In traditional Western business, a supervisor is someone who provides instruction and evaluates performance. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, developed out of “scientific management” principles identified in the early 20th century. (e.g. Frederick Taylor, Principles of Scientific Management, 1911). Today, many businesses and organizations follow different models of supervision and management.
We don’t believe Western business practices are necessarily worthy of emulation. Just as mental health professionals and educators use supervision in specialized ways, so do we. Rather than one who is responsible to instruct and evaluate the conduct of another, we define a supervisor as someone who comes alongside a fellow global worker to support their development and effectiveness.
The words “come alongside” tells us that relationship is central to supervision. Although supervisors may not live in the same location as those they supervise, they invest time and energy to understand who they are, their joys, frustrations, challenges and victories, how they are called to be as well as what they are called to do. The supervisor relationship grows over time, with mutual respect, understanding and trust.
“To support their development” indicates that the one being supervised is a learner, one who is changing and growing toward the likeness of Christ. This is a discipleship process, but it is not a master-follower relationship. Both supervisor and supervisee are followers of the Way. Through active listening, powerful questioning, and consistent encouragement, a supervisor facilitates the growth process of those they supervise. The supervisee remains in the driver’s seat of their own growth and development, choosing what to put energy into, what to lay aside, and how they will pursue the goals and callings they have been given.
“To support their effectiveness” reminds us that fruit is a natural outcome in the life of one who remains in the vine, to the one who is a faithful and humble follower of Christ. We know that those outcomes are outside of our control, and often the fruit that comes is not what we expected. The Father has a way of producing much more beautiful and meaningful fruit than we could imagine. So while the supervisor will help the supervisee to identify goals, clarify priorities, and create plans, they will do so in the knowledge that effectiveness is in the hands of Another.