Today, we dive into the GROW model, a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful framework that’s revolutionised coaching and leadership development across the globe.
Whether you’re a manager, mentor, or aspiring coach, understanding the GROW model can help you better understand and develop your team to drive results.
This guide will walk you through what it is, how to use it, and why it works – complete with examples, templates, and powerful coaching questions.
So let’s dive into the world of goal-setting, reality-checking, option-exploring, and way-forwarding.
What is the GROW Model?
Let’s start with the basics. The GROW model is an acronym that stands for:
- Goal – What do you want?
- Reality – Where are you now?
- Options – What could you do?
- Will/Way Forward – What will you do?
Developed in the 1980s by coaching pioneer Sir John Whitmore and colleagues, the GROW model was first popularised in his book Coaching for Performance. Since then, it’s become the most widely used coaching model in the world
Why the GROW Model Works
Here’s the magic; the GROW model is simple enough to remember, yet deep enough to guide transformational conversations. It’s used in executive coaching, performance management, education, and even sports.
According to the International Coaching Federation’s 2023 Global Coaching Study, the coaching industry has grown to over 100,000 professional coaches worldwide, with businesses increasingly investing in coaching to boost performance and accountability
GROW Model for Coaching: A Practical Framework
Let’s break it down…
G – Goal
This is your destination. Think of it like setting your GPS before a road trip. Ask:
- “What do you want to achieve?”
- “What would success look like?”
- “Why is this goal important to you?”
🎓 Example: A team leader wants to improve team morale. Their goal might be: “Create a culture of recognition and feedback within 3 months.”
R – Reality
Now we assess the current landscape. No sugar-coating, just honest reflection.
- “What’s happening now?”
- “What’s working? What’s not?”
- “What have you tried so far?”
🎓 Example: The leader realises that feedback is rare, and recognition is inconsistent. Team surveys show low engagement.
O – Options
Here’s where creativity kicks in. Brainstorm possibilities without judgment.
- “What could you do?”
- “What resources are available?”
- “What are the pros and cons of each option?”
🎓 Example: Options might include weekly shout-outs, peer recognition programmes, or feedback training.
W – Will / Way Forward
Time to commit. This step turns ideas into action.
- “What will you do?”
- “When will you do it?”
- “What support do you need?”
🎓 Example: The leader decides to implement a weekly recognition ritual and schedule feedback workshops.
GROW Model Questions: The Coach’s Toolkit
Great coaching is all about asking the right questions. Here are some powerful GROW model questions you can use:
- Goal: “What would you like to achieve in this session?”
- Reality: “What’s currently stopping you?”
- Options: “If time and money weren’t an issue, what would you do?”
- Will: “What’s the first step you’ll take?”
These questions help coachees reflect, explore, and commit, without being told what to do.
GROW Model Template: Your Coaching Cheat Sheet
Want to use the GROW model in your next coaching session? Here’s a simple GROW model template:
| Stage | Key Questions | Notes/Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | What do you want to achieve? | |
| Reality | What’s happening now? | |
| Options | What could you do? | |
| Will | What will you do? |
Print it. Share it. Tattoo it (okay, maybe not that last one).
GROW Model Example: Coaching in Action
Let’s say you’re coaching a new manager struggling with delegation.
- Goal: “I want to delegate more effectively so I can focus on strategic tasks.”
- Reality: “I’m doing most of the work myself because I don’t trust my team.”
- Options: “I could start with small tasks, provide clear instructions, and follow up with feedback.”
- Will: “I’ll delegate one task this week and schedule a check-in.”
Boom. There it is in action – simple, structured, and powerful.
Coaching and Accountability
Want to see the GROW model come alive in a real coaching session?
Then Check out our interactive webinar with Instep’s Learning Manager, Leigh Atkinson, where he explores how coaching can drive accountability using the GROW model.
👉 Watch the webinar here
Why Leaders Love the GROW Model
Leaders aren’t just using the GROW model – they’re loving it. Here’s why:
- It builds trust: Coaching conversations foster openness.
- It encourages ownership: Coachees find their own solutions.
- It drives results: Structured reflection leads to action.
In fact, businesses that use coaching report 20% higher employee engagement and 23% improvement in performance
GROWing into Greatness
The GROW model isn’t just a coaching tool, it’s a mindset. It teaches us to pause, reflect, explore, and act. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a colleague, or coaching a client, the GROW model helps you unlock potential and inspire change.
So next time you’re stuck in a conversation that feels like a dead end, remember: GROW it.
Ask the right questions. Guide the journey. And watch transformation unfold.
Want to equip your team with key leadership and coaching skills, just like this?
Get in touch today for a free education consultation.
