During formal counseling sessions, what should be scheduled at the end of the meeting?

Scheduling the next follow-on session at the end of a formal counseling meeting is essential for maintaining continuity in the developmental process. This practice ensures that the employee understands the importance of ongoing communication and support regarding their performance or development areas discussed during the session. By agreeing on a subsequent meeting, both the counselor and the individual being counseled establish a clear pathway for future discussions, allowing for continuous progress tracking and feedback.

In contrast, performance reviews and end-of-year evaluations typically occur at specific intervals rather than following a counseling session. They are more formal assessments of overall performance rather than focused developmental discussions. Additionally, a social gathering does not align with the professional nature and objectives of a counseling session, which aim to address specific concerns and set goals for improvement rather than fostering informal relationships. Thus, scheduling the next follow-on session is the best practice to ensure that the counseling process remains effective and productive.