S.C.O.R.E. STEP 4 - Explaining the Effects

In S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling one of the critical steps is explaining the effect of the counselee’s actions. Explaining the result or outcomes caused by the counselee’s negative behavior on individuals, teams, and the organization is crucial during performance counseling for several reasons. This step provides the “why” for the behavior change. By explaining the effects in "I, Me, My" statements the counselor can help the counselee understand their behavior, but also help in these specific ways:

Performance Improvement: Performance counseling aims to facilitate improvement. By explaining the impact of negative behavior, you provide individuals with a roadmap for what they need to change to enhance their performance.

Motivation for Change: Knowing how their behavior negatively impacts others can motivate individuals to change. They are more likely to address the issue if they understand the harm it causes.

Clarity and Awareness: It helps individuals understand the consequences of their actions. Often, people may not fully grasp how their behavior affects others or the organization. Providing a clear explanation can make them more aware of the issue.

Accountability: When the impact is clearly articulated, individuals cannot deny their actions or shift the blame. It holds them accountable for their behavior, making it more likely that they will take responsibility and work towards improvement.

Team Dynamics: Negative behavior can disrupt team dynamics, erode trust, and lower morale. By explaining how one person's actions affect the team, you emphasize the importance of collaboration and the need for a harmonious work environment.

Organizational Goals: Negative behavior can hinder an organization's ability to achieve its goals. Explaining this impact reinforces the importance of alignment with the company's mission, values, and objectives.

Legal and Ethical Implications: Certain negative behaviors may have legal or ethical implications. Clearly communicating these can help individuals understand the potential legal consequences and ethical breaches associated with their actions.

Conflict Resolution: In cases where negative behavior has led to conflicts, explaining the impact can be a step towards resolving these conflicts. It helps all parties involved see the root causes and work towards resolution.

Prevention: When individuals and teams understand the consequences of negative behavior, it can serve as a deterrent. They may think twice before engaging in such behavior in the future.

Documentation: In a formal performance counseling process, documenting the impact of negative behavior is essential. It provides a record of the discussion and the reasons for any subsequent actions or decisions.

Fairness and Transparency: Providing a clear explanation of the impact demonstrates that the counseling process is fair and transparent. It ensures that individuals have a chance to understand the reasons behind any corrective actions taken.

Using step four of S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling, explaining the impact of negative behavior on individuals, teams, and the organization in "I, Me, My" statements is an integral part of performance counseling because it gives the counselor a strong understanding of the effects that could happen if the changes in behavior are not made. It also lets the counselee know the result or outcomes and promotes understanding, accountability, motivation for change, and helps align behavior with the organization's goals and values. This understanding helps create the “why” for ultimately contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment.

About the Author: Dr. Chris Fuzie is the owner of CMF Leadership Consulting and is currently is the Business/HR Manager for a District Attorney’s office in California. Chris is a Leaderologist II and Vice President of the National Leaderology Association (NLA) who holds a Doctor of Education (Ed. D), M.A. and B.A. in Organizational Leadership, and has graduate certificates in Human Resources and Criminal Justice Education. Chris is a developer, trainer, consultant for leadership of public, private, profit, and non-profit organizations since 2010. Chris is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a former National Instructor for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and California P.O.S.T. Courses. Chris is the author of "Because Why... Understanding Behavior in Exigencies." and of "S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling: Save the Relationship, Change the Behavior." Chris is honorably retired from the Modesto Police Department after 28 years of public service leading such teams as the Homicide Team, the Hostage Negotiations Team, the Street-Level Drug Team and the School Police Officer Team.