GROW Coaching Model
The GROW model was created by Sir John Whitmore, an author and British Racing Driver. in the late 1980s.
Sir John Whitmore's GROW model is a simple and effective coaching framework used to structure conversations and support goal-setting. GROW stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will, and it helps individuals move from identifying a goal to committing to clear actions.
GROW:
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Goal
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Reality
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Options
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Will
The coach guides the coachee to set a goal, and through the will stage they commit to a plan. The reality stage is about assessing the current situation, exploring perspectives and identifying gaps. It is where the coach helps the coachee with perspective and self-awareness. With greater clarity on a situation and on their own strengths and weaknesses, a coachee can develop greater self-awareness leading to greater self-efficacy. The O of the GROW model is the options element and is about brainstorming, assessing, evaluating, selecting and prioritising options and considering strategies for action, and W is for the will and commitment.
Where are you using coaching? Is it for staff development and appraisals? Is it for supporting pupils? How you use the model might need to reflect the coachee.
Goal: Who is creating the goal? Goals should be personal. How much autonomy does the coachee have and how many goals should they have? What should the focus of the goals be? The more autonomy and empowerment the more likely the coachees are to commit. Does it need co-agency and be a co-created goal as otherwise it won't be SMART enough? Does the goal align with the organisations' goals?
Reality: Is the goal realistic? Have you asked them why this goal is important? Have they considered different and wider perspectives? Is their goal leading them in the best direction?
Options: Are there any barriers or obstacles they need to overcome; what is holding them back and do they need any support? What is their best plan? What are they going to do first? Is there anything else they can do? Have they really thought about all options?
Will: Who or what is going to encourage or motivate them to achieve their goal. When is it going to happen?
Ultimately, the power of the GROW model lies in its simplicity through creating clarity, building ownership, and leading to action and meaningful development, for both staff and pupils. Be inspired by Whitmore's GROW model and his life and legacy.