Group coaching supervision
The Association for Coaching is committed to sustaining and advancing good coaching practice. Their aim as a professional body is to encourage all coaches to undertake supervision as a continuous process once they have trained as a coach. As an Accredited Diploma in Coach Training Provider, we adhere to the ethical guidelines as laid out by The Association for Coaching (AC).
Here is what the AC says about coaching supervision:
What is coaching supervision?
Coaching supervision is a formal and protected time for facilitating a coach’s in-depth reflection on their practice with a Coaching Supervisor. Supervision offers a confidential framework within a collaborative working relationship in which the practice, tasks, process and challenges of the coaching work can be explored.
The primary aim of supervision is to enable the coach to gain ethical competency, confidence and creativity so as to ensure the best possible service to the coaching client, both coachees and coaching sponsors. Supervision is not a ‘policing’ role, but rather a trusting and collegial professional relationship.
Why coaching supervision is essential for the practising coach
"Having supervision is a fundamental aspect of continuing personal development for coaches, mentors, organisational consultants and supervisors. Providing a protected and disciplined space in which we can reflect on particular client situations and relationships, the reactivity and patterns they evoke in us and by transforming these live, in supervision, profoundly benefit our clients." - Hawkins and Smith (2006), Coaching, Mentoring and Organizational Consultancy, Supervision and Development.
Regular reflection on and reviewing one’s work is essential to maintain and sustain a good practice. Supervision recognises the ‘human element’ and subsequent demands of the coaching work on the coach. It ensures that relationships with clients are non-exploitative, a coach’s limitations are understood and worked within, and further development needs can be surfaced.
It provides a space to expand emotional intelligence, gain support, relate practice to theory, develop new learning, and evolve coaching practice. Overall, coaching supervision is essential both to develop the coach’s professional skills and to maintain excellent standards of coaching.
The benefits of coaching supervision
The primary purpose of coaching supervision is to ensure that the coach is effectively addressing the needs of the client. In addition, it allows for exploring the relationship between the coach and client and ensures that ethical standards are adhered to throughout the coaching process.
Accountability and protection
- Ensures the best interests of the client are being upheld – for the coachee and any organisation buying in services.
- Supports the coach to work to best practice and to the Global Code of Ethics for Coaches and Mentors.
Development
- Provides an opportunity to monitor client work and develop skills in a supportive environment.
- Utilises feedback to help to advance practice.
- Identifies areas for further development for the coach.
Resourcing
- Responds to the effect of the client work on the coach, including the emotional impact.
- Explores new perspectives to identify new approaches and ways of working.
Contact June on 07876 578055 or june@thoughtitude.co.uk if you have any questions.