Professional Supervision

Coaching supervision is very different to the traditional understanding of supervision in industry. Traditionally we associate supervision with receiving feed back and direction which is often connected to performance evaluation.

Coaching supervision enables the coach to step back and get a different perspective on their working practice. It is more about supporting and encouraging the coach to examine the coaching relationship. A helpful way to consider the nature of supervision is through the three elements described by Brigid Proctor (1986) – Normative, formative and restorative.

The normative aspects of supervision relate to the supervisor and coach ensuring that the coach is practising in ways that are competent and ethical, in other words behaving as a professional coach and meeting the standards of the profession.

The formative aspect is about the supervisor supporting the continuous growth and development of the coach by encouraging the coach to become a self-reflective practitioner. This may involve the ongoing development of new skills, awareness of new theories and modes and heightened self-awareness.

The restorative or supportive aspect as Hay terms it (Reflective Practice and Supervision for Coaches 2007) is where the supervisor is there to support the coach through the challenges, concerns, doubts and insecurities they may feel from time to time. Coaching by its nature can bbe a very isolated profession. Many coaches identify the isolation as one of the key challenges of the profession. Because of the centrality of confidentiality, coaches often have no place to go to off-load the stresses of the work.

Why do we need Supervision?

  • It is a protective mechanism against stress.
  • It enhances self-awareness in the coach and develops the ability to become self-reflective – to ‘self supervise’.
  • It is a mechanism to safeguard the welfare of clients by ensuring ethical, professional practice.
  • It enhanced competence and skill development.

Forms of Supervision

  • Self Supervision
  • One to one Supervision
  • Group Supervision
  • Peer Supervision
  • Team/staff Supervision

For more information on how Supervision coaching can support you to achieve your hopes and goals, contact Elizabeth on 022 26726 / 086 8037712 or excel@coachacademyplus.com