Getting the Most out of Supervision?

“If you're proactive, you focus on preparing. If you're reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.” ― John C. Maxwell

For early career health professionals, supervision is one of the most valuable opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow. It provides a safe space to explore challenges, gain perspective, and strengthen professional identity. Yet the benefits of supervision depend not only on the skill of the supervisor but also on how well both supervisor and supervisee prepare for the sessions.

When preparation is lacking, supervision can easily drift into task updates or surface-level discussions. But with thoughtful preparation, supervision becomes a powerful engine for professional growth and wellbeing.

Preparing as a Supervisee

Early career professionals often feel unsure about how to approach supervision even though it is designed for your benefit. Preparation can build confidence and ensure the conversation is meaningful. Practical ways to prepare include:

• Reflect on recent experiences: Identify moments of challenge, uncertainty, or success that you want to explore.

• Clarify learning goals: Think about what skills, knowledge, or confidence you most want to strengthen.

• Notice patterns: Pay attention to situations that repeat, for example, times you felt stuck, overwhelmed, or energised.

• Bring questions: Come ready to ask about strategies, ethical dilemmas, or workplace dynamics that you want guidance on.

• Prioritise topics: Choose one or two key areas to focus on, so the conversation remains purposeful and achievable.

Supporting Preparation as a Supervisor

Supervisors play a central role in helping supervisees prepare effectively. Encouraging preparation signals that supervision is an active, collaborative process. Supervisors can:

• Set clear expectations about what preparation looks like and why it matters.

• Model reflective practice by sharing how they prepare for professional conversations themselves.

• Provide tools such as reflection templates or prompts to help supervisees organise their thoughts.

• Acknowledge progress so supervisees see the impact of preparation over time.

• Create a safe climate where supervisees feel comfortable raising questions and vulnerabilities.

Questions to Consider

• As a supervisee: What do I most want to take away from my next supervision session?

• As a supervisor: How do I encourage and support preparation in those I supervise?

• For both: What makes supervision conversations most valuable and energising for me?

Preparation is not about adding more pressure, it is about making the most of an opportunity for learning, support, and growth. When both supervisees and supervisors approach supervision with thoughtfulness and intention, the benefits multiply. Supervision becomes not only a safeguard for professional practice but also a powerful driver of confidence, resilience, and career development.

Upcoming public training programs

Relevant previous newsletters you may be interested in…