Philosophy of Supervision 1

Teach, Coach, Counsel & Advise

Philosophy of Supervision

Tabitha Rice
HEA 624 Internship I/Practicum I
Dr. Amy Wilson
May 25, 2016

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I have yet to start my internship, but I have had a few supervisors I would like to model
my personal supervisory philosophy after. Probably one of the best positions I have in my career
so far was working in a middle school where I was under of the supervision of two separate
supervisors over the course of two years. Both individuals supervision I would not mind being
under like-minded supervisors in my new career path. These two had varying styles, but allowed
me to develop some of my professional skills. One allowed for more autonomy and the other was
more structured with opportunities for professional development.
Because of my DISC Profile the more autonomous philosophy was a little off-putting at
the beginning of our relationship. But with time I grow to enjoy the self-direction of my job.
Where the more structure philosophy provided me with the opportunity to observe and learn
more of the counseling techniques of our department. I believe if I am able to combine these two
experienced supervisory philosophies into the development of my own philosophy I can provide
the what I think will be the best philosophy for myself. From the former supervisor, I will utilize
their drive to cultivate the learning experience of others around them. I was given the freedom to
challenge the manner in which the office operated.
I will implement from the latter philosophy the structure and goal oriented methods this
individual used. As well as fostering, an open dialogue that was provided from this experience.
Establishing an environment where staffers do not feel as though their ideals and suggestions
will be diminished because I am providing an atmosphere that intimidates them. However,
developing a level of respect was not only expected but encouraged on both sides of the
relationship. This individual discussed with me their experiences within the higher education
field and why they later departed the industry. What I admired from this individual was their self-

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authorship. I currently tend to brush inappropriate behaviors off, this individual would
immediately utilize their external voice.
Merging these two styles into make my own philosophy is my ultimate goal as a new
professional trying to navigate her position in the field. What I want to add to my philosophy that
I did not have the opportunity to have under these two supervisors is engaging my staffers and
self in good company (McNair, 2011, p. 28) or allies within the field. I will not always be seen
as the good guy by my supervisees, so reiterating to them that finding mentors within the field
will offer them a sounding board in difficult or stressful times. I still utilize both of the above
supervisors as my mentors and am grateful to call upon my peers to be my allies as we develop
in the program and our careers.
Applying the three elements of self-authorship (p. 28) will aid in the development of my
supervision philosophy. In order, to be a successful and effective supervisor I must develop and
emulate these elements (trusting internal voice, guiding my reactions to reality, and verbalizing
this voice). Being aware of the areas in which I falter will also provide a successful foundation
for my own philosophy. Employing the Argyris and Schons Model II (1974, p. 87) into my
practice as a supervisor allows the exploration of the second element of Magoldas selfauthorship (p. 28). Reflecting upon the circumstance prior to reacting to them. And contributing
to my staffers learning by lending constructive feedback in a demeanor that does not offend any
party.
And finally, establishing a mission statement for my philosophy; leadership is an
optional, however supervision is not. I am here to teach, coach, counsel and advise. As a new
Student Affairs professional I am afforded the opportunity to engage students at a new and
exciting transitional period in their lives. For this is a period of true exploration of which they are

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as individuals, flourishing on their interaction with diverse others and cultivating an environment
for them to accomplish their goals.

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References

Argyris, C., & Schon, D. A. (1974). Theory in practice: Increasing professional

effectiveness. Jossey-Bass.
McNair, D.E. (2011). Developing a philosophy of supervision: One step toward
self-authorship. New Directions for Student Services, 136, 17-25.