What should leaders aim for when using counseling as a tool?

Leaders should aim to reinforce strengths and address deficiencies when using counseling as a tool because effective counseling is designed to promote development and improvement in both performance and morale. By acknowledging a junior's strengths, a leader can help to motivate and build confidence, creating a positive environment that encourages growth. Simultaneously, addressing areas that need improvement allows for constructive feedback that guides the individual toward achieving their potential.

This balanced approach fosters a sense of trust and respect in the leader-junior relationship, ensuring that the counseling is seen as a supportive and developmental process rather than a punitive measure. Leaders who focus on only highlighting weaknesses, maintaining distance, or concentrating solely on administrative tasks miss the opportunity to cultivate a more engaged and capable team. This holistic method of counseling not only helps individuals grow personally and professionally but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of the unit.