The Chameleon Supervisor: Adapting to Your Needs

Let's face it, the world of coaching is a vast and ever-changing landscape. As a supervisor, I wear many hats – sometimes all in a single session! But here's the secret: it's not about me, it's about you, the coach and supervisee.

Imagine me as a wardrobe overflowing with possibilities. Need a critical friend to dissect a challenging client interaction? Jacket with shoulder pads at your service. Craving a supportive cheerleader to celebrate your recent coaching breakthroughs? Pom Poms at the ready!

The key thing is, you choose what you need. I bring the adaptability, the willingness to navigate into whatever territory your enquiry takes us. This might mean venturing into the a more therapeutic persona when exploring your deeply ingrained beliefs, or even stepping into the role of a mentor when you seek guidance for navigating a tricky ethical dilemma.

And what gives me the right to do this? Well my respect for managing professional boundaries and gaining your permission remains paramount. I'm vigilant about staying within my own zone of competence. Think of it like a safety net – it allows us to explore freely, knowing there's a support system beyond me which we can access.

It’s true that sometimes those boundaries get a little blurry. That's where my integrity comes in. I might have a deep desire to be of service, but it's coupled with the assertiveness (and risk-averse-ness) to know when a referral is the best course of action. It's not about rejection, it's about professional safety – yours and mine.

This creates a unique space in supervision; a space where you feel everything and anything is welcome. You can bring your triumphs, your struggles, your "what-the-heck-was-that-about" moments, knowing you'll be met with understanding and a willingness to explore.

And… here's the magic: by offering such a wide range of support, very often, the act of voicing, unedited what you are still processing ….is enough. The act of voicing, serves to bring more into your awareness igniting your incredible ability to discern what works best for you. It's a testament to your expertise as a coach, and a reminder that the solutions often lie within.

Of course, there are times when my "chameleon" skills reach their limit. I have a sharp sense of where my competence ends, and I won't hesitate to voice that line in the sand. But even when we need to shift gears or even call in additional support, it's always done collaboratively, with your needs at the forefront.

So, the next time you step into supervision, remember the wardrobe analogy. Come ready to explore, and rest assured there are many different outfits to choose from. It might even be interesting to notice what “hats” you routinely invite me to wear. Which ones are gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe – and what would it be like if we chose one of those??

If you are interested in knowing about more of my ideas that sit alongside this one and which combine to create a Coaching Supervisor Mindset – then watch this space for more blogs in this series.? Or if you are happier for a longer read – here’s the link to the published article which explains the StEWARD model in full…. And with a more academic tone!

https://doi.org/10.24384/4W0C-KZ25