Leaders should always counsel subordinates who do not meet the standard. Leaders should counsel subordinates for exceptional as well as substandard duty performance.ġ-7. Successful counseling for specific performance occurs as close to the event as possible. The leader uses the counseling session to convey to the subordinate whether or not the performance met the standard and what the subordinate did right or wrong. Often counseling is tied to specific instances of superior or substandard duty performance. Specific Instances of Superior or Substandard Performanceġ-6. It helps organize the relevant issues to discuss during counseling sessions. DA Form 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form) provides a useful framework to prepare for counseling.
Regardless of the purpose or topic of the counseling session, leaders should follow a basic format for preparation, execution, and follow-up.
A session focused on performance often includes a discussion on opportunities for professional growth. For example, a counseling session that focuses on resolving an issue may also address improving duty performance. While these categories can help organize and focus counseling sessions, they should not be viewed as separate or exhaustive. The three major categories of developmental counseling are:ġ-4. Counseling is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor it is a shared effort between the leader and subordinate.ġ-3. Understanding the purpose and types of counseling enables the leader to adapt the counseling session to the individual subordinate’s needs in order to achieve desired outcomes and manage expectations. Developmental counseling is categorized by the purpose of the session.
Leaders at all levels must understand the counseling process. Counseling responsibilities are inherent in leadership. Regular developmental counseling is the Army’s most important tool for developing future leaders at every level.