The Situation: capable counseling Published Nov. 8, 2011 By Master Sgt. Jeffrey Barney 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Every day, Team Dover members encounter and overcome situations that test their experience and skill. In "The Situation", service members share their advice on how to face these challenges head-on, and overcome them. The Situation: Over the years, the hardest thing I have dealt with is counseling. No matter how much practice or years of experience, there always seems to be new situations that arise. I have a tendency to wear my emotions on my sleeve and let them get the best of me. This caused problems for me early on in my career; because of my aggressive attitude, Airmen were afraid to approach me with their problems. I was quick to issue paperwork for every infraction, to the detriment of morale. As leaders, we need to hold our people accountable, but using the harshest punishment available isn't always the answer. The Solution: My first recommendation is to not jump to conclusions and stay calm. Too many times I've blown a situation way out of proportion that could have been handled better. Get the facts before judgment and handle the situation in a diplomatic manner. Another thing is to truly get to know your people and what makes them who they are. I have learned from having children no two people are alike, and each individual responds differently. What works for one may not work for another. Issuing paperwork isn't always the answer either. I have found that verbal counseling goes a lot further than Letters of Counseling or Letters of Reprimand with most. - Master Sgt. Jeffrey Barney, superintendent of asset management with the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron