The art of counseling

February 19, 2014
2 min read

Yesterday I had to give counseling to a team member upon the request of other team Members. Such jobs are part of my own job. I’ve given about a thousand counseling sessions so far. It is a risky proposition.

The biggest threat is: killing the messenger. The client will see You as the enemy because of lack of maturity or personal inclination.

The second threat is: Worse than before. counseling Is arranged to improve the current situation. However sometimes because of weaknesses in the process of counseling or the ill intention of the client hell may break lose. This follows not only in resignation or lowering performance but negative work environment.

The third threat is: lingering negative energy transfer to the counselor. This means the Counselor is left feeling various mixes of bad emotions. With proper training a counselor can get rid of that. But untreated it might put a stop In his career.

So when I sat with yesterday’s client I was aware of the three threats during the process. It is tough. many times the inexperienced counselor wont see the three threats coming.

In the beginning of my career, I lost one big contract renewal because I didnt see these threats coming. The aggreable client turned out a fox and killed the messenger from behind.

I learnt my way up as a counselor and negotiator. They are similar things. If you are expert at one you will be expert at Another.