Supervisor Development Across the Professional Lifespan

ABSTRACT Most of the literature on the development of supervisors has emphasized that of novice supervisors. This paper focuses on experienced supervisors and highlights the need for further study of the development of mature supervisors throughout their careers. Based on four previous models of supervisor development, which are briefly presented, an Integrated Model of Supervisor Lifespan Development is offered and specifies a baseline level and definition of an “experienced supervisor” A set of 10 supervisor development strands is presented as potential developmental issues through all levels of experience. Factors that are likely to influence the professional lifespan development of supervisors are discussed.