Strategies to Constructively Balance Power in the Supervisory Relationship Frank Delano, LMSW and Jill Shah, LPC Presented at TNOYS 30 th Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas August 14, 2013 Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Supervision (F. Delano and J. Shah) Supervision is a professional relationship that provides support, education, monitoring of quality, and creates a safe forum to reflect on professional practice. It should encourage constructive confrontation and critical thinking that informs and improves the practice of all parties. Respecting the inherent hierarchy in the relationship, it should accept the ethical responsibility to use power in a thoughtful manner. The dynamics in the supervisory relationship can create a parallel process in all other relationships including that of the client/worker. Ultimately, supervision should be the vehicle to create dynamic growth, establish high professional standards and enhance quality and culturally competent services. Frank Delano and Jill Shah

POWER Assigned authority: One party can always “pull rank” Key role in hiring, firing, promotions, salary increases Administrative power; Lifestyle impact The “power of access”: Quality and quantity Impact on self esteem and sense of competency Expectation of supervisee to reveal more about themselves Mediates relationships and image in and outside of agency. This is REAL POWER! Power and influence doesn‘t stop when the professional relationship ends Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Power (F. Delano and J. Shah) A sometimes structured, often subtle dynamic that has significant effect on any relationship. Power used to “control”, or in a vengeful way, can be destructive, intimidating and have disastrous effects on a relationship, causing harm to all. Power used thoughtfully, respectfully, and wisely by critical thinkers can create the path for dynamic growth for all involved. Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Balancing the Power: Supervisor’s Use of a “Professional Package” Clear set of expectations Opportunity for a good and fair start Provide appropriate resources Regular and integrated evaluations Job should match skills Encourage “Critical Thinking” and Constructive Confrontation Develop a “learning diagnosis” of your supervisees Do agency opportunities match supervisee’s goals? Do the right thing, not always the best thing Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Balancing the Power: Supervisor’s Use of a “Professional Package” “Contracting” the relationship Use the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 agenda model in supervision Try to delegate “outcome not process” when the supervisee can handle that well Care about the supervisee as an individual…not a “shift” Be mindful of the power you have and be willing to be self reflective about it Using the Professional Package to create a “culture of ethics” Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Ethical behavior is not something that can be held in reserve for momentous issues; it must be a constant companion (CYC) Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Standards of Excellence for Ethical Leadership (Haughey) Ethical Communication: Honesty, Transparency Ethical Quality * Quality Product * Quality Customer Service * Quality Delivery of Service Ethical Collaboration *Best Practice *Solve Problems *Address Issues Ethical Succession Planning Ethical Tenure Frank Delano and Jill Shah

1/3, 1/3, 1/3 Agenda Model 1/3 of the agenda is the responsibility of the supervisee to prepare 1/3 of the agenda is the responsibility of the supervisor to prepare Respecting the inherent hierarchy in the relationship the supervisor retains discretion for the final 1/3 **Supervisee should hand in agenda one day In advance and consistently look to drive the final 1/3 of the agenda Frank Delano and Jill Shah

A proactive intervention to intercept and redirect behavior that may require change and To create a forum to better understand and guide the judgment/practice of both parties in order to ultimately improve quality and culturally competent service. ***Start every confrontation with “Help me understand….” Frank Delano and Jill Shah Confrontation (F. Delano and J. Shah)

ADDENDUM SLIDES Frank Delano and Jill Shah

OWNING YOUR OWN SUPERVISION Ask! Ask! Ask!, and then ASK! View Supervision as a way to grow personally and professionally. “With the privilege of professional judgment comes the responsibility of reflective practice!” Seek out “supervision” anywhere you can and from anyone willing Remember to ask the two magic questions Learn and be willing to practice the art of constructive confrontation with your supervisor Bring an agenda to supervision Participate in group supervision Frank Delano and Jill Shah

OWNING YOUR OWN SUPERVISION Politely “insist” on a timely evaluation and use your option to respond Politely “insist” on regular supervision sessions Training! Take all you can and be seen as one who will Establish a “teaching diagnosis” of your supervisor Be empathic with your supervisor’s issues and pressures Learn the art of “managing your boss” Remember: IT’S A RELATIONSHIP Frank Delano and Jill Shah

Presenter Contact Information Frank Delano, LMSW Jill Shah, LPC Professional Package: Training for Critical Thinking Professionals Facebook: “Professional Package Frank Delano and Jill Shah” Frank Delano and Jill Shah 14