ADAPTIVE APPROACHES TO COUNSELING

B-38. An effective leader approaches each subordinate as an individual. Different people and different situations require different counseling approaches. Three approaches to counseling include nondirective, directive, and combined (see Part Three, Chapter 8 for more). These approaches differ in specific techniques, but all fit the definition of counseling and contribute to its overall purpose. The major difference between the approaches is the degree to which the subordinate participates and interacts during a counseling session. Figure B-2 identifies the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.