Supervision

The role of Supervisor is often thrust upon senior clinicians, managers and team leaders in human service agencies, often without a lot of consultation, training or support. The supervisor’s role is critical to the successful functioning of any agency so it is important that supervisors practice according to a framework that is grounded in best practice research. According to The Gallup Organisation, the most effective supervisors and managers direct 80% of their focus on their supervisees’ strengths and only 20% of their focus on areas of problem, deficit or difficulty that need attention. This finding (which goes against many traditional attitudes to supervision) is in keeping with the rise of “strengths-based practice” as a popular approach in service delivery. However, few supervisors have systematic, effective, user-friendly tools for helping those whom they supervise harness strengths and use these to build increased confidence and competence.

This two day training will explore how a strengths-based philosophy can be extended into and utilised by those in supervisory roles to provide focused supervision that not only leads to better and safer practice, but also improves job satisfaction and agency culture as a result. Participants will learn practical methods for working with staff in ways that enhance their sense of competence and effectiveness.