Counseling
Listening, Questioning, and Feedback
Three skills move every counseling session forward. Open-end questions to draw out, active listening to hear what is unsaid, feedback rules to keep the Marine focused on performance.
Leader Steps
- Lead with open-end questions to start the conversation
- Listen for the verbal and nonverbal cue under the answer
- Restate to confirm before moving on
- Deliver feedback specific to the action, not the person
Six Question Types
Per NAVMC 2795NAVMC 2795 paragraph 4003.1, six question types cover the counseling field.NAVMC 2795 4003.1
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-end | Yes or no | "Did you take the test?" |
| Open-end | Free response | "How is the work going?" |
| Echo | Repeat a word | "You got no response?" |
| Probing | Ask for cause | "Why do you think this happened?" |
| Interpretive | Clarify meaning | "Does this mean you have to start over?" |
| Confirming | Gain commitment | "So your platoon is ready?" |
Default to open-end during the body of the session. Save closed-end for facts and final commitment.
Active Listening
Listening is half the work. Per NAVMC 2795NAVMC 2795 paragraph 4003.2, active listening reads the verbal and the nonverbal.NAVMC 2795 4003.2
Verbal cues to watch.
- Tone shifts higher or lower.
- Hesitation or stammer over a topic.
- Generalities replacing specifics.
- Volume drop.
Nonverbal cues to watch.
- Eye avoidance.
- Slumped or rigid posture.
- Clenched fists.
- Foot tapping.
When you catch a cue, surface it.
- Restate. "You said the work feels heavier this month."
- Paraphrase. "Working with the new section sergeant has been harder than you expected."
- Support. "I understand why you reached the conclusion."
Four Feedback Rules
Per NAVMC 2795NAVMC 2795 paragraph 4003.3, feedback works inside four constraints.NAVMC 2795 4003.3
- Specific. Anchor to events and actions, not the person or personality.
- Balanced. Strengths and successes alongside weaknesses. Praise is the strongest motivator on the floor.
- Target-anchored. Feedback ties to the targets set at the last session.
- Timely. Close to the event, while memory is fresh.
Praise Is Not Optional
A counseling session weighted only on deficiencies builds a Marine who hides from sessions.NAVMC 2795 4003.3.b.(2) Use praise where the Marine has earned it. Use praise as a deliberate tactic, not an afterthought.
Pitfall - Confusing Feedback for Lecturing
If your feedback runs longer than the Marine's response, you have shifted from counseling to lecturing. Cut the feedback to a paragraph. Hand the conversation back.
Same topic, other roles
References