ABSTRACT
A significantly overlooked aspect of graduate supervision is the importance of the people factor. This chapter discusses shared strategies on transitions from assumptions or expectations about negotiating supervisory relations to the realities informing interactions. It presents and discusses regional graduate supervisors' perspectives on navigating the human dimensions of the supervisor/supervisee relationship. The chapter intends to increase awareness of the possible issues and to recognize humanness as a significant aspect of graduate supervision. The issues addressed include assignation based on availability as opposed to expertise, assignation changes, conflict of interest and ideological differences. Strategies for the negotiation of diversity are highlighted to acknowledge the effect of history, culture, religion and individuality on the supervisor/supervisee relationship. Embracing the 'people factor' as a specific aspect of supervision helps us to see the job of supervision as a creative human endeavor. The humanness and distinctiveness of the individual becomes central to effective supervision.
