Is "counseling" really bad?

Bryce Englin — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:28:02 -0400

Maybe it's because I've worked around the joint world for 8 of my 19 years on Active Duty but I've come to believe that the word counseling has too many negative connotations associated with it. If an NCO uses the word people automatically expect the worst. If you had a chance what do you thin could be done to erase the connotation and show folks that "counseling" can be used in a positive manner.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 7 at 2015 10:33 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:33:20 -0400

Use 'development' instead...counseling does have a historically negative connotation.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jul 7 at 2015 11:03 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 23:03:12 -0400

From the perspective of an Airman, I know what you mean by the negative connotation with the term. If I were to overhear an NCO say that they counseled an Airman, without context I would assume that the Airman had F'ed up and was in trouble. It's along the same lines as seeing someone in full service dress without knowing why they are. Most would just assume said individual was probably in trouble.

As for ways to get around the negativity surrounding the word, I wish I could say I had a good idea but unfortunately I don't. Most service members already have it burned in the back of their mind so much that it will likely keep it's negative connotation.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 7 at 2015 11:18 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 23:18:51 -0400

Counseling... is for many applications... and many should be positive... But, in the Army too, it generally connotes a bad thing...

This might help from a couple months back...

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-army-leaders-military-leaders-really-understand-counseling-and-leader-development--2

Do Army Leaders (Military Leaders) really understand counseling and leader development? |...

I am interested in your thoughts on how you think we are we are doing, as an Army, (Navy, Air Force, Marines) with performance and professional growth counseling, and hence leader development. The latest Army definition of Leadership added "improve the organization," which I interpret to mean improving both the unit and the individuals serving there. The latter requires a concerted counseling and leader development focus. This is the latest:...

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 8 at 2015 1:44 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 01:44:02 -0400

"Counseling" does carry a negative connotation. However, that can be changed by the counselor. If you've got an All-Star in your fold, why not help build his/her first award? Counseling records make great bullet points for narratives to accompany medals. Similarly, "areas of improvement" should be noted for your next Chesty Puller!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 8 at 2015 9:16 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 09:16:02 -0400

Counselling in and of itself is not bad. We start off with Quarterly Counselling Sessions, and FitReps are Annual Counselling Sessions. Any time we talk to a subordinate about positive or negative progress it is a Counselling Session (on the spot). The issue is that we equate counselling with Corrective Action, and avoid using the word when speaking of the positive.

Response by CPT Ray Gilmore made May 31 at 2019 12:12 AM

CPT Ray Gilmore — Fri, 31 May 2019 00:12:06 -0400

The requirement was annual, with developmental, every 6 months; and correctional as needed.

I took the time to do monthly counseling, and my NCO's and I would hash out what needed to be improved or sustained every month.

This way, nobody was ever caught by surprise, the NCOERs wrote themselves, and it was seen as a helpful feedback loop that my NCOs appreciated.

Change the method, to change the perception.