LESSON THREE
THE GROW MODEL
Hey, coaches! Welcome back to our third lesson in this transformative series. We've delved into the realms of active listening, discovered the power of goal-setting, and now it's time to piece those elements together with an approach that's as simple as it is effective – The GROW Model.
No, I'm not talking about gardening here (though, indeed, we're nurturing growth!). GROW is an acronym, each letter representing a key step in a powerful coaching process: Goal, Reality, Options, and Way forward. Let's unpack this, shall we?
What are the benefits?
Before we roll up our sleeves and dig into this coaching model, let's address the question on everyone's mind: "Why the GROW Model? What makes it so special?" Here's the secret sauce:
A STRUCTURED PATHWAY: Coaching conversations, while dynamic and diverse, can benefit greatly from structure. That's exactly what the GROW Model offers. It's like a compass, guiding your client's journey from where they are (Reality) to where they want to be (Goal), exploring possible routes (Options), and committing to take action (Way Forward).
AUTONOMY AND EMPOWERMENT: The GROW Model is inherently client-centred. By prompting clients to articulate their Goals, examine their current Reality, brainstorm Options, and commit to action (Way forward), you're not just resolving their immediate concerns. You're equipping them with a problem-solving framework they can use independently in the future.
GOAL-DIRECTED CONVERSATIONS: By identifying the 'Goal' upfront, the GROW Model ensures the coaching conversation remains focused. It serves as a reminder, a lighthouse that keeps both you and your client oriented towards the desired outcome.
The GROW Model isn't just a tool; it's a philosophy, a mindset that champions client autonomy, creativity, and commitment. So, are you ready to transform your coaching sessions and empower your clients like never before? Let's GROW together!
No, I'm not talking about gardening here (though, indeed, we're nurturing growth!). GROW is an acronym, each letter representing a key step in a powerful coaching process: Goal, Reality, Options, and Way forward. Let's unpack this, shall we?
What are the benefits?
Before we roll up our sleeves and dig into this coaching model, let's address the question on everyone's mind: "Why the GROW Model? What makes it so special?" Here's the secret sauce:
A STRUCTURED PATHWAY: Coaching conversations, while dynamic and diverse, can benefit greatly from structure. That's exactly what the GROW Model offers. It's like a compass, guiding your client's journey from where they are (Reality) to where they want to be (Goal), exploring possible routes (Options), and committing to take action (Way Forward).
AUTONOMY AND EMPOWERMENT: The GROW Model is inherently client-centred. By prompting clients to articulate their Goals, examine their current Reality, brainstorm Options, and commit to action (Way forward), you're not just resolving their immediate concerns. You're equipping them with a problem-solving framework they can use independently in the future.
GOAL-DIRECTED CONVERSATIONS: By identifying the 'Goal' upfront, the GROW Model ensures the coaching conversation remains focused. It serves as a reminder, a lighthouse that keeps both you and your client oriented towards the desired outcome.
The GROW Model isn't just a tool; it's a philosophy, a mindset that champions client autonomy, creativity, and commitment. So, are you ready to transform your coaching sessions and empower your clients like never before? Let's GROW together!
Monthly Focus Workbook
GROW Model Worksheet
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LESSON 3: THE GROW MODEL
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- VISUAL AIDS: Let's get artsy! Create a visual representation of the GROW Model, a diagram or flowchart, for instance. Having a visual aid can facilitate understanding and keep you both on track during the session.
- MASTERING QUESTIONS: Every stage of the GROW Model thrives on the power of questions. Be it clarifying Goals, exploring Reality, ideating Options, or sparking the Will to act – strategic, open-ended questions can unlock insights and stimulate productive dialogue.
- ACTIVE LISTENING REVISITED: I can't stress this enough. Active listening is your superpower. Not just to understand what's being said, but to read between the lines, to empathise, to encourage, to validate, and to guide.
- SPACE FOR REFLECTION: Every step of the GROW process can evoke powerful insights if given the chance. Encourage your clients to take pause, to ponder, to let their thoughts marinate. It's in these quiet moments of reflection that breakthroughs often happen.
- CONCRETE COMMITMENT: The 'W' of GROW is about crystallising the client's 'Way forward' into a specific action plan. Ensure they leave the session with a tangible set of steps, no matter how small, towards their goal.
Tricks
- EMBRACE FLEXIBILITY: While the GROW Model offers a robust structure, it's not a rigid formula. Be prepared to flex and flow with your client's needs. If a particular step warrants more time or revisiting, feel free to adjust accordingly.
- CULTIVATE PATIENCE: The GROW process is not a race to the finish line. Each stage requires thoughtful exploration and understanding. Be patient with your clients, giving them the time they need to fully engage with each phase.
- CHAMPION OWNERSHIP: At the end of the day, it's your client's journey. Empower them to take charge of the process, to make decisions, and to track their progress.
Tips
- GROW WITH A TWIST: For this first action, apply the GROW model to a scenario that's outside of your comfort zone. Perhaps a personal hobby, an aspirational skill, or a challenging relationship. This will help you experience the model's flexibility and adaptability. You'll also gain insights into how the GROW model can be applied to diverse contexts, which can broaden your coaching horizons.
- THE DINNER PARTY: Invite a group of close friends, family, or fellow coaches to a virtual dinner party. Over the course of the meal, guide your guests through the GROW model to explore a common goal or topic, such as improving communication within the group or planning an epic post-pandemic reunion. Observe how group dynamics influence the process and how the model scales from individual coaching to a group context.
- THE ART PROJECT: Introduce the GROW model to your clients, but with a twist. After the coaching session, encourage them to depict their GROW journey creatively. They could draw a comic strip, craft a photo collage, write a short story, compose a song, or even choreograph a dance! This will help your clients internalize the process, and it will give you a unique insight into their interpretation and experience of the GROW model.
Take Action
templates
Monthly Focus Workbook
GROW Model Worksheet
If you need a little something extra to help you fast-track your development, and improve your coaching sessions, here are some great resources you can use.
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