This digest reviews perspectives on the supervisory relationship from the recent supervision literature. It examines the relative importance of the relationship within the total supervision process; variables which influence the relationship; and how the relationship differs when working with experienced versus inexperienced counselors. The supervisory relationship is influenced by personal characteristics, some static and others dynamic in nature. Among static factors are: gender and sex role attitudes; and supervisor's style, age, and race. Dynamic sources include stages of the relationship and relationship dynamics such as power and intimacy. Two other sources of dynamic influence on the supervisory relationship are mentioned: (1) ambiguity, or uncertainty about supervisory expectations and methods of evaluation; and (2) role conflict, or expectations associated with the role of student in contrast with the role of counselor and colleague. The digest concludes with a list of five final notes on the supervisory relationship. Contains 9 references. (NB)