Group supervision for coaches: is it worthwhile? A study of the process in a major professional organisation

This study sought to understand whether supervision provides real value to coaches, by observing the experiences of group supervision for internal coaches in a professional organisation. All participants appreciated the networking, learning and support gained from supervision but the work valued most by them related to case presentation. Findings suggest that more could have been achieved in this area if the group's objectives, and possibly its supervisory model, had been set out in very clear terms at its inception, and if the group met more frequently. The author concludes that most of the benefits felt by participants could have been achieved in other ways, with the notable exception of the opportunity to discuss their cases, particularly their difficult cases and it is suggested that this aspect of the process should be the focus of the coaching profession. It is also suggested that large organisations using internal coaches should develop some standard best practice guidelines on the quality and quantity of continuing professional development and supervision for those coaches.