When to Counsel
Close to the Event
Counsel Close to Event
The key to successful counseling is to conduct the counseling as close to the event as possible.
Naturally Occurring Events
Naturally Occurring Events
Good leaders take advantage of naturally occurring events as opportunities for providing feedback.
Genuine Interest
Genuine Interest
Leaders must be genuinely interested in Airmen and understand how involvement can help personally and professionally.
Listening Helps
Listening Helps
Listening and providing assistance may greatly enhance an Airman's ability to deal with a situation.
Professional Growth Counseling
Professional Growth Counseling
Professional growth counseling is often conducted while reviewing an Airman's duty performance during a certain period and setting standards for the next period, typically (but not only) during performance feedback assessments.
Performance Counseling
Superior/Substandard Counseling
Leaders may conduct counseling for:
- Superior duty performance or behavior
- Substandard duty performance or behavior
Crisis Counseling
Crisis Counseling
Leaders may conduct crisis counseling to help an Airman through the initial shock after receiving negative news.
Referral Counseling
Referral Counseling
Referral counseling may follow crisis counseling, which can:
- Help Airmen work through a personal situation
- May serve as preventive counseling before a situation becomes a problem
Referral Agencies
Referral Agencies
Referral counseling often involves agencies such as:
- Legal services
- Religious affairs
- An alcohol and drug counselor