Professional Coaching Literature List: Focus–Coaching Supervision

Lawrence, Paul (2015) “What is coaching Supervision and Is It Important?” Library of Professional coaching. https://libraryofprofessionalcoaching.com/concepts/strategy/future-of-coaching/what-is-coaching-supervision-and-is-it-important/
The ‘Standards Australia Guidelines for Coaching in Organizations’ states categorically: “All coaches should be engaged in professional supervision.” However, the industry doesn’t yet agree what coaching supervision is, its primary purpose, nor who is qualified to act as a supervisor. Our study revealed that although some purchasers of coaching services (clients) are aware of the push for supervision, most are unsure how supervision relates to coaching outcomes. For clients wondering how to incorporate supervision into coach screening processes, we recommend that they ask prospective coaches five questions. The asking of these questions will provide deeper insight than simply asking a coach if they undergo supervision. The five questions are:
? What are your learning goals for this year, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?
? How do you get ‘unstuck’ when confronted by a particularly challenging assignment?
? How do you look after your own wellbeing, for the sakes of your coachees as well as yourself?
? What coaching ethics do you ascribe to, and how do you monitor your practice with reference to those ethics?
? How do you make sure that coaching goals are aligned with organisational purpose, and remain so for the duration of an assignment?

Reynolds, Marica (2015) “ Supervision and Mentoring: A Distinction that is Arbitrary and Contrary,” Library of Professional Coaching. https://libraryofprofessionalcoaching.com/concepts/strategy/future-of-coaching/supervision-and-mentoring-a-distinction-that-is-arbitrary-and-contrary/
Dr. Marcia Reynolds, MCC, Past President ICF, Current President ACTOMentoring in both the coaching and leadership worlds has always been about a more experienced professional guiding someone new to a field or aspect of business. Mentoring can be about helping people master particular skills. It is also about exploring context where the skills are applied. To narrow the focus to only skill building feels awkward. When I hired a mentor coach for my own career, the person helped me with all aspects of my business and growth as a coach.
Supervision in the helping professions has always been about overseeing skill application and is narrowly defined through observing the demonstration of skills and providing feedback. Using the word supervision in coaching blurs the distinction coaching has with therapy. Using the term to broadly signify guiding a coach in a professional context is confusing. I agree with Patrick that Coaching Consultation would be a better name for this role.
THE BIGGER QUESTION HERE is why were the elders of the ICF membership not consulted in this change? Since we have been using the term Mentor Coaching for years in a different context than the ICF is proposing, it seems like simple Change Management procedures, that you include the early adapters in any change initiative or you get resistance. I would have responded to a survey about the use of the words Mentoring and Supervision if asked (and what else these could be called so they make more sense), as I am sure my colleagues would have as well.

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