How to Make the Most of Coaching Supervision
Are you a coach looking to get the most out of your coaching supervision sessions? Coaching supervision is an invaluable reflective space for coaches, yet many don't know how about it, or how to make the best use of it. In this article, I'll explore how coaches can prepare and make the most out of their coaching supervision.
First of all, let's explore why you might want to engage a coach supervisor. Supervision provides an opportunity to reflect on your practice, get feedback on your progress, and develop new skills and strategies.
The benefits of coaching supervision are clear. It helps to increase coaches’ self-awareness, improve their communication skills, and develop their skills in areas such as goal setting, problem solving, and decision making.
Coaching supervision also helps to keep coaches accountable and encourages them to maintain standards of excellence. It helps to create a healthier, more productive working environment, as coaches are able to discuss any issues they may be having with clients, and work together to find solutions, thus improving the quality of your coaching.
Preparing for Coaching Supervision
Researching the supervisor
Are you preparing for coaching supervision? It's important to do your research and set clear objectives before getting started. When researching the supervisor you might want to work with, make sure to find out about their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. You should also look into their past clients and coaching supervision programs they have offered. This will help you determine if they are the right fit for you.
Setting clear objectives
Once you have chosen a supervisor, it's important to set clear objectives. Consider what you want to achieve from the coaching supervision and make sure your supervisor is aware of these goals. This will help ensure you get the most out of the process.
Gathering relevant information
Finally, make sure to gather relevant information before your initial coaching supervision session. This could include background information about yourself, your goals, and any challenges you have faced within yourself as a coach, with a client, or associate provider. Having this information ready to go will help the supervisor better understand your needs and provide more targeted advice.
During the Coaching Supervision Sessions
Establishing a safe space to uncover tricky client cases
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for the coach is essential when it comes to coaching supervision, so your supervisor will provide this space for you. As a supervisor, I strive to create an environment that is free from judgement and criticism. I also provide coaches with the time and space to reflect on their client cases and ask questions. During the coaching supervision session, coaches can explore tricky client cases and receive feedback on their coaching approach, style and interventions. This allows you as the coach to evaluate your performance and ask questions that will help you improve as a coach.
Being open to feedback on your coaching approach, style and interventions
During the coaching supervision session, coaches should be open to feedback on their coaching approach, style and interventions. This will help you identify areas that may not be creating the results your clients want, and it opens up room for improvement and helping you develop your coaching skills. Coaches should also ask questions that will help them gain a better understanding of their client cases, their approach and style as well as about their own coaching practice.
Asking questions that will help you improve as a coach
Be curious in your coaching supervision sessions, as this space is for you to learn more about yourself as a coach, and the way you coach. Coaches can often see supervision as "marking your coaching", and this could not be further from the truth. It's your space to grow professionally, so use it by asking questions aimed at yourself, and supervisor.
After the Coaching Supervision Session
Reflecting on the session
After the coaching supervision session, it is important to take some time to reflect on what you have gained from the session. Evaluate the progress of your coaching and assess how you can use the insights and feedback you have received from your supervisor to improve your coaching and become a more masterful coach.
Implementing feedback
By implementing the feedback you have received, you can benefit from the rewards that come with it. This could include gaining a better understanding of the client's needs and being able to provide more effective solutions. Additionally, it can help you to become more self-aware and conscious of your own coaching style.
Evaluating progress
It is important to review and evaluate your progress with your supervisor. Through this process, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and celebrate your growth.
By reflecting on the session and your insights and takeaways, you can gain a better understanding of yourself as a coach. This will allow you to become more aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as how you can improve your coaching and become a better coach.
Overall, coaching supervision is an invaluable tool for coaches. It helps to improve the quality of client work, increase self-awareness, and develop new skills and strategies. It also helps to create a healthier, more productive working environment, and keep coaches professionally accountable. If you’re a coach, engaging in and making the most of coaching supervision is an excellent way to take your practice to the next level.
