#132 Which coaching supervisor would you choose?

Imagine you have a choice of four coaching supervisors.

The first operates under a traditional master/apprentice model. They have developed coaching wisdom through years of practice. Perhaps they have developed their own models and written books about them. They encourage you to learn from their vast experience so you might follow in their footsteps and become a master coach too.

The second is a learned professor. They and their university are renowned for publishing texts on coaching and their models have become the standard for coaching. They encourage you to gain accreditation with the professional bodies because modern mastery has a recognised badge.

The third is a reflective coaching practitioner. They are critical of the universities’ and professional bodies’ stance that there is ‘one best way’ to coach, and encourage you hold other’s teachings lightly, focus only on your client and discover for yourself the best way to coach.

The fourth is a coach and supervises as the coach’s coach. They desire nothing more than to coach for the pure joy of helping others. They encourage you to practise, and they will hold space for you to reflect.

Each of these supervisors' identities defines how they supervise:

• Traditional Master (‘Do as I do’): The Master Coach shares their practical know-how and wisdom.

• Modern Master (‘Do as I say’): The all-knowing Coaching Professor interprets the written body of knowledge so you can learn from it.

• Critic (‘Do what feels right’): The Playful Provocateur challenges the validity of conventional wisdom.

• Real Master (‘Just do’): The Coach’s Coach holds space for you to reflect.

If you could have only one, which would it be?

If you could combine two or three, which would they be?

If you definitely do not want one of these, which is it?