The Power of the GROW Model: A Simple Framework for Success

So what does it all mean?

Put simply – the GROW Model provides a structure for a coaching session which, in turn, helps a coach to determine the most effective questions to ask a coachee. The acronym GROW stands for: GOAL / REALITY / OPTIONS and WHAT.

Let’s unpack the detail…

G for Goal setting

The first step is to establish a clear and specific goal that the coachee wants to achieve. The goal should be challenging yet achievable and should be stated in a way that is measurable and time-bound. 

Useful questions for goal setting include:  

• What would you like to get out of this session?
• What would be the best outcome for you from this session? 
• What is the topic or issue on which you would like to work? 
• In the long term what is your goal (related to the issue/topic)? 
• What would be useful intermediate steps to identify? 

R for Reality 

The next step is to assess the current reality of the coachee, including any obstacles or challenges that might hinder their progress. The coach will help the coachee to explore their current situation and gain a clear understanding of where they are starting from. 

Some useful reality questions might include: 

• What is the present situation, in more detail? 
• What is your concern about it? How great is your concern? 
• How much control do you have over the outcome? 
• Does this affect anyone apart from you? Who? 
• What actions have you taken so far? 

O is for Options 

Once the goal and reality have been established, the coach will help the coachee to generate a range of options for achieving their goal. This might involve generating ideas, exploring different strategies or approaches, or identifying potential resources that could be used. 

Some useful options questions might include: 

• What are the different ways you could approach this? 
• What would you do if you could start with a blank sheet of paper? 
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of…? 
• Which of these solutions appeals to you most? 
• Which would give you the best result? 

W is for “What” is to be done?  

When? By Whom? And for the Will to do it 

At this final coaching phase, we are looking to convert the discussion into a decision. This might involve setting specific milestones, identifying key actions that need to be taken, and establishing a system for monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments. It is about building an action plan to take the coachee towards the goal. The coachee needs to retain choice and ownership even to the extent of deciding to do nothing. 

Some useful “What” questions might include:  

• What are you going to do? (Not – what could you do? That is a different question). 
• When are you going to do it? 
• What are your success criteria for this option? 
• What obstacles might you meet? 
• On a scale of 1-10, how certain are you that you will carry out the actions agreed? 

The GROW model in action…

We couldn’t find a video example of the GROW model in action that we liked, so we decided to make our own. If you’re planning for a coaching session, feel free to share this amongst your colleagues and if you have any questions about the GROW model or anything else – please don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@wearebowline.com.  

By providing a clear structure for coaching sessions, the model not only helps coaches to stay focused but also ensures that their clients or colleagues are making progress towards their goals.