A New Approach to Supervision

MODULE 3

Facilitative Supervision for Quality Improvement Curriculum

2008

Facilitative Supervision (FS)

FS is a system of management whereby supervisors at all levels in an institution focus on the needs of the staff they oversee.

The most important role of the facilitative supervisor is to help staff improve their performance to enable them to:– Manage the quality improvement (QI) and

performance improvement (PI) process

– Meet the needs of clients

– Implement institutional goals

Facilitative Supervision (2)

Focuses on helping staff to identify and solve problems through the use of QI, PI, and other tools.

Focuses on process and systems rather than on individuals.

Assists staff in meeting goals they set.

Is continuous, building on past gains while setting higher QI goals.

Characteristics of Facilitative Supervisors

Consider staff as internal customers. Promote joint problem solving and teamwork. Ensure that decision making is participatory. Empower providers to monitor and improve their

own performance. Encourage two-way communication. Accumulate and use technical knowledge. Promote mentoring, coaching, and provision of

constructive feedback. Delegate problem solving related to day-to-day

problems.

Facilitative Supervisors Lead the Performance Improvement Process by:

Addressing staff needs – Facilitative supervision and management– Information, training, and development– Supplies, equipment and infrastructure

Enabling staff to continuously improve their performance and the quality of services and to meet clients’ needs

Serving as a liaison between site staff and institution/headquarters/other organizations and sectors.

How Do Supervisors Benefit from the Facilitative Approach?

You will be more welcome by staff because you will help staff to solve their problems, rather than criticize them for their faults.

You will have the satisfaction of working as a team member, watching staff learn and grow, and watching quality improve.

Your job will become more fulfilling as your staff’s motivation and commitment increase.

How Do Supervisors Benefit from the Facilitative Approach? (2)

When you involve staff in the QI/PI process, you need to solve fewer routine, simple problems yourself.

As other supervisors under your authority learn to supervise in a facilitative manner, you will need to provide them with less technical assistance.

You will gain a reputation as a leader, as an effective supervisor, and as an enabler.