Accessing the manual through the Navy Public Affairs Library on the Internet requires a web browser. Commanding officers must ensure counseling is completed on all personnel before the system goes into effect. For E1 through E6, the counselor will normally be the division leading chief petty officer, department chief petty officer or work center chief petty officer. For E7 and above, counseling will normally be the reporting senior or the member's immediate superior. Frank assessment of the member's performance during a specified period is crucial to the process.
Counseling helps Sailors realize their contributions, as well as their shortcomings.
A three-step process is recommended for effective counseling. The steps include establishing objectives and goals for the session, making preparations and conducting the session to accomplish outlined objectives and goals, and following up and monitoring of the member's job performance. When the counselor is establishing objectives and goals for the individual, identify the member's strengths and shortcomings. The counselor should gather all relevant material and be prepared to support his or her assessment. During the counseling session, the counselor should discuss strengths and address job elements requiring further development.