How GROW helps leaders coach effectively
How GROW helps leaders coach effectively
5 minutes
Coaching as a leader isn’t about giving answers. Instead, it’s about asking the right questions so people discover their own solutions.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is the GROW model. It is a popular coaching framework that takes someone from being stuck, to clarifying what outcome they really want, to helping them move to action.
The GROW Model is made up of four phases: Goal, Reality, Option, and Will/Way Forward.
- Goal
This is all about helping them get clear on the outcome they really want. Here, you ask questions that uncover what they’re aiming for and why it matters. This sets the destination before the journey begins. - Reality
The Reality phase is about exploring what’s happening right now. Here you explore what’s working and what’s getting in the way. This part grounds the conversation in facts and shows what’s truly possible. - Options
Options are where you shift the conversation into possibility mode. This is achieved by inviting your team member to consider several different approaches, as well as discussing the strengths and challenges of each option. The aim is not to push a solution, but to open the door to real choices. - Will/Way Forward
Finally, you support them in choosing a path and committing to it. The focus is all about action – specific, practical steps your team member can actually take. And by checking their level of commitment, you can explore what needs to change and what needs support to get them there.
People thrive when they feel heard, supported and stretched. GROW gives leaders a way to slow down the conversation, ask curious questions and help someone discover:
- What they really want
- What they can do
- What’s getting in the way
It builds trust, strengthens the relationship and gives the coachee a sense of ownership that boosts their confidence and long-term growth.
Research by Dr Anthony Grant shows that using a structured coaching framework like GROW leads to significantly higher goal attainment and improvements in wellbeing compared to unstructured conversations.
Coaching your team members starts with preparation. Here is our guide on how you can use the GROW Model to coach your team towards success.
