[jfischer]

> A good boss gives you fair warning so you don't have to implement/sign the PIP. Having been a manager before, I agree with that 100%. As a manager, you have a big impact on people's lives. This is particularly true in a recession, when they cannot get another job so easily. You owe them frank, constructive feedback on their performance. By the time you get to a PIP, it is too late. Of course, some people still won't change, even if they are made aware of the issue. More frequently, their personality/interests are just not a good fit for the job. It sounds like most people discussed in the OP were "ambushed".