Full Spectrum Supervision is a model of supervision developed by Edna Murdoch and Jackie Arnold. It aims to provide a holistic approach to coaching supervision, considering not only the professional aspects of coaching but also the personal, relational, and systemic dimensions. This approach recognizes that coaches operate within complex systems and that their personal and professional lives are interconnected.
Transformation can occur at a cognitive level when perceptions are changed through deep learning, critical reflection and when changing perspective occurs. It can also occur at an emotional level, a ‘metanoia’, a change of heart and leads to a change in how we interact with the world
(Shohet, R. 2011, pg. 150).
In the context of coaching supervision, Full Spectrum Supervision offers several benefits for improving outcomes. By taking a comprehensive view, it enables supervisors to explore all facets of the coaching relationship, including the coach’s emotions, beliefs, values, and patterns of thinking and behaving. This allows for a deeper understanding of the coach’s strengths, challenges, and blind spots.
Full Spectrum Supervision also emphasizes the importance of the relational dynamics in coaching. It recognises that the quality of the coach-client relationship significantly impacts the coaching process and outcomes. Supervisors using this model focus on enhancing the coach’s capacity for building trust, establishing rapport, and creating a safe space for clients.
Work is many things: creative expression, and livelihood, service, a job, a calling and also therapy and a place where we can put our heart and soul into our work, whatever it is. Why wouldn’t anyone want an hour supervision a month to build on that and transform both the work and the worker?
(Shohet, R. 2011, pg. 79).
Furthermore, Full Spectrum Supervision acknowledges the systemic context in which coaching takes place. It encourages supervisors to consider the broader organizational or societal factors that may influence the coach’s work. This systemic lens helps supervisors identify potential systemic barriers or opportunities that affect coaching effectiveness.
Working with staff in this way also led me to seek out supervision for myself in this role. However, this was more of a challenge than I anticipated and again resulted in an expert model of supervision. This process was frustrating, but looking back I realise that it helped me to see why ‘advice giving’, however well meant, is largely unsuccessful as a way of supporting growth, development and change. I needed to grow my own solutions to challenges I was facing and wasn’t given sufficient reflective space to do so
(Shohet, R. 2011, pg. 132).
By incorporating Full Spectrum Supervision into coaching supervision practices, supervisors can support coaches in developing a more comprehensive understanding of their coaching practice. This approach promotes self-reflection, self-awareness, and continuous learning, enabling coaches to navigate complex coaching scenarios with greater skill and effectiveness. Ultimately, Full Spectrum Supervision enhances coaching supervision outcomes by fostering deeper insights, stronger relationships, and more impactful coaching interventions.