Successful supervisors realize that discipline is most effective when it is administered with the intent to nurture and develop employees so that they perform well. Coaching and counseling are less formal modes of discipline which give the supervisor the opportunity to help employees succeed at meeting their objectives. Coaching is discussing the problem and expected behavior with the employee.
Counseling is the same, but the interaction is documented.
Coaching and counseling are essential prerequisites to progressive discipline, and with them discipline becomes a two-edged sword. Unless employees change their behavior, coaching and counseling become the foundation for progressive discipline. Coaching and counseling give the supervisor the opportunity to help employees succeed at meeting their objectives. The progressive disciplinary process consists of three documented steps. The verbal warning is the first formal stage of progressive discipline.