What should an "Overall Performance" counseling consist of?

2014-10-10T11:56:21-04:00

Just out of curiosity, when an NCO gives their soldier a counseling for "Overall Performance" should it include other peoples opinions in it?

Also; should the counseling only reflect the negative, or unfortunate circumstances from only the last 48 hours that were not an ideal work environment for everyone. (As a good leader should know, each soldier reacts differently to every situation; and they should know their soldiers ability to function in a stressful or difficult situation)

Lastly, Should an Overall Performance counseling have "corrective Action" in the Plan of Action section?

I am asking these questions out of curiosity for my own knowledge. I in fact got a similar 4856 that had these attributes, I had a very rough week (as did everyone in my unit) I just had a harder time 'bouncing back'; and instead of getting asked questions or being asked if I wanted to talk I basically got a negative counseling with a different headline. I felt very singled out and misunderstood. And when i tried to explain myself I was told "I don't care about your excuses".

Also, of course I plan on doing everything asked of me in this counseling statement. Because I in fact care about my career and it bothered me very deeply that I had gotten this before getting asked how I was doing. But I would like to know what is right, or wrong or what should have been done differently.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:59 PM

2014-10-10T13:59:21-04:00

I would say an overall counseling (emphasis on overall) should contain good and bad and suggested corrective actions. As for other people's opinions ... maybe, but only if they are in the chain of command.

It sounds like you have the right attitude, SPC(P) Bianca Embry. Keep soldiering on with that right attitude, and you'll go far. "Correcting" your NCO may be tough, but you'll be an NCO yourself soon, and you can do it right.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Oct 10 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-10-10T14:11:41-04:00

SPC(P) Bianca Embry, it sounds to me by the way that you wrote your post that you already know the answers and you are looking for validation of what you believe. Counseling sessions serve many purposes. I will not go into detail about the types of counseling, reasons for counseling, how to set up the counseling session, etc. What I will say though is that if you are going to discuss "overall performance," unless your overall performance was negative for the period covered in the counseling, then the counselor should cover everything. That is performance counseling. If it is something that is either specifically negative or positive, then it is event oriented. See, there I go reverting back to the types of counseling. You seem to understand what right looks like. Use this as a learning point for yourself as something not to do in a counseling session. Keep your chin up and your eyes on the horizon. Good luck!!!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 2:30 PM

2014-10-10T14:30:21-04:00

SPC(P) Bianca Embry Counseling should always be a two way street. It is a way for you to work with your supervisor identify the positives and negatives and work towards a solution. If you and your supervisor follow the action plan, you both will benefit.