Conduct Counseling
Objectives
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Given references, NonCommissioned Officers, and
instruction in a class room
environment, new NCOs will learn
the fundamentals of counseling,
some approaches to counseling, and
relate these to different situations.
References
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FM 22-100, Military Leadership
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FM 22-101, Leadership Counseling
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THE MENTOR 10th Ed by CSM Mark
Gerecht (Ret.)
The Counseling Form
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DA Form 4856 (Developmental
Counseling Form)
Types of Counselings
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Initial
Monthly
Promotion
Disciplinary
PLDC
Family Care Plan
Performance
etc…………
Approaches to Counseling
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Directive – Counselor led, most effective
in dealing with Disciplinary problems and
has short term effects.
Non-Directive – Soldier-centered, takes
responsibility for solving the problem.
Takes longer and is more relaxed
Combined – Most commonly used, a
combination of both approaches. (13)
Leader Actions
In developing proper attitude and
behavior, the leader should be aware of
the characteristic aspects of effective
counseling. These Include:
 Flexibility
 Respect
 Communication
 Support
 Motivation
 Purpose
(LC, 12)
Sources of Power
Legitimate Power
 Reward Power
 Coercive Power
 Referent Power
 Expert Power
-Soldiers will accept guidance and follow directions
from a leader they believe knows the correct
action or solution. This confidence is important
in combat when soldiers must believe their leader
is able to get them through dangerous situations.
(LC,14)
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Forms of Influence
Mapping Alternatives
 Recommending
 Persuading
 Urging
 Advising
 Commanding
 Punishing
(LC,16)
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Before the session, don’t forget
to….
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Notify the soldier
Ensure that the soldier knows the location and
that the counseling does not interfere with any
other requirements from senior leadership
You may choose to inform the soldier of the
purpose of the counseling. It is best to inform
the soldier, to put his/her mind at ease.
Schedule a time
Inform the soldier of the time
Choose a suitable place for counseling
Select an environment free from interruptions
(13,14)
Before the session, don’t forget
to….
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Plan the discussion
- Determine the points you wish to cover
- Make notes on 3x5 cards
- Do not get away from the issue, unless the
subject requires immediate attention, or in some
way is related to the issue at hand
- Ensure you have appropriate documentation
and references available
- Identify the problem from the leader’s
perspective
- Try to understand the situation from the
soldier’s point of view (13,14)
Considerations when Counseling
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Conduct counselings at a time when
it does not interfere with other
activities
Do not tolerate any breaches of
integrity, in any form
Never hold a grudge, it is
unprofessional
Never protect a soldier from
discipline (14,15)
Methods of Motivation
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Letters of Appreciation
Certificates of Achievement
Unit Certification Certificates
Writing formal letter
Distribute Key leader cards
Recognize the FSG
P.O.B.
Recognize specific achievements (20)
Corrective Training
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Remember: The punishment has to
fit the crime!!!
DO NOT confuse corrective training
with extra duty-they are NOT the
same
Remedial training MAY be performed
after duty hours (47)
Remember….
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Nobody is perfect, it will take time for you
to get your own feel as a counselor
It is important for us to remain
professional as NCOs to give our soldiers
100%
Never cheat your soldiers-going easy on
your soldier makes no impact in the long
run. This will only perhaps create an new
NCO who does the same thing to his/her
soldiers.
And lastly….
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A good counselor is always prepared
End of Instruction
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Situations