ID: @sb+1kjrv6zke

Yes they gang up on their target. So many times seen that in EM. Toxic culture....

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Post ID: @j4+1kjrv6zke

It’s been really ugly in Clinton , the past 4 years .

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Post ID: @gj+1kjrv6zke

@e8 yup.have seen similar situation in our section.

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Post ID: @es+1kjrv6zke

@e3
'I agreed with everything my team lead, manager and VP wanted to hear, even though there were times I did not agree.'

ahh, behind kisser, the only true way to get ahead in the US

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Post ID: @em+1kjrv6zke

@OP I agree with everything you said. In the same group, we had two people on PIP. One had just been promoted to CL28 and clearly couldn’t perform at that level. My manager handled her PIP as a formality—private biweekly meetings, minimal scrutiny—and she passed.

The other person had a completely different experience. He was assigned four projects, evaluated by multiple technical leaders, and even had his scorecard shared widely, which violated his privacy. The process became so hostile and overwhelming that he eventually quit.

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Post ID: @e8+1kjrv6zke

@e3 So your advice is be a total cu!k and you will eke by here? All it costs is your self respect...worth it.

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Post ID: @e4+1kjrv6zke

Experienced hire here. I was NI’d my first cycle and was told a lot of baloney reasons for being ranked so low. I looked back on my past year and decided to shift my approach - I agreed with everything my team lead, manager and VP wanted to hear, even though there were times I did not agree. Bottom line - been outstanding for the last 3 cycles with better opportunities. And lately I have been able to nudge the team in the direction it needs to go as confidence builds throughout the organization. Learn to adopt and you will be rewarded. It takes time, have a plan.

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Post ID: @e3+1kjrv6zke

@OP Very true. My non technical,useless manager asks the seniors of team about hiring,projrct assignments,ranking...and you van imagine if you are not in their cult you have no future

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Post ID: @cn+1kjrv6zke

Appreciate your time and effort sharing this story. Upon reading this it’s clear that the PIP is a legalized apparatus to marginalize workers at the fringe.
This is a fertile ground for intentional thought project. If you were purposely and maliciously targeting with harassment or intimidation it’s your chance to balance the universe. Every morning think deeply about a place, person, or thing and balance by shifting reality and space. Sounds crazy but when attempted with an honest heart it’s effective. Anybody want to challenge or test this?

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Post ID: @c8+1kjrv6zke

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