Feeling stuck and need a hero? Coach supervisors provide support and guidance to overcome challenges – capes are optional, writes Daniel Taylor 

Picture the scene: you’re facing a challenge, unsure of where to turn or how to progress. You look up to the sky and in flies… me! Or in my case, when I’m the one facing the challenge, in flies my coach supervisor.  

Just as a coachee can benefit from a coach’s support, coaches benefit from supervision 

This is how I felt recently. I had completed some coaching work, but it wouldn’t leave my mind. I was blocked. So what did I do? Well first, some background and context.  

Power of coaching 

My journey started many years ago when I was on the receiving end of some coaching. It helped me navigate my problem and identify a solution that worked for me. I tackled my challenging issue effectively – and that’s something I’m hugely proud of.  

On the flipside, as an experienced and qualified coach who has coached for years, I really value the impact it can have on someone, especially when you see the lightbulb of realisation flashing in the eyes of someone who has struggled with a challenge for quite a while.  

Responsibility and connection 

I am very aware of the responsibility that a coach has over the conversation and how much a coachee will open up, often sharing things they may never has disclosed previously. They can end up really emotional, struck by the realisation of what they are discussing, with feelings and thoughts which were deep-rooted and buried, now surfacing. 

The process of exploring an issue is valuable and can help the coachee to tackle the challenge head-on with the support of the coach, and identify a way forward. 

Lingering reflections 

However, as a coach, a conversation may stay with you. I have found myself reflecting on a discussion and having it linger with me for days afterwards. Had I used the right questions? Was I too challenging? Maybe I didn’t hold the coachee to account? Did I miss something they raised?  

So many questions and so much noise in my head, which takes me back to the start of this story – why do I consider coaching supervision to be a superpower?  

Just as a coachee can benefit from a coach’s support, coaches benefit from supervision. In fact, the supervisor can help their coaches’ clients in multiple numbers through this support. I know this, as my coach supervisor has helped me navigate conflicting thoughts and learn from challenging situations  

Together, we have discussed and discovered new coaching concepts and models, as well as feedback approaches and methodology.  

Combatting isolation 

As a self-employed coach, I can sometimes feel isolated, but having a supervisor reminds me I’m not alone. I have someone I can reach out to and share coaching experiences with, and this keeps the ‘imposter monster’ at bay.  

Journey to supervision 

These are just a few of the reasons why having a coach supervisor is so important, and why I aspired to become a supervisor for many years. I’m thrilled to now be qualified. Supporting people at both ends of the coaching conversation is a real privilege and, for me, it’s my superpower.  

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