Supervision
Supervision is an essential tool in certain support professions.
According to the Global Code of Ethics for 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.
Engaging in supervision with a qualified supervisor is an essential step in gaining perspective on coaching situations, challenging one's practice and continuing to develop as a coaching, consulting or facilitation professional.
What is supervision?
TheEMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) gives the following definition of supervision: "A trusted space for reflective dialogue with a practicing supervisor, whichsupports the practice, development and well-being of the supervisee. "
Supervision is based on a constructive, trusting relationship with a qualified or experienced supervisor. It goes beyond a simple exchange of practices or professional advice. Supervision is a dialogue, enabling the supervisor to get the practitioner (coach, consultant or facilitator) to reflect on his or her practice and encourage reflexivity. It is a process of improvement and learning, enabling the supervisee to enrich his or her own practice.
Individual or group supervision is available.
Why is supervision essential for coaches?
Supervision is an inherent part of the coaching profession and, more generally, of 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 us to learn and develop our coaching skills. In this sense, it is an asset for advancing with confidence in our profession.
Supervision also provides coaches with professional support in overcoming 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, the EMCC sets out a framework for the practice of coach supervision. 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 an ethical 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 change an idea is to change an action.