Unleash your Inner Creative SUPERvisor – Sameera Ali Baba

Samira Baba, a Master Certified Coach and accredited supervisor, led a dynamic session focused on using creativity and reflection in coaching and supervision. The aim was to explore practical ways to engage clients and supervisees through creative reflection techniques, incorporating various digital tools.

Key Themes and Tools Discussed:

1.) Introduction to Creativity in Coaching: Samira began by sharing her 15-year journey in coaching and supervision, co-creating numerous projects, particularly across the Middle East. She highlighted her passion for using creative tools and reflection techniques in her practice, which have become integral to her coaching style.

2.) Reflection Techniques: Participants were encouraged to share their go-to methods for reflection. Responses included journaling, music, art, walking, and even using Lego and sewing. Samira emphasized the importance of using motor skills in reflection and how these creative approaches enhance engagement.

3.) Using Miro and Canva for Reflection:

• Miro and Canva were presented as versatile tools for visual reflection. Participants were invited to use Miro to select images that represented their sense of belonging in various coaching or supervisory communities.
• Samira demonstrated how to create custom cards in Canva for reflective exercises, highlighting its ease of use and how coaches can incorporate visual aids into sessions.
• She shared that participants could download and use these tools without needing subscriptions, making them accessible for enhancing reflection in supervision and coaching.

4.) AI Tools for Reflection:

• Samira introduced Mirror Talk, an AI-powered tool that evaluates the quality of self-reflection. The AI prompts users with reflective questions, analyzes their responses for bias, cognitive skills, and self-awareness, and provides feedback on how to improve reflection. Samira demonstrated how this tool could be particularly helpful for supervision and self-reflection without a human supervisor.
• Poe, a version of ChatGPT, was also showcased as a potential coaching supervisor. It can guide users through reflective questions, helping them explore challenges and develop insights into their coaching practice.

5.) Incorporating AI in Image Creation: Samira discussed using AI platforms like Ideogram for image generation based on reflective prompts. Participants could generate visuals that represent their coaching or supervision experiences, adding another layer of creativity to the reflection process.

6.) Client Engagement with Creative Approaches:

• Samira shared that she uses creative methods with her clients, tailoring sessions to their preferences. For example, she often sends clients Lego, journals, or custom cards to use during sessions. She stressed the importance of aligning these creative tools with clients’ learning styles and hobbies.
• If a client does not resonate with creative methods, Samira emphasized the need to ditch the approach and adapt to what works best for the client.

7.) Growth Through Creative Stretch: Dr. Clare Beckett-Mcinroy added that sometimes clients or supervisees may not initially connect with creative techniques, but challenging them to explore outside their comfort zone can uncover valuable insights. This process helps clients grow through discomfort and learn new ways of reflecting.

Conclusion:

Samira’s session provided a wealth of creative ideas for supervisors and coaches to integrate into their practice, from using AI-powered reflection tools to creating visual aids and cards in Canva. The session underscored the importance of flexibility in supervision, ensuring that reflection methods are tailored to the needs of each client or supervisee while also fostering creativity and deeper insights into their coaching journey.