Learn the coaching approach that will GROW your team
Read time: 1 - 2 mins
GROW is a powerful framework that can help leaders and senior managers unlock their team's potential and drive organisational success. Developed by Sir John Whitmore and his colleagues in the 1980s, and still widely utilised, GROW stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will.
Understanding the GROW Model
1. Goal
Define clear, specific objectives aligned with your organisation's mission.
- What do you want to achieve?
- What would success look like for you?
- How will you know when you have achieved your goal?
2. Reality
Assess the current situation, including challenges and available resources.
- What is the current reality or situation you find yourself in?
- What is working well for you at the moment?
- What have you done about this so far?
3. Options
Explore possible strategies and solutions to achieve the goal.
- What could you do to change the situation?
- Who might be able to help?
- What if you had more time, resources, budget, and power?
4. Will
Determine the actions and commitment needed to move forward.
- What are your criteria and measurements for success?
- When precisely are you going to start and finish each action step?
- What support do you need and from whom?
Applying GROW in your work
The GROW model's flexibility makes it adaptable to various situations, from one-on-one mentoring to team coaching sessions. You can use it to:
- structure coaching conversations with team members
- facilitate problem-solving sessions
- set and achieve organizational goals
- conduct effective performance appraisals
By asking thought-provoking questions at each stage, you encourage your team to think critically and develop their own solutions, fostering a culture of growth, self-motivation, and accountability.