Recommending someone for a medal or other award isn't the only way to recognize performance that exceeds standards. At the lower end of the recognition spectrum are the encouraging words expressed during positive counseling. Although widely considered less meaningful than an Achievement Medal or other decoration, a few sincere, well-chosen words in a positive counseling can still pack a knockout punch! Positive counseling, received from a Soldier's supervisor can have a huge and lasting impact on a Soldier's attitude and motivation.
EXAMPLES:
You are being counseled for your outstanding performance and contributions to our unit during the month of October. Throughout the past month, you have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to your duties as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. Your performance and conduct have been exemplary, consistently upholding the highest standards of the Army in various aspects. Your punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail have been exceptional. You have consistently shown up to work on time, at the right place, and in the right uniform, meeting and often exceeding Army standards. Your well-maintained uniform serves as an excellent example to your peers. In your primary role as a Petroleum Supply Specialist, you have played a vital role in ensuring our unit's fuel supply remains dependable and readily available. Your efforts at the fuel farm have been commendable, displaying a strong work ethic and ensuring all fuel-related tasks are carried out efficiently and safely. Your contributions in this capacity have had a significant positive impact on our unit's overall readiness and operational effectiveness. Beyond your individual accomplishments, you have shown the ability to motivate and encourage your peers. Your exemplary work ethic, punctuality, and commitment to Army standards set a high bar for those around you. Your positive attitude and willingness to assist and mentor others have fostered a more cohesive and effective unit environment.
I would like to thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Patriot Inn Dining Facility. You've demonstrated high quality leadership skills by helping out the Kitchen Personnel (KP) while they're understaffed, many times as you arrive and before departure of the dining facility. You've taken out the trash and much more every time you arrived and on your departure. This did not escape the notice of the Culinary Specialists and Non-Commissioned Officers within the dining facility. This is an excellent example to set for the future soldiers joining the ranks of the United States Army.
I don't have a single problem with your enthusiasm in your work. Your daily motivation and drive encourages everyone on this team. Continue your motivation in the future as well!
You displayed an exemplary level of adaptability during our PSI Inspection. You were appointed as the Environmental Compliance Officer and tasked to be the NCOIC for an inspection 2 hours later. Despite the short notice, you stepped up and took charge of the inspection on behalf of the company. Your presence was a huge asset in passing the inspection and helped us keep a lot of the supplies that we ordered.
Thank you. Keep up the hard work!
You volunteered to attend the Battalion working group to discuss the re-integration of Family Day/ Graduation events during the BCT cycles. I appreciated you stepping up and providing valuable feedback to the Battalion XO. Your inputs directly fed into the creation of a Battalion standard for these operations. You did a fantastic job by displaying your professionalism and dedication to being part of the team. You are always promoting a positive image of our company.
Thank you so much. You are a much appreciated and valued member of our Company.
You are receiving this counseling in order to recognize your performance at the Soldier of the Month Board this month and for being named Soldier of the Month for November 2016. You spent significant amounts of your own personal time studying by yourself, with me, and with others in our unit to accomplish this objective. I'd like to say congratulations and that I greatly appreciate your exemplary, outstanding performance before the Soldier of the Month Board. Excellent job and keep up the good work! Your actions reflect good credit upon you, your unit, and the Judge Advocate Generals Corps of the United States Army!
Specialist Johnson, I would like to thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Head Quarters Company during the "Spring Cleaning" mission last week on 16 May, 2014. You were asked to assist MSG Dilday in any way you could. You were able to complete twice as much work as the entire company in half the amount of time. This kind of dedication can get you far in the Army. You have been awarded the title of "Solder of the Week." I am recommending you for a Certificate of Achievement. It is vital that you make an attempt to stand out from your peers. I suggest you start preparing for the Soldier of the Month board in order to continue to progress in your career. Let me know if you need any help in preparing. This experience can help you to prepare for your promotion board in the future. Again, great job on the hard work last week and continue to strive for excellence in everything you do!
Your work this month has been outstanding. As a supervisor, I don't have favorites but I have not failed to notice how you come in and get right to work and make sure the job gets done. You have a level of maturity that is rare in first-term soldiers and it shows. You are the only one I can count on to be here on time and the only one who ever asks if there is anything that needs to be done and I sincerely appreciate it. It makes my job easier and has made our shift more productive. These sterling qualities will carry you a long way toward your goals in the Army. Good job and keep up the good work.
Plus one for a great month. You might think that your actions have gone unnoticed but they haven't. I appreciate the hard work you put in to make sure that jobs are taken care of and the log is kept up to date. These actions may seems small and routine but they are literally the foundation on which our readiness and success are built. Without your dependable behind-the-scenes labors, taskings would fall through the cracks and SSG Johnson and SFC Siler would be making excuses to the Chief of Maintenace rather than receiving praise. I know it was you who identified the RED OCTOBER problems and brought them to B Battery's attention and helped solve our admin support issues. It's actions like these that make a good Soldier and I am proud to say you are on my team.
Your performance over the last month has been exemplary. Your initiative and attention to detail have been outstanding. Your reliability in reviewing training and making sure all shortfalls were quickly corrected allowed me to focus on other taskings and effectively multiplied our efficiency. Our platoon is now first in training and we are poised to take first in maintenance. Your foresight and follow-through is directly responsible for our improvement and I look forward to next's month's counseling.
Thanks for keeping your head while the business with SSG Johnson was on-going. I know it was a distraction and I appreciate you keeping a level head and maintaining the status quo while the other members were absent at times to testify on his behalf. Your maturity and ability kept us on target prevented us from falling behind at a time that was really critical for our shop. As we get ready to deploy, the whole battalion can rest assured that we are 100% prepared and fully equipped, thanks to you.
Excellent progress on training. At this rate, you will be fully qualified in 6 months, something that has never been done before here. Just be careful not to sign off on training tasks before you're ready.
Your improvement at this level of training comes from asking any questions. If I don't know the answer I will get the answer for you and get back to you. Continue to push through deployment tasks and don't hesitate to ask myself or any NCO in the squad anything that you may need.
