A development counseling effort focuses on identifying weaknesses and working with a subordinate on what type of plan?

The focus of a development counseling effort is best characterized by a performance plan. This type of plan specifically addresses the identification of weaknesses in a subordinate's job performance and outlines strategies for improvement. Through performance plans, supervisors can establish clear goals and expectations, provide constructive feedback, and create a pathway for the subordinate's professional development. It emphasizes accountability and progress tracking, ensuring that the employee is aware of areas needing improvement and has access to resources and support for growth.

While strategic, operational, and personal plans are also important in various contexts, they do not directly address the individual's performance in the same targeted manner as a performance plan does. Strategic plans are typically broader and focus on long-term goals for the organization rather than individual development. Operational plans outline the day-to-day functioning and processes needed to achieve organizational objectives, which may not address individual performance issues specifically. Personal plans are more focused on the individual’s life outside of work or their career aspirations, lacking the structured approach that performance plans provide for addressing specific work-related challenges.