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The primary purpose of counseling is to define organizational
mission and values, discuss individual job expectations and
performance, reinforce good performance/work related behavior,
identify and correct problem performance/work related behavior,
and enhance the employee’s ability to set and reach career
goals.
The best counseling is forward looking, concentrating on the
future and what needs to be done better. Counseling should be
timely.
Counseling should begin with feedback from the employee about
his/her performance before giving your feedback. Answer these
questions: What worked? What did not? What would you do
differently?
Preparation
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Schedule the counseling session and
notify the employee; suggest the employee write down or be
ready to discuss expectations and requirements.
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Get a copy of the employee’s job
description and appropriate counseling checklist & blank
evaluation form.
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Think about how each outcome or
critical element of the performance plan supports the
mission/objectives of the organization.
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Decide what you consider necessary for
success in each outcome or critical element. Be specific
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Make notes to help you with counseling.
During The Counseling Session
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Discuss mission/objectives of
organization and how his/her performance contributes to
success of organization.
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Discuss items that require top priority
effort (areas of special emphasis)—realizing this may
change later.
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Discuss what tasks and level of
performance you expect for success. Review employee’s written
input if he/she provides it
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Discuss competencies needed to perform
duties. Ask employee for ideas about what how he/she might
perform assigned duties.
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If you and the employee have different
views, discuss them until you both are clear on requirements.
Even if the employee disagrees, he/she must understand what
you expect.
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Emphasize the employee’s positive
strengths. Give examples of what excellence performance is to
give the employee specifics to aim for.
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Ask the employee about career goals and
training needs.
After Counseling
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Summarize key points of the counseling
on relevant form
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Give the employee the form to
review/initial.
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If the employee gave written input,
attach it.
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Give the employee a copy and keep the
original to use for the next counseling session.
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