GROW Coaching Model
The most widely used coaching framework, developed by Sir John Whitmore. GROW is a structured conversation model with four phases: Goal (what do you want to achieve?), Reality (what is happening now?), Options (what could you do?), and Will/Way Forward (what will you do?). It structures coaching conversations to move from aspiration to committed action.
How to run it
- 1
G — Goal: 'What do you want to achieve? What does success look like? By when?' Establish a clear, motivating goal.
- 2
R — Reality: 'What is happening now? What have you tried? What's working and what isn't? What's the gap between where you are and where you want to be?'
- 3
O — Options: 'What could you do? What else? If you had no constraints, what would you try? Who could help you?' Generate as many options as possible without evaluating.
- 4
W — Will/Way Forward: 'What will you do? Which option will you choose? When exactly will you do it? On a scale of 1–10, how committed are you? What might stop you?'
- 5
Summarise the commitment and agree on a follow-up check-in.
Tips
The coach's job is to ask powerful questions, not give answers.
Resist the urge to jump to Options before Reality is fully explored — premature advice solving the wrong problem.
The commitment score at the end is crucial: anything below 7 needs more work.',
Variations
Adapt as a self-coaching journaling framework. Run as a group coaching model where peers take turns being coach/coachee. Use TGROW with an added Topic step at the start for clarity.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use GROW Coaching Model?â–¾
Use GROW Coaching Model when you want to: 1:1 coaching sessions; Performance conversations; Leadership development; Facilitated peer coaching circles.
How long does GROW Coaching Model take?â–¾
GROW Coaching Model typically takes 30–60 minutes.
How many participants does GROW Coaching Model work for?â–¾
GROW Coaching Model works best for groups of 2–2 participants.
What materials do I need for GROW Coaching Model?â–¾
To run GROW Coaching Model you will need: GROW question prompts (optional).
How difficult is GROW Coaching Model to facilitate?â–¾
GROW Coaching Model is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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