What is a Supervisor in the Context of Coaching?

In the coaching profession, the role of a Supervisor is integral to maintaining the highest standards of practice. A Supervisor is not just another coach; they are a highly qualified professional responsible for overseeing and ‘coaching’ other coaches. Their role is multifaceted, focusing on ethical practice, professional development, and managing any client-related issues that may arise. Supervisors are accredited with specific qualifications, ensuring they possess a deep understanding of coaching best practices, and they play a crucial role in shaping the quality and integrity of the coaching profession.

BOLDLY encourages our coaches to engage in supervision, and offers these services, however we do not insist on our coaches to prove their supervision status. You can ask them!

Coach Supervision vs. Coach Mentoring

In the coaching world, it's important to distinguish between two key roles: coach supervision and coach mentoring.

• Coach Supervision is primarily concerned with overseeing the coach's work. The Supervisor provides guidance on ethical dilemmas, supports the coach in reflecting on their practice, and helps ensure that their coaching adheres to high professional standards. Supervision is more about the ongoing development of the coach as a practitioner and safeguarding the client’s wellbeing.
• Coach Mentoring, on the other hand, tends to focus more on skill development. A mentor coach provides advice and feedback to help the coach improve specific coaching skills, often in preparation for accreditation or skill enhancement. Mentoring is generally a more targeted form of support, aimed at honing techniques rather than overseeing the broader scope of the coach's work.

Why Is It Important for a Coach to Have a Supervisor?

For a coachee, working with a coach who maintains a Supervisor can offer additional reassurance about the quality of the coaching experience. Here’s why:

1. Ethical Oversight: Supervision ensures that the coach is regularly reviewing their work with an experienced professional, which can help in navigating complex ethical situations. Knowing that your coach is held accountable for ethical practice can build trust and confidence in the coaching relationship.
2. Continual Professional Development: Coaches who are under supervision are committed to ongoing learning and development. This means they are continually refining their approach and staying up to date with the latest advancements in coaching practices, which can directly benefit you as a coachee.
3. Client Support: In cases where challenging client situations arise, a Supervisor provides an additional layer of support. If your coach faces a complex issue that needs to be escalated, their Supervisor can guide them to ensure the best outcome for you.

Coaches who engage in supervision demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards in their work, ensuring that they provide the best possible experience for their clients. Whether it's through navigating ethical dilemmas, honing their skills, or managing difficult situations, supervision plays a key role in safeguarding both the coach and the coachee in the coaching journey.

In conclusion, a Supervisor acts as a crucial guide for coaches, ensuring that they practice ethically and effectively. For coachees, this means a more reliable, reflective, and professionally rigorous coaching experience, making it worthwhile to seek out coaches who value and maintain a supervisory relationship.

If you're interested in learning more about how BOLDLY can help your organisation, we invite you to explore our or write to us at connect@boldly.app.