Why Counseling Subordinates is Often More Effective Than Lecturing
As a manager, it can be tempting to rely on lecturing and other forms of disciplinary action to correct an employee’s poor performance. However, counseling can often be a more effective way to address the problem.
What is Counseling?
Counseling is a supportive conversation designed to help an individual address and solve a problem. In the workplace, counseling is a powerful tool for managers to help employees improve their performance, skill set, and overall mental wellness.
The Problem with Lecturing
Lecturing is a one-way form of communication that often becomes a judgmental, condescending, and ineffective practice. It makes employees feel defensive and unsupported, ultimately lowering morale. Lecturing may cause an immediate change in behavior, but it doesn’t always lead to a long-term improvement in the employee’s work.
The Benefits of Counseling
Counseling, in contrast, fosters open communication that is non-confrontational. It enables employees to gain insights into their own motivations, beliefs, and feelings, which often leads to better problem-solving skills. By taking the time to understand an employee’s perspective, the counselor can offer compelling facts and insights that lead to more long-lasting changes in behavior.
How to Conduct Counseling
The first step in conducting counseling is to define the topic that needs to be addressed with the employee. The manager may then invite the employee to discuss their thoughts about the issue and any challenges they’re facing. Active listening is crucial during counseling to show sensitivity and provide appropriate guidance. Throughout this process, the manager should maintain a neutral attitude to avoid lecturing.
Real-World Examples
Numerous case studies show the effectiveness of counseling over lecturing. For instance, a newly promoted manager working at a large law firm was asked to improve the billing department’s efficiency. After several unsuccessful lectures, she decided to invest time in counseling her employees. Over a few months, she listened to her employees’ ideas and empowered them to take on more responsibility. As a result, the billing department was more productive and ran more efficiently.
The Takeaway
The benefits of counseling in the workplace are numerous. It fosters better communication, helps employees identify a right course of action, and creates a supportive environment for achieving goals. By understanding and utilizing counseling, managers can inspire their employees and create productive, healthy work environments.
