Effective employee counseling for the first-line supervisor

Counseling is an important supervisory skill applied for a number of purposes. Although the need for counseling is as constant as any need facing the supervisor, a number of commonly encountered barriers often prevent effective counseling. In most instances counseling is a necessary step preceding disciplinary action, and it is always an important step in improving employee performance. Although the supervisor may not come to the job with expertise in counseling, counseling can nevertheless be learned through practice and the conscientious application of a few simple guidelines.