Coaching Supervision

For Coaches - What Is Supervision All About?!

How did you first 'get into' coaching?

My own journey through coaching, began with formal training in CoachU, the Coach Training Program, some 8 years ago. Each trainee worked with a Mentor Coach from the outset. There was a very client focussed model of the coach-client relationship and a thorough grounding in theory, models and coaching techniques. There was even plenty of opportunity to practice coaching!

I still remember how vulnerable I felt with my first coaching clients, excited but on my own. Does that sound familiar to you?

As a new Coach, working with a Mentor Coach, GROW was the order of the day. It was never quite clear whether I was working with my Mentor Coach to support my personal goals or to develop my coaching skills, to talk through client situations... it was all a bit of a mixture.

Throughout my 2 year period of training the concept of formal supervision of my professional practice and development was never discussed.

Now the major international Coaching Regulatory bodies such as the Association for Coaching, the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and the International Coach Federation, formally recommend Supervision as part of the expected professional development of their accredited coaches.

Supervisor - from the Latin - super means 'over', and videre, 'to watch, or see'

The major roles of the Coach-Supervisor are three-fold:

To the organisation or wider community of coaching practice: maintaining standards.
To the client: ensuring they get the very best a coach can deliver and
To the Coach themselves: giving them space to reflect on their growth, upgrade their skills, explore new ways of dealing with challenging situations and providing the support they need.

This structure reflects the model of educational supervision as expressed by Kadushan.

Administrative: to ensure the Coach adheres to the best practice and ethical standards of the coaching profession.
Educational: to support the coach during their continuing journey of learning about the profession of coaching, learning new tools and new ways of supporting their clients.
Supportive: working with coaches through the sometimes challenging or even emotional journey of being a coach with clients.

When you're ready to learn more about working with a Coach Supervisor, contact me or call 0208 123 0099to discuss your coaching needs.