Counseling involves a formal face-to-face meeting between a supervisor and employee to identify the causes of poor performance and find ways to improve. It is used when feedback and coaching have not resolved issues, and aims to communicate concerns, determine causes, and set expectations for improved performance without embarrassment. Counseling is appropriate for minor infractions or first offenses by experienced employees, and failure to take action can negatively impact workload, morale, and reinforcement of unacceptable behaviors.

1. What is Counseling
 Direct face-to-face conversation
between a supervisor and a direct
report
 Used to help the employee identify
the reason for poor performance to
improve, not embarrass or humiliate
him or her
 Generally more formal than
feedback and coaching and is
required of a small percentage of
employees

2. Purpose of Counseling
 Communicate concerns to the employee
 Determine the cause of the employee’s activities
 Identify avenues for improvement and/or development
 Improve employee performance

3. When to Counsel
 When more action is required by the supervisor
following feedback and coaching
 Re-establish Expectations
 Not all unacceptable behavior warrants discipline:
Usually minor infractions, or case of first offense
by a long term employee require counseling

4. Role of the Managers
 Balance organizational
needs with employee
rights on a daily basis
 Inform employees of
their performance on
the job
 Ensure work is being
completed at
acceptable levels

5. Causes of Failure of
Accomplishment at Work
 The employee does not know how
 Lack of instruction or feedback.
 Something or someone is hindering work
output
 Physical or mental restrictions, time or equipment
restrictions
 Attitude
 Poor attitude, employee is “burned-out” or unhappy, or
does not particularly enjoy the task.

6. Consequences of Failing to Take
Action
 Increased workload
 Department morale
affected
 The employee may
never see the problem
 Problem is reinforced
as acceptable

7.  IDENTIFY PROBLEMS
 EMPLOYEE MEETINGS
 STRUCTURED COUNSELING
 PROVIDE FEEDBACK