Today's supervisors are increasingly mentoring Generation Z clinicians entering the speech-language pathology profession. While generational differences in communication styles, expectations, technology use, and feedback preferences have received considerable attention, relying on stereotypes can create misunderstandings and negatively impact supervision, retention, and professional growth.

This course examines evidence-based supervision strategies that promote clinical competence while recognizing that every clinician is an individual. Participants will explore common characteristics associated with Generation Z in the workplace, distinguish research-supported trends from stereotypes, and learn practical approaches for building confidence, accountability, resilience, and professional judgment. Real-world supervisory scenarios will illustrate techniques for providing effective feedback, setting expectations, navigating difficult conversations, and fostering successful mentoring relationships across generations.

Participants will be able to: 

• Identify research-supported characteristics and workplace trends associated with Generation Z while recognizing the limitations of generational stereotypes.
• Apply supervisory strategies that promote accountability, clinical reasoning, professional communication, and independent decision-making.
• Demonstrate effective feedback techniques that encourage growth, resilience, and reflective practice in beginning clinicians.
• Evaluate common supervisory challenges involving communication, confidence, boundaries, and workplace expectations using evidence-based approaches.
• Develop practical strategies for creating supportive mentoring relationships that improve clinician retention, satisfaction, and clinical competence.
   

Instructor Details and Financial Disclosure 

• Susie Appleman, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®

Registration

• Online ONLY for 1 learner -- Access to Online Course for 365 Days/1 Year (-hour CE course, downloadable handout, certificate of completion)

Timed Agenda

Introduction and Overview (15 minutes)

• Who is Generation Z?
• Understanding generational influences without stereotyping
• Current workforce trends in speech-language pathology
• Why effective supervision matters

Module 1: Understanding Today's New Clinician (15 minutes)

• Characteristics commonly associated with Gen Z
• Research versus popular assumptions
• Communication preferences
• Technology and learning styles
• Strengths Gen Z brings to the profession

Module 2: Effective Supervision Strategies (30 minutes)

• Establishing expectations early
• Building clinical reasoning
• Coaching versus directing
• Giving meaningful feedback
• Developing independence

• Encouraging resilience after mistakes

   

Module 3: Navigating Common Challenges (30 minutes)

• Difficult conversations
• Professional boundaries]
• Documentation and accountability
• Managing anxiety and perfectionism
• Communication with families and interdisciplinary teams
• Retention and preventing burnout

Case Studies (15 minutes)
Participants will evaluate several supervision scenarios involving:

• Receiving corrective feedback
• Managing documentation concerns
• Addressing professionalism
• Building confidence while maintaining accountability

Questions and Answers (15 minutes)

• Discussion
• Participant questions
• Practical take-home strategies

• Resources

   

Total Time: 120 Minutes
 

LEARNER SUPPORT AND FAQs

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Content Disclosure: This presentation will focus on treatment methods related to the use of TalkTools® resources. Other similar treatment approaches will receive limited or no coverage during this lecture.

Satisfactory Completion:

To receive a Certificate of Completion learners must: attend the entirety of the course; complete the course quiz with a passing score of 80% accuracy or higher and complete the course completion survey. Learners must request to be reported to ASHA CE.
 

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