What is Coaching Supervision?
Let's start with some clarification on the language around the fundamental question of 'What is supervision?'
As someone who loves language and words, the chosen terminology around it isn't great.
Don't let the name deceive you.
For those of you who haven't experienced coaching supervision or who aren't familiar with the term it might conjure up thoughts of having a supervisor at work.
My mind and body went straight to my first experience of being supervised which was my first retail job at 16 years old in the now defunct Oasis with a horrible boss who put the fear of God in us all.
So much so I lasted 2 Saturday's before hot-footing it out of there and straight across the high street and into Russell & Bromley where my experience of being supervised was better but still not great.
Gone was the fear of being publicly lambasted across the shop-floor but it was replaced with a heavy dose of being micro-managed, having lunch breaks monitored to the minute and all semblance of work autonomy slowly but surely eroded.
Coaching supervision is not that.
In fact it couldn't be more different.
At this point it is helpful to share what coaching supervision is and is not.
Coaching supervision IS NOT...
a review or evaluation of a coach's performance
a space for judging or criticising a coach's work
It is not a one-way process where only the supervisor speaks and the coach listens
It is not mandatory for coaches to attend (it f*****g should be)
It is not only for coaches who are struggling or facing challenges in their work
It is not a replacement for coaching or therapy, but instead an additional support for coaches to grow and develop in their practice.
Coaching supervision IS
a deeply supportive process for coaches to reflect, learn and grow in their practice
a space for coaches to do an unfiltered exploration of their own thoughts, feelings and biases that might impact their client work
a nurturing yet challenging space full of trust and honesty
a place for coaches to gain new perspectives and insights on their work, its impact and its place in the world
a space for coaches speak openly and honestly about how they really feel and think about their work, their clients and themselves as a coach
an opportunity for coaches to ask questions, seek advice and get guidance from a skilled supervisor
a way for coaches to ensure that they are adhering to ethical standards and guidelines
an ongoing process of expansive professional development.
If you’re interested in Coach Supervision with me. Book a call and let’s see if we are a good fit.