I had a similar experience to yours. Back when I was the equivalent to what is now staff engineer, my team got a new boss. On paper, I didn't look amazing, but I was constantly helping people.
My new boss admitted at our first review that he had written up a performance plan, but threw it out not long before. What happened was we just transitioned to an open office, and he got to see the line of people who would come to me for help, and how I wouldn't turn anyone away.
I was a little salty about losing my cubicle, but that experience definitely made me appreciate being in an open office.
Of course, I haven't worked in an office of any kind for years and will never take a job that isnt WFH again, so take that last bit with a grain of salt ;)
My new boss admitted at our first review that he had written up a performance plan, but threw it out not long before. What happened was we just transitioned to an open office, and he got to see the line of people who would come to me for help, and how I wouldn't turn anyone away.
I was a little salty about losing my cubicle, but that experience definitely made me appreciate being in an open office.
Of course, I haven't worked in an office of any kind for years and will never take a job that isnt WFH again, so take that last bit with a grain of salt ;)