In my experience, a PIP is an "invitation" to take a seat next to the exit door. It is most often a tool used to document that an employee was let go for "cause." This is done to improve the company's case if they are ever brought into a wrongful termination lawsuit. In reality, In my many years in management, I have rarely seen anyone avoid getting canned once tagged with a PIP. The few times I have seen someone survive the PIP sentence is to somehow find an alternate position in the same company. That is extraordinarily rare as being on a PIP is like walking the halls wearing a scarlet letter. Alternate managers generally will steer clear (unless they have a war going on with the manager who put the PIP in place). The trial is over, the defendant is found guilty and everyone is just awaiting sentencing (which almost invariably is termination).

Advice to readers, if you are ever brought into a PIP, immediately start your next job search. Your days at the company are numbered and you will feel tortured while awaiting sentencing.