I believe that supervision is a fluid responsibility for a supervisor, as it is an ongoing learning process. I believe that some of the best supervisors I have had developed their different styles by either trial and error or observation. Great supervisors are able to incorporate their values and beliefs into how they supervise a team that also ensures that their supervisees are able to get a task done. When reflecting on my supervisory philosophy, I had to first reflect on my values and beliefs that are true to my heart. In my reflection, three themes constantly came up; inclusion, transparency, and collaboration/teamwork.

 

I believe that these three values are woven into my supervisory style. Acknowledging and celebrating diversity is a necessity that needs to be constantly promoted. In my supervisory roles, I am intentional with the discussions I have with my staff in regards to diversity and inclusion. I feel that incorporating diversity training and building on my supervisees cultural competency will be beneficial to their growth but also to the students we serve. Being able to work with others from different backgrounds allows you to identify and understand your own biases and allows you to develop different perspectives on situations. 

 

When supervising others, I think acknowledging everyone's unique backgrounds and identities will help the team understand that we all do not think alike and that it is important to put our thoughts together and work collectively. Helping a team understand that everyone on a team brings something different and valuable will encourage, and naturally establish, a great collaborative work environment. 

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One of the most important aspects of my supervisory philosophy is establishing a trusting environment for all of my supervisors. I believe that supervisees must be able to trust that their supervisor has their best interest at heart and that a supervisor must trust that their supervisees will be honest and transparent. In order to build that trusting relationship, both the supervisor and supervisee have to be open about challenges and other things going on. I believe that building a healthy supervisor and supervisee relationship will encourage honesty and transparency within a team. As a supervisor, I aim to establish a comfortable, private space for supervisees to explore struggles openly, knowing that they will be understood, assisted and not penalized or judged.

Although the three themes of inclusion, transparency, and collaboration are woven into my supervision style, Sanford's challenge and support theory serves as the foundation of my supervisory philosophy. Sanford’s theory states that for growth to occur, a person needs a balanced amount of challenge and support. The theory states that in order to be most effective, a supervisor must provide enough support to prevent discouragement and defeat, but not too much, which may result in the supervisee being stagnant in their growth and development.  I truly believe that giving the supervisee too much support and holding their hand in every aspect of their job will result in them never really learning what they need to grow in their job. I believe that too much challenge will result in the supervisee becoming frustrated and possibly quit trying. Although I try to use this style in my supervision, I will always support my supervisees and let them know that they can always come to me for anything. 

 

When supervising, I believe it is important to find a happy medium of challenge and support that works well for each individual supervisee. I believe in creating safe and supportive environments for all of the people I supervise, where they feel that they are autonomous but can still rely on me for help and guidance. I understand that I may need to adjust my supervisory style based on individuals needs and wants. There is no cookie cutter way to supervise, and I believe that a supervisor who can be flexible and accommodating in their approach is a great supervisor.