Supervision (oversight/episcope) assumes some form of "elevated vision". A supervisor is expected to see a bigger picture and may even have some clearly defined responsibility for the work that is being "undertaken" - usually on behalf of a "higher" body. This does not necessarily imply control or superiority but it does require a particular perspective or "position". Supervision could be likened to the top or archetects view of a building - how does it work? How do the bits fit together?On the other hand, mentoring requires an emptying of position. A good mentor has no power to compell or direct but must agree to "come alongside" the person they are mentoring. A mentor may have particular knowledge or experience but they should be careful to allow the mentee to take responsibility and, on the whole, work things out for themself - while feeding in questions a
nd thoughts that expand their horizons... Mentors must discuss the progress of the work (management) - They must encourage, inspire and empathise (support) - They must look for opportunities to learn (education) - They must help their mentee think about how they relate to others (mediation) - but they must also do this from a particular perspective. They are companions and fellow travellors - rather than overseers and co-ordinators. Mentoring could be be described as "fellow-travelling" or being "pilgrims together". Was Jesus acting as a mentor on the road to Emmaus... Mentors apprach a situation from the side...Supervisors must approach a situation from above, mentors approach it from the side. Both roles are crucial - but different.
