As a supervisor, providing effective guidance and support to those in leadership roles can be a challenging yet rewarding task. Recently, I had the opportunity to provide professional supervision to a leadership executive, where we explored the Formative, Normative, and Restorative model of supervision.

The session was so powerful, if I may so so myself, and it allowed us to identify deeper gaps in the executive’s role and resource needs. The Formative, Normative, and Restorative model of supervision is a framework used in supervisory practice, and I have found it a helpful process in providing professional supervision.

During the formative phase, we focused on the executive’s current challenges. We looked at the observerable behaviours and tension emotions they were experiencing. We formulated where these might have come from. Does it have to do with a knowledge, skill or resourcing gap?

In the normative phase, we examined the situation raised in light of the executive’s professional and ethical responsibilities. This phase helped the executive gain a deeper understanding of their responsibilities and how, if any, this situation was creeping away from their professional standards.

Finally, in the restorative phase, we explored the executive’s self-care needs and how they could maintain their well-being while navigating their role. We discussed strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life integration. We factored in the professional demands while respecting the personal demands.

Overall, the session was powerful and impactful and as a supervisor, it was rewarding to see much hope it generated, and how the forward flow into resourcing and planning expanded the confidence of my client.

Have you had any Professional Supervision yourself?

Valerie Ling
Clinical Psychologist
Supervisor