Don't be fooled; counseling is an "art." Or should I say, effective counseling is an art. Effective counseling is one of the most powerful tools to create a harmonious workplace and foster cooperation among employees. Sadly, few managers employ this tool.

Traditional managers don't bother with counseling. They are willing to spend time and effort on preventive maintenance for equipment, but will neglect their most valuable asset in this area. They either feel they don't have time, are too afraid, or just don't know how. When forced, they stumble through and will often make a situation worse.

I've been told, "I'm not therapist, I'm not a priest, and I don't have time to hold somebody's hand."

And damn it, I agree! I'm not a therapist either, nor am I a priest, and I certainly don't have time to hold people's hands, especially at work. But that's not what counseling is about.