Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

I was in the same boat, the unit I supported wanted me to be a stable base for the unit for the foreseeable future. The operators, fls, loved me and my work but I was PIP'd by my manager with no warning. I was receiving feedback like "we see you as an anchor to bring stability and growth to this unit" right b4 I got pip'd.

I left for a better opportunity and now I work with my VP directly on projects because he sees my creative ability to get things done to make money and keep costs down.my advice is that type of talk is preparing you for the low rankings.The anchors are cl 25-26 depending on experience and most compete with managers and sls's who rank them in the dirt despite the invaluable work they accomplish. It's a function of the ranking system you work in. Good luck!

Anchors don't float, they sink to the bottom.

Curious on this too. Are you better-off making it clear that you aren’t okay with anchor status?

Wondering if there is any behind-the-scenes career bartering going on. ….you know “I’m going to leave unless….” If that is the case, I have the same sentiments and might as well say them out loud too.

If you work at Exxon and don't see promotions every 2-3 years, you're on your way to PIP. Start looking outside the organization for opportunities that will favor your strengths and where you'll be appreciated.

None is indispensable.
Prepared to be piped

OP. I’m sorry to say that this messaging is most likely nice sounding code that they are lowering your potential in ranking thus limiting your future with the company. Middle management 2- 3 layers above you has a ranking profile to fill out and it’s not breaking in your favor.

1. The other commenters here are a bit off the mark. The management system we have does not create or incent managers to care about the stability of. an organization A person usually doesn’t have a move blocked because of what they know if they’re still a development candidate

2 the phrasing you are hearing is polite code to make your situation sound better than it is so you will be more accepting and not angry. If you are naive enough you might even think it is a compliment
As one commenter said: don’t be fooled

Ever notice that the company calls men ‘anchors.’ They tell women they are giving them ‘more experience’ so that they can ultimately succeed. Don’t be fooled; it means the same thing.

…well, now that I think about it, same outcome but different messaging. Don’t be tricked ladies.

I have seen plenty of anchors who would have done fabulously in high-level roles, and were well deserving of a move. However, the site’s Middle Management had locked on to one or two little personality quirks of that individual, which they were using to tell the coed that that individual had peaked.

Think about it: Middle managers and low executives only succeed if they have a stable base. They can only get a stable base by creating anchors. Some anchors may chose the role for personal reasons. But others need to be forced into it.

You will be used until they have stability. Once it had been established, your YOE will act against you. You will be labelled as NSI and be purged out in shame.