Taking a coach approach to supervision

This is a way to embody our beliefs and values in the ways we guide our staff.

Photo of Scrabble letters spelling “growth” is by Alex Shute on Unsplash.

In the clergy groups to which I belong, questions about how to supervise staff come up often. Most of us weren’t taught during seminary how to do it. And while our work environment is a professional one, pastors want to embody church in all our modes of leadership. That means we can’t just get supervision tips wholesale from the secular business world.  

That’s why a coaching approach to supervision can be a great resource. Coaching offers a theologically-sound dynamic of power with others and the ability to work together toward the church’s vision. It promotes increased understanding of self and others, making good communication, enabling deepened relationships, making collaboration, supervisee growth, and mutual encouragement and accountability more possible. It contributes to a shared mission in which each staff member claims a distinct, motivating role, helping everyone feel supported and ready to bring gifts, ideas and energy to their work. And it ensures that employees know what they need and have those resources needed in order to do their jobs well, giving staff ownership of and confidence in their work. 

Here’s are some steps toward taking a coach approach to supervising: 

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