Supervision

Supervision is a essential tool in some support professions.

According to Global Code of Ethics coaches, mentors and supervisors, coaches are required to engage in a process of reflection and reflexivity on their practice.

Consultants or facilitators may also need this space for reflexivity.

Committing to supervision with a qualified supervisor is an essential step to gain perspective on coaching situations, challenge practice and continue to develop as a coaching professionalconsulting or facilitation.

What is supervision?

L'EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) gives the following definition of supervision: "A space for trust for a reflexive dialogue with a practising supervisor, whosupports the practice, development and well-being of the supervisee. "

Supervision is based on a a constructive and trusting relationship with a qualified or experienced supervisor. It goes beyond a simple exchange of practices or professional advice. Supervision is a dialogueIt enables the supervisor to make the practitioner (coach, consultant or facilitator) reflect on his or her practice and encourage reflexivity. It is a improvement and learning process which enables the supervisee to enrich his or her own practice.

Individual or group supervision is available.

Why is supervision essential for coaches?

Supervision is inherent to the coaching profession and more generally in the support professions.

As coaches, we need to be able to compare our methods and experiences in a safe, trustworthy environment. Supervision opens up this reflective space, enabling the coach to learn and develop his or her skills. In this sense, it is an asset for advancing with confidence in one's profession.

Supervision also provides coaches with a means of professional support to overcome certain difficulties. Indeed, some situations can prove complex in terms of coaching. The supervisor will help the coach to clarify the situation and/or resolve his or her questions. This will enable the coach to understand what is at stake in these complex situations, and where he or she, as a coach, needs to do things differently, or even develop his or her skills. Supervision will contribute to the coach's well-being and professionalize his or her practice, while respecting professional ethics.

Implementing supervision

In coaching, EMCC sets a framework for coach supervision practice. It recommends a minimum of 4 hours of individual supervision spread over one year, or 1 hour of supervision for every 35 hours of practice for experienced coaches.

In the consulting and facilitation professions, supervision is used according to the type of support and its complexity for the professional.

The role of supervisor is often a sideline for an experienced coaching professional.

To find a supervisor, coaches will often turn to peers who have graduated from the same coaching school. Word-of-mouth also helps coaches find supervisors whose practice meets their own expectations. Supervisors may be certified by a coaching school, or accredited by an organization such as the EMCC. The Supervisory Competency Framework for Coaching can also be consulted to understand the supervisor's posture.

Supervision is important from a deontological and didactic point of view. For a support professional, it's a source of continuous learning and a time to recharge one's batteries, reflect on one's practice and exchange ideas with qualified peers.

Many an educated man is unaware that the only way to to change ideas is to change actions.