Parallels of Doctoral Supervision and Long-Term Coaching Journeys

This short paper builds on previous work in the area of supervision of professional doctorates, supervision and coaching, and explores the relationship between Long Term (LT) Coaching and doctoral supervision in a transdisciplinary professional doctorate. We begin by summarizing the experience of one doctoral supervisee (Phyllis) whose research focused on LT Coaching in business and her university supervisor (Pauline). Second, we look at how various parts of the supervision role can parallel those of LT Coaching. Finally, we include some thoughts from those that have undertaken a professional doctorate and make some tentative recommendations for supervisors, coaches and doctoral candidates.