The Supervisor as Steward: A Balancing Act for Growth
Guess what …. being a supervisor in the coaching world is not an easy gig. It's not just about ticking boxes and making sure everyone's on track. It's about a deeper responsibility, a kind of stewardship for the entire coaching community.
Think of it this way. On one hand, I have a supervisee, who's paid me to support them in their work. This brings an inevitable power dynamic into play….But here's the twist: true stewardship isn't about micromanaging or "owning" their development. It's about building a collaborative partnership.
This means embracing a kind of duality. I need to be both a role model, offering insights and expertise, and a curious guide, open to hearing the supervisee's perspective. It's a delicate dance, but done well it produces a fertile ground for true growth.
The supervisor’s role goes beyond just my supervisees. As a steward, I have a responsibility to the entire coaching community. This means being transparent, speaking my truth about what I see in the supervisee's practice, even if it might lead to some discomfort. And here's the key: that discomfort comes from a place of respect and a shared belief that we're all working for the greater good.
The supervisee might feel challenged, even pushed outside their comfort zone. But this isn't about criticism, it's about encouraging them to see their work in a broader light. It's about prioritizing the needs of their clients and the profession as a whole, not just their own development goals.
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So how does this translate into practice? It starts with noticing something in the supervisee's work that makes me uneasy. Maybe it's a certain approach they're taking with a client, or a question that reveals a potential ethical grey area. I place a tight hold on my urge to jump in with a solution, instead giving voice to my concern, blending confidence in my own experience with my openness to learning more. I want to understand what's driving their approach, and in turn, I share why it sparked my discomfort. This might involve sharing best practices or highlighting potential ethical pitfalls.
It's a two-way street. Once we've both laid things on the table, we check in. How has this conversation impacted each of us? This open dialogue paves the way for the next steps. Maybe we move on, or maybe the supervisee needs some time to reflect and we revisit it later. It could even lead to specific actions, both for the supervisee and myself as the supervisor.
Being a steward is a constant balancing act, demanding transparency, respect, and a sense of shared responsibility. It's about creating a space where discomfort can spark growth, not just for the supervisee, but for the entire coaching community. And that's a challenge I'm more than happy to embrace, are you?
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!
Master Coach, Master Coach Supervisor, Author (Routledge)
1 个月A pleasure to talk about my StEWARD model yesterday at the Association for Coaching (AC) webinar. Delighted that there was a high degree of resonance with participants .... and also interested to continue to evolve our thinking.... what's your sense of the Coach Supervisor's mindset? How does the notion of Stewardship land with you?
Owner Leadership Edge building sustainable coaching cultures in schools ?? Owner North Star Coaching & Supervision empowering individuals and coaches to be at their best??Big picture. Small steps.??
3 个月“Embracing a kind of duality. I need to be both a role model, offering insights and expertise, and a curious guide, open to hearing the supervisee's perspective. It's a delicate dance, but done well it produces a fertile ground for true growth.” Love this, Michelle. I certainly perceive my role as a supervisor as a kind of art, rather than science, working lightly through layers, noticing patterns, surfacing deep colours and drawing them out so they can be seen by my client; also knowing where the boundaries are and shining a light on those; and suggesting alternative approaches/tools/considerations when I perceive they could enrich the work being done. And of course, seeing the context of the work and how it is sitting within the wider landscape. As you say, certainly not a simple tick-box exercise!
Coach Supervisor & Accredited Master Coach; OD & Career Consultant;
3 个月Lovely piece Michelle. Really resonates with me, in how I work as a supervisor.
Creating a thinking space for busy leaders & teams | Accredited Executive & Systemic Team Coach | Coach Supervisor | Facilitator | Host of The Being Leader Podcast
3 个月Michelle I've just taken time to read the article following the post I saw this morning. Great piece, and I love the model. I can definitely see these elements appeared in my journey as a supervisee, and how I have then translated this role modelling into my own practice as a supervisor. The tensions in the different roles can definitely help shape the way we dance between the different elements with those we support on their journey