What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Supervision & OBM (3 Credits)
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
If you're gearing up to take Supervision & OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) in your grad program, you’re in for a ride. The course is essential for anyone looking to grow in leadership and supervision roles, but there are some things I wish I knew beforehand that would’ve made the process easier.
Here’s what I wish I had known before diving into Supervision & OBM (3 credits), and what you can do to be more prepared than I was.
1. Supervision Isn’t Just About Managing People
I walked into this class thinking supervision was mostly about telling people what to do and making sure they followed instructions. What I didn’t expect was that supervision is about mentorship and coaching—and it’s a two-way street.
You’ll be responsible not only for guiding your supervisees, but also for helping them build their skills, navigate challenges, and improve their practice. Your job isn’t to manage tasks alone, but to foster a growth mindset in those you supervise.
I wish I had embraced this earlier in the course. Instead of focusing on the logistics of overseeing work, I wish I had spent more time learning about how to be a mentor and engage in reflective supervision. It’s much more fulfilling when you realize you’re guiding others to their own successes, not just checking boxes off a list.
2. OBM is a Lot More Than Administrative Tasks
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) is something I didn’t fully grasp when I first started the course. I assumed it was mostly about organization and keeping systems running smoothly, like managing staff schedules and dealing with logistical tasks.
While OBM does deal with aspects of organizational efficiency, it’s so much more than that. OBM is about understanding and improving organizational behavior by applying behavior analysis principles to things like employee motivation, performance management, and systematic improvements. It’s a deep dive into how behaviors within an organization can be shaped for greater productivity and satisfaction.
I wish I had understood that OBM isn't just about managing tasks—it’s about managing people and creating an environment that fosters positive change and growth.
3. It’s a Balancing Act Between Leadership and Teaching
One of the most surprising things I learned in the course was how leadership and teaching go hand in hand. When you supervise someone, you’re not just telling them what to do—you’re also teaching them how to improve, giving them the tools to succeed, and modeling how things should be done.
You need to strike a balance between being a leader, offering direction, and being a teacher who creates an environment where people feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow. I wish I had known just how much emotional energy it takes to balance these two roles effectively. It requires a lot of empathy, patience, and the ability to adjust your approach based on the needs of the individual.
4. OBM Involves More Qualitative Data Than I Expected
When I thought about OBM, I was primarily focused on quantitative data—you know, things like productivity numbers and task completion rates. However, OBM also relies heavily on qualitative data to gauge things like employee satisfaction, morale, and overall engagement.
I wish I had realized that in OBM, it's just as important to gather insights from interviews, feedback forms, and observations as it is to look at the hard numbers. Understanding the human side of an organization is just as crucial for making improvements as understanding the numerical side.
5. Supervision is Emotionally Taxing
This was one of the most surprising things for me—I had no idea how emotionally taxing supervision could be. Between giving feedback, managing relationships, addressing conflicts, and keeping track of everyone’s progress, it can be a lot to juggle.
I wish I had prepared myself mentally for how challenging it would be to balance the emotional labor of supervision with my other professional responsibilities. Sometimes, you’ll feel drained, and that's normal. What I wish I knew earlier is that self-care and setting boundaries are essential when you’re taking on the responsibility of supervising others. Burnout is real, and it's crucial to find time to recharge so you can give your best to those you supervise.
6. There’s More Documentation Than You Think
I didn’t realize how much documentation would be involved in supervision and OBM. Keeping track of your supervisees' progress, writing up feedback, maintaining compliance with ethics, and providing regular reports—there’s a lot of paperwork.
In hindsight, I wish I had prioritized organizational tools like tracking sheets, digital platforms for managing notes, and setting up a system to ensure everything was well-documented. Without good documentation, it becomes much harder to keep track of the feedback you’ve given, the goals that have been set, and the progress that’s been made.
7. You Can’t Do It All Yourself
I went into the course thinking that I would be the sole person responsible for making everything work—everything from managing supervisees to handling OBM processes. What I didn’t realize is that delegation and team collaboration are crucial skills in this course and in supervision.
Learning to rely on others, whether it’s your fellow supervisors, your colleagues, or your supervisees themselves, is key to creating a successful environment. You can’t do everything by yourself, and recognizing when to ask for help or share responsibilities will make a huge difference in your success.
Key Takeaways:
Supervision is about being a mentor and guide, not just a manager.
OBM involves both qualitative and quantitative data—human behavior and satisfaction are just as important as numbers.
Balancing leadership and teaching is a core part of effective supervision.
Documentation and organization are essential—get tools in place early!
Supervision can be emotionally taxing, so make sure to prioritize self-care.
Don’t be afraid to delegate and ask for help—teamwork is key to success.
Taking Supervision & OBM wasn’t easy, but it was an incredibly valuable experience. If you're about to take this course, I hope these insights help you feel more prepared and ready to dive in. It’s a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding once you realize just how much you’re growing as both a supervisor and a professional.
