Unearthing Excellence in Supervision

If Sam Neill is involved in something, I’m likely to watch it. I mean, it’s not just his acting abilities, it’s the dulcet tones of his voice that are perfect to unwind to.

So while doing the old scrolling-through-channels-desperately-trying-to-find-something-to-watch, it seemed logical to click on the ABC’s The Assembly, as the interview subject was the man himself.

I knew nothing about the premise of the show prior to tuning in: it was basically Sam (and in following episodes other celebs from all walks of life) fronting up for an interview with a group of young adult journalism students with autism. Their mentor was experienced journalist Leigh Sales, who worked with the students collaboratively to hone their skills in an inclusive atmosphere – where questions were the focus of their craft as well as the end game.

This got me thinking about a few main points here: but mostly my mind turned to their excitement at who their mentor was, and my own experiences of supervision and mentoring.

You know how there is that one person who can have such a huge positive influence on your career and life? Well, judging by the look on those students’ faces, Sales may well have been that person for them.

At Noah’s Ark I have had the absolute privilege of having more than one.

Those supervisors and mentors are the people who have left an everlasting impact on my goals to continually strive to improve in my work in inclusion and supporting families as their Speech Pathologist. Their words stick with me far better than the sticky notes on my desk rattling off my to-do list: their impression has been more like indelible ink.

Clinical supervision out in the field as a student Speech Pathologist was not a new concept to me. It has played such a valuable role in guiding me as a student, new graduate and early career Speech Pathologist.

At Noah’s Ark, however, it feels more like a way of being – a guiding hand. The general culture of learning (surrounded by a supportive team), as well as knowing doors were open whenever that old friend of mine 'Lack of Confidence' crept in, has continually supported me to meet my career goals and feel confident in my clinical work. This has shaped me as a clinician to feel confident to keep learning, to keep asking questions and always to remember my own standpoint, and that there are many others.

This really matches with my personal values around lifelong learning. There have also been multiple forums open to me where I can bring these questions to the table.

My supervisors and mentors have coached me and supported my development as a Speech Pathologist in a strengths-based and inclusive manner. I had a voice throughout this, guiding what I felt I needed, and I had information shared with me in a respectful and kind way (funny that, as that not only matches with some of the guiding principles we strive to honour in our work in early childhood but also delivers to me what every family deserves).

When we work with families, one part of our work is using “interview” skills to ensure a holistic and collaborative approach to goal-setting and ensuring positive outcomes. Naturally, as the student journalists did with Leigh Sales while crafting their questions for Sam Neill, Noah’s Ark professionals have the opportunity to hone those skills through ongoing coaching, mentoring and supervision.

So, to those mentors and supervisors I have had the privilege to collaborate with, and work alongside, I hope you know who you are. Your work has made a difference to my practice and respected my values. I take this with me to my work every day.

Thank you for being my 'Leigh Sales' in the world of early intervention – and by setting me up for growth by asking the right questions.

Ready to unearth your full potential? Our Supervision and Mentoring services are now open for bookings. Whether you opt for on-demand individual sessions, an individual annual plan, or join a small group annual plan, our supervision and mentoring programs are tailored to your specific needs and goals.