As an advisor and supervisor of postgraduate thesis candidates, as a former mentor for the New Zealand Institute of Management and as a leader within various forms of governance, Dr. Jens Hansen has been widely involved in the field of professional supervision.  Moreover, years of experience and a degree of organizational and political savvy plus a very extensive network provide a sound background for being able to provide professional advice.  The staff at  the Woodhill Park Research Retreat invite you to approach them to arrange for professional supervision.  Levies for this service have not been included here because they will vary according to circumstances, the nature of the supervision to be undertaken and the amount of time involved.  To discuss professional supervision, phone Jenny or Jens at +64 9 411 7703 or email jhansen@woodhillpark.com

Typically, professionals have formal line management responsibilities – they are officially accountable to somebody and often there are others who are answerable to them.  How many and how often and to what extent depends upon how far up the responsibility chain they are.  The further up, the greater the accountability and responsibility!

But it’s not just about responsible supervision – instead it is about leadership and guidance and to that end, individuals who are independent from a person’s home organisation can sometimes be asked to provide mentorship/supervision.  The keys to providing this form of independent mentorship/supervision successfully are threefold.  First, the independent person must have earned a high degree of trust that has been born out of respect.  Second, the independent mentor/professional supervisor must be approachable; they must have a demonstrable willingness to be contacted and to be available in times of need as well as for pre-designated meetings.  And third, the professional supervisor must have nicely developed active listening skills and sound communication and problem solving strategies.