Comments on: Confessions of a supervisor

By: Jeanette Pratt

Jeanette Pratt — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:50:39 +0000

Great article Steve – thought provoking and helpful

By: Steve Ridgley

Steve Ridgley — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:25:37 +0000

Thanks Jane. I like what you are doing, it sounds like a useful group learning.

By: Steve Ridgley

Steve Ridgley — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:23:54 +0000

Thanks Clare for your distinction between workplace and freelance coaches; I too have seen that, however it isn’t, as you say, that simple. There’s something the profession has yet to get right perhaps about coaches developing a better understanding of self reflection and how to do it well?

By: Steve Ridgley

Steve Ridgley — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:18:22 +0000

Thanks Peter. I agree with the point you make about the depth of self awareness. I wonder though how much more we can do to help coaches, especially new coaches, understand what being a supervisee means and how to derive real value from supervision? Thanks also for the best wishes for the group; maybe see you on the 20th at FCC?

By: Jane Cox

Jane Cox — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:39:25 +0000

I totally agree with much of what you say Steve. I have used the ‘what do you NOT want to bring to supervision’ question to get coaches to think about WHY they are not bringing whatever it is – not WHAT the actual issue is. Parking the issue and the attendant emotions allows the coach to dig deeper themselves – and not just look for a solution in someone else’s issue. I have on occasion done this silently with all members of the group working independently, guided by me to explore what they KNOW within themselves about the WHY. This allows truths to emerge and acknowledging such truths provides space for change and growth. We can then as a group share the learning rather than the content – so that each person is getting something rich for themselves out of the exercise.

By: Clare Smale

Clare Smale — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:06:52 +0000

I really enjoyed this and think that coaches should read it before embarking on supervision – gives an insight for coaches to some of the frustrations (and joys) of supervision and therefore might prompt them to prepare a bit better. I find that freelance coaches tend to prepare much better and ‘get it’ whilst workplace coaches and internal coaching pools tend to go through the motions a bit more and turn up willing but without direction or purpose. Sometimes they’re not that willing. but have to be there in order to tick a box for their continued involvement in the coaching pool. I’m making generalisations here of course, but the experience might resonate with others.

By: Dave Stitt PCC

Dave Stitt PCC — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:56:14 +0000

Very good insight into effective supervision. Thanks Steve.

By: Peter Welch

Peter Welch — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 17:40:16 +0000

Lovely article Steve! Found myself nodding a lot with your points while reading… I see those two types appearing in the various groups I am running. Agree with what coaches don’t bring but that requires a certain level of self-awareness which can develop as they gain more maturity.
Best wishes for your new group.