As the principal trainer and designer of the course I am always interested in how trainees experience the course and any feedback for improvement of what we are doing. One question that always needs to be asked is ‘What is the impact of training as a supervisor with Super.Vision Training at your day-to-day work?’
The consistent answer is the training has not only an impact on their personal and professional development but specifically an impact on their existing work. The trainees always seem surprised by this. As supervision practice has three agreed functions, I am not surprised by the trainee’s answers.
The functions of supervision are agreed to be:
• Ongoing professional development: Developing skills, theory and practice, alongside professional and personal growth.
• Client welfare: Focusing on client welfare and improving the clients’ experience.
• Supervisee support: Supporting the supervisee both emotionally and psychologically in their work.
Looking at the first function, the formative function, it is no wonder that Super.Vision Training supports and impacts the trainees’ work practice. This is one of the core functions of supervision. As Super. Vision Training follows the course of the supervision relationship, it is no surprise that trainees continue to develop in their work practice.
What is happening for them, what are they noticing in their work life. All state that their confidence as a practitioner is enhanced. This is not just about putting theory into practice and feeling confident. They feel more able to experiment with new ideas, models and ‘think outside the box’ for the benefit of their clients and teams. They feel they are ‘enough’ in their role which does not depend on how much they know or how good they are technically. They can rely on themselves to work to the best of their ability and there is less self-doubt. This is an important development for a worker, especially in counselling, psychotherapy, health care professionals and allied professionals. They are less likely to suffer burnouts when they are more confident and know when to seek support and help in any difficult situations. Being more confident in their workplaces has less psychological pressure on them, which reduces stress, indecision and a feeling of ‘being at sea’.
How might this translate to other professions, teachers, managers, members of a team. All the above applies but within a team those benefitting from supervision and supervision training, feeling more confident can lead to more honesty in the team. The difficulties of working with their designated clientele can be shared and supported rather than an atmosphere of ‘I can’t let them know I’m struggling’. Power plays often are displayed in that way of ‘I’m the best’. Confidence within the team can also lead to more creative ideas being discussed and everyone feeling like they are working as one, for one goal. All this again helps to retain valuable experienced highly trained workers.
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They feel they are ‘enough’ in their role, which does not depend on how much they know or how good they are technically. They can rely on themselves to work to the best of their ability.
As for the manager of such a team, supervision and Super.Vision training are essential. Learning how exactly to support the team and get the best out of them is a skill but also a skill in understanding human interaction. A manager who is comfortable with ‘not knowing all the answers’ and encouraging the team to work together to find the answers, has more than hard skills. It takes understanding, empathy and encouragement to get the best out of the individual members. It also takes knowledge of how groups work, with all the different personalities, perspectives, histories and cultures.
When the above factors are at play there are others who benefit. The clients of the worker are benefitting from a more competent worker. Not a worker who is gang-ho but a worker who knows their limitations and their strengths. This applies to a team that is more competent at working together.
Employers of individuals and teams where there is a trained supervisor have an added edge. They work as one for the benefit of all, they feel part of the outcome, feel important and the work they do is important. Through discussion in supervision, know what the ethos of the team is, what the vision of the workplace is and know they’re a valuable cog in the wheel.
