How to set goals, realities, opportunities, and plan the way forward for a coaching session.
The GROW model is highly effective and is popularly used in the world of coaching. Whether you’re a Coach or a Coachee, one of the ways you could personalize GROW in coaching is to imagine planning a journey using this model.
The GROW model should be filled out by the Coachee prior to a coaching session, or on a session with a 'Pending Confirmation' status. However, if you are unsure about specific targets or performance metrics, feel free to discuss them with your Coach to align on a specific goal to work towards.
Regardless, it’s advisable to fill out your GROW Model-based plan to set tangible goals yourself, as well as to measure your progress productively. Here are some questions to answer while filling in your GROW form.
Goal
Frame the goal as the end destination. You also want to ensure the goal is SMART — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound. Some questions to consider if the goal is SMART include:
- What will help me know I have achieved the goal?
- What will show me that the issue is solved?
Reality
It would be challenging to plan the journey route without knowing your starting point. Try to consider your current reality, with questions such as:
- How often and when does this situation occur?
- How does the situation affect me?
- Have I attempted to take steps to achieve my goals prior to coaching?
Options
As you understand your current reality, you can begin exploring options to reach the goal and it also helps to consider elements like:
- What obstacles are in my way?
- What advantages and disadvantages do I find in each option?
- What are my considerations in making a decision?
- What else do I think can be done?
Way forward
Now you can begin the journey! Before that, it is best to some foresight to enable you to better stay the course. You may consider questions like:
- What do I do to stay motivated?
- What do I foresee may be a barrier in moving forward and how will I overcome this?
- How often will I measure my progress?
- What would I do after achieving my goal?
With the GROW model, we hope that you’ll progress well in your journey as a Coach and a Coachee!