How does counseling differ from performance evaluation?

Counseling differs from performance evaluation primarily in its flexibility and context. Counseling is often a continuous, dynamic process that addresses an individual’s personal and professional development, providing opportunities for guidance and support on an as-needed basis. This means that counseling sessions can be initiated whenever there is a need to discuss an issue, provide feedback, or address challenges, making it an adaptable tool for both the counselor and the individual.

On the other hand, performance evaluations are typically conducted at predetermined intervals, such as quarterly or annually, and focus on assessing an individual’s job performance against specific criteria. This structure and scheduling aspect distinguishes performance evaluations from counseling, which is more reactive and situational based on an individual's immediate needs for support or guidance.