Atp 6-22.1 The Counseling Process

ATP 6-22.1 The Counseling Process The counseling process is the guidance that leaders in the Army use to proper review the subordinate’s performance and a way to follow up on any improvement the soldiers made during the time frame of the counseling. They are different categories of developmental counseling that will help the soldier on every aspect of his career. The performance counseling will help the soldier to set their goals and focus on a path that eventually makes him advance on his career. The leader will discuss with the soldier the areas that he need to improve and the areas that the soldier demonstrate potential. Leaders will also be involved during this time to ensure that soldiers follow the guidelines and standards already discuss on the counseling. At the end of the period Leaders will review and let the soldier know the progress and discuss the areas that he still need to make progress. Other type of counseling is the event oriented in which the soldier is involve in a specific situation like recommendation to promotion board, outstanding performance, transition, etc. During this time the soldier will receive a specific counseling base on the type of event that occurs. For example soldiers that are not recommended for promotion will receive a counseling explaining the reasons that they are not recommended and give him a plan to follow. The same type of counseling is used for many types of events like drug abuse, failure to report, outstanding performance. This is kind of counseling it’s
not only for negative actions it can be use also to focus on the positive actions and performance. Another type of counseling is the professional growth, this counseling focus more on the planning for accomplishment of individual and professional goals. Leaders will review with the soldiers and set a plan to develop the strengths. It’s very important that the soldier got the goals clears and discusses every objective with the leaders, soldiers will have the short goals terms and long goals as a reference and will follow this path until complete his goals and them updated as necessary. Every soldier is different, not everyone has the same background or motivation that’s why is important to communicate and find out what they really want to move forward in their career and make the necessary adjustment to accomplish their goals. In my opinion have your mind set up in your goals is really important but be realistic don’t set your mind on something that is going to be impossible, because at the end it’s just a waste of time.
As a leader it’s my duty to guide and provide motivation, communicate effectively and support.
The counseling process is one of the ways to improve the dedication and motivation to excel on your duty. Providing a counseling once a month and when required will let your subordinates that you are taking care of them, that you will listen to them and show the respect they deserve. In conclusion the counseling process is a fundamental part of the soldier’s
development.