Have you ever sat down to write a performance counseling (monthly or quarterly) only to discover that you could not remember the specifics of an important event? Maybe your Soldier did something praise-worthy or perhaps there was a minor infraction that did not justify a written counseling. Because of the lack of documentation, you are having difficulty putting it down on paper.
Well help is here! With these tips and only a few moments of your time, you will be ready to develop an all-encompassing performance counseling system.
Tips
Performance counselings should be unique to every Soldier, avoid "one-size-fits-all" counselings.
- Keep a notebook with you at all times.
- Break the notebook down into 2 sections. One section for your Soldiers and one for daily notes or a summary of the day’s events.
- A few blank pages should be dedicated to each Soldier. Record the events specific to that Soldier in these pages. This should include achievements and shortcomings for each Soldier.
- Write down what the Soldier did well, or how they can improve in an area.
- Encourage your Soldiers to keep a record of their achievements and have them turn in their comments prior to drafting their counseling statements.
When it is time to draft performance counselings, open up your notebook and review your notes. Also, consider the input provided by the Soldier. This not only takes a great deal of work off you, it also allows the Soldier to give input on their counseling. This process also lets your Soldiers know you personally care because your counselings will be specific to them and not the standard “one-form-fits-all” counseling.
Following these guidelines will make a difference in your counseling and let your Soldier know how much you appreciate them.
