What should a senior do at the end of a counseling session?

At the end of a counseling session, encouraging small talk and maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial for fostering a supportive environment. This approach helps in building rapport and trust between the senior and subordinate, ensuring that the subordinate feels valued and understood.

By engaging in light conversation, the senior can ease any tension that may have arisen during the session, making it easier for the subordinate to absorb the feedback provided. This friendly closing reinforces positive aspects of the discussion and promotes a constructive mindset moving forward. Additionally, it opens the door for the subordinate to feel comfortable seeking further guidance or discussion in the future.

While documentation and critical analysis of performance are important aspects of a counseling session, they should not overshadow the need to maintain a positive dynamic whereby the subordinate feels encouraged rather than discouraged. Summarizing only negative feedback can lead to a negative atmosphere, which is counterproductive to the goals of effective counseling.