Internal coaches need support, guidance and reflection on their role and responsibility as an internal coach, the skills they are using and any challenges they encounter when coaching individuals within the organisation. Coaching supervision helps to ensure the success of the coaching, the confidence of the internal coach and that ethical boundaries and relationships are being considered.
Coaching supervision is the process of reflection, insight and support that brings together many disciplines such as coaching, mentoring and psychology. It is a conversation in a safe environment where the internal coach has the psychological safety to discuss any concerns they may have within their coaching practice.
The coach supervisor will ensure the internal coach operates within ethical boundaries and is there to offer support, guidance and advice in terms of their own coach development.
Internal coaches often work with challenging situations and are potentially open to ethical dilemmas and challenges around boundaries and working relationships. There can be a conflict of interest between being an employee (particularly in an influential role) and an internal coach. Supervision offers the space to talk through these challenges and to build confidence in the internal coach in how to manage these situations.
During supervision, the coach will have the time and space to think about particular aspects of their coaching practice and to think and reflect with an experienced coach and qualified supervisor. The supervisor will closely explore many things including: