Which of the following is NOT considered a key characteristic of effective counseling?

In the context of effective counseling, one crucial aspect is that counseling should serve a specific purpose. This means that the counselor must have a clear objective for the session, whether it's to assist the individual in achieving personal goals, addressing performance issues, or providing developmental feedback. The purpose helps to guide the direction of the counseling session and ensures that both the counselor and the counseled individual understand the goals of their interaction.

Flexibility is another important characteristic of effective counseling. Given that individuals may present varying issues or have unique needs, a counselor must be adaptable in their approach. This adaptability can help create a more responsive and supportive environment for the individual being counseled.

Additionally, communication is fundamental to counseling. Effective communication fosters a trusting relationship, facilitates understanding, and allows for more productive discussions. The ability to convey messages clearly and listen actively is essential in helping individuals feel heard and valued.

In contrast, authority, while often present in counseling relationships (especially in a military context), does not play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of counseling. Instead of relying on authority, effective counseling benefits from openness and mutual respect, which fosters a more constructive and engaging dialogue between the counselor and the individual being counseled. Therefore, authority is not considered a key