Which action is part of preparing for a counseling session?

• A. Be familiar with the employee's background
• B. Know the facts of the issue
• C. Prepare questions in advance
• D. Review personnel files

Answer: (B)

Know the facts of the issue is essential because it provides a solid, objective basis for the counseling conversation. By gathering observable details—what happened, when and where it occurred, who was involved, and which policy or standard applies—you can describe the concern accurately, reference relevant expectations, and set concrete steps for improvement. This approach keeps the discussion focused on specific behavior and outcomes rather than impressions or rumors, which helps the employee understand exactly what needs to change and how success will be measured. While knowing background or reviewing files might seem informative, these can introduce bias or unnecessary information and aren’t the core of addressing the current issue. Preparing questions can help structure the talk, but they should be anchored in the facts so the session stays fair and productive.