1-1 Coaching Supervision
Coaching supervision is becoming increasingly important in the world of coaching practice. Supervision helps Coaches reflect on their coaching practice in a safe space to support their ongoing growth and development as a Coach.
If we are looking at a formal sense of what coaching supervision is, the functions of supervision (Hawkins and Smith) are often described as covering 3 different elements:
- Normative: contributing to the quality of work and ethical decision making
- Developmental: facilitating personal and professional development of the Coach
- Restorative: providing emotional support to the Coach
My take on coaching supervision
My own distilled version is: “The opportunity to reflect on your own coaching practice in a safe space that will support you in your ongoing growth and development as a Coach”
Supervision is a collegial process, where the Coach brings aspects of his or her coaching practice to consider with the supervisor. It provides a reflective space in which to learn from experience, share concerns, receive support, share success, receive feedback and guidance, consider ethics and plan for the future. Some modern supervision practise is described as “restorative supervision” which contains elements of psychological support including listening, supporting and challenging the Coach to improve their capacity to cope, especially in managing difficult and stressful situations.
David is a trained Coaching Supervisor and has worked with many individuals and groups over many years. He set up the Buckinghamshire Coaches network two years ago where experienced Coaches provide peer supervision to each other.