Turning Supervision into a Learning Powerhouse
Supervision is more than a space to talk through challenges. It’s a space to grow.
It’s a rich opportunity to pause, step back from the daily rush, and focus on developing the skills, insights, and confidence that strengthen your practice as well as strengthening your pathway to a sustainable future.
When used well, it can be a springboard for professional curiosity, creative problem-solving, and renewed enthusiasm for your work.
Yet many supervision sessions are benign and stay in the realm of the immediate e.g. the urgent issues, the case updates, the to-do list and are likely to miss the chance to explore the “bigger picture” as well as long-term growth.
One way to unlock the full potential of supervision is to bring clear learning goals to the table.
When supervisees identify what they want to develop with the support of a supervisor - whether it’s refining a clinical skill, building confidence in decision-making, managing their well being or exploring leadership capabilities and long term growth - supervision sessions will become more focused, reflective, and energising.
Why set learning goals?
They shift supervision from reactive to proactive.
They help track progress over time, boosting motivation and confidence.
They ensure both supervisor and supervisee are on the same page about priorities.
They contribute to a richer professional identity and a sense of mastery in your role.
A goal-oriented approach deepens the learning experience. It invites curiosity, reflection, and accountability. It also means the time invested in supervision is maximised. Supervision sessions become an opportunity to not only resolve problems, but also build capacity and resilience for the long term.
Top Tips for Creating Effective Learning Goals
Be specific - define the exact skill or knowledge area you want to develop.
Align with your role and aspirations - choose goals that support your current work and future direction.
Make them achievable - decide how you will know you have progressed.
Revisit regularly - reflect on your goals in each supervision cycle and adjust as needed.
Supervision is an investment in you.
Setting learning goals ensures you get the best possible return.
Further Insight
If you are interested in Professional Supervision training for yourself or someone in your team, please join my popular online 2-day training program. It is suitable for both experienced and new supervisors and provides an in-depth exploration of practical frameworks and tools to guide supervision practice. Next available dates are 17 and 18 December and 22 and 23 December. Early bird rates are currently available for both programs.
If you have completed my supervision training, you can attend my one-day Advanced Supervision program where I explore the core skills of supervision in more detail and provide opportunities to reinforce and consolidate your skills.
My one day workshop Getting the Most out of Supervision provides practical frameworks and skills to assist supervisees to drive their supervisory sessions, set learning goals and develop their capacity to be self-directed lifelong learners. The next one-day program will be held online on 11 December.
Upcoming public training programs
relevant previous newsletters you may be interested in…
Supervision is more than a space to talk through challenges. It’s a space to grow.