GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options/Obstacles, Will)

The GROW model is a simple but powerful coaching tool, widely used to structure conversations aimed at problem solving and goal achievement.

Its name is an acronym for the four key stages that guide the session: Goal, Reality, Options/Obstacles and Will.

This model provides a logical and sequential framework that helps both coach and coachee to explore the current situation, define a desired state, identify possible pathways and barriers, and finally, commit to concrete actions.

It is a versatile technique applicable in a variety of coaching contexts, including agile, to foster clarity and action.

Simple Structure for Coaching Sessions

The strength of the GROW model lies in its clear, easy-to-follow structure, which provides a natural flow for coaching conversations. The four stages are:

• Goal: Focuses on defining the goal the coachee wants to achieve. What specifically is to be achieved? What will success look like? This stage sets the direction and focus of the session.
• Reality: Consists of examining the current situation honestly: Where is the coachee now in relation to his or her goal? What has he or she tried so far? What are the relevant facts? This stage seeks a clear understanding of the starting point.
• Options/Obstacles: Here the various possible paths from the current Reality to the desired Goal are explored. What options exist? What could the coachee do? Potential obstacles that might stand in the way are also identified.
• Will (Willingness/Action Plan): The final stage focuses on commitment and action. It determines what specifically will be done, when it will be done, who will do it (usually the coachee) and, crucially, assesses the coachee's willingness or level of commitment to carry out those actions.

Practical Application

In practice, the coach guides the coachee through these four stages using open-ended questions and active listening.

In the Goal phase, the coach helps the coachee articulate a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal.

Questions such as "What specifically would you like to achieve?" or "How will you know you have achieved your goal?" are common. During the Reality phase, the current context is explored without judgment.

The coach may ask "What is the situation right now?", "What factors are influencing?", "What have you already tried?". In Options/Obstacles, brainstorming is encouraged.

Questions such as "What could you do?", "What other alternatives are there?", "What is preventing you from moving forward?" help to generate possibilities and anticipate difficulties. Finally, in the Will phase, the plan is fleshed out.

The coach asks "What specific action will you take?", "When will you do it?", "What support do you need?", "On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to this action?" to ensure commitment and clarity on next steps.

The coach facilitates the process, but it is the coachee who defines the goal, explores the reality, generates the options and commits to the action.

Summary

The GROW model is a simple but powerful coaching tool. It is widely used to structure problem-oriented conversations.

Its name is an acronym for four key stages: Goal, Reality, Options/Obstacles and Will.

It provides a logical and sequential framework. The coach guides the coachee through these stages using open-ended questions, but it is the coachee who defines and commits.