Coaching Supervision - A Collaborative Learning Practice
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) define Coaching Supervision as a collaborative learning practice to continually build the capacity of the coach through reflective dialogue for the benefit of both coaches and clients.
With the maturing of coaching as a profession, the field is promoting professional development among coaches. This is in line with the shift of helping professions that emphasise the importance of the reflective practitioner along with the scientist-practitioner (Scaife, 2019).
Coaching Supervision focuses on the development of the coach’s capacity by offering a richer and broader opportunity for support and development. Coaching Supervision creates a safe environment for the coach to share their successes and failures in becoming masterful in the way they work with their clients.
Coaching Supervision creates a safe environment for the coach to share their successes and failures.
The European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) supports the use of competence frameworks as part of a broader approach to the training, development, and assessment of coaches, mentors, and supervisors. The EMCC Supervision Competence Framework describes the skills and behaviours we believe to be associated with good practice in supervision.
They have detailed a supervision competency framework that highlights eight competencies:
1. Manages the Supervision Contract and Process
2. Facilitates Development
3. Provides Support
4. Promotes Professional Standards
5. Self-Awareness
6. Relationship Awareness
7. Systematic Awareness
8. Facilitates Group Supervision
In addition, the Global Code of Ethics sets out clear principles for the promotion and maintenance of excellent practice in coaching, mentoring and supervision. Ultimately, supervision is a relational process and at this stage of my coaching career, Coaching Supervision is key to my continuing professional development as a Coach. I have recently embarked on becoming a coach supervisor through Barefoot Coaching. I look forward to sharing my insights later in the year.
