Goal, Reality, Options, Way forward

A coaching model, often abbreviated to GROW, which can be used to help individual’s plan a learning or development journey. The coach, which might be a line manager, will be supporting and guiding (i.e. facilitating) but not instructing the individual which direction to take, this must be determined by the individual themselves.

The first step is to define a suitable goal to aim for. What is the purpose behind this journey and then define it in terms of the abbreviation SMART? There will be an end point, which would the ultimate aim, but also touch points / short term goals along the way.

The second step requires being realistic about the current situation, or starting position, and to identify barriers which may be preventing the individual from further development. Essentially this will be identifying the problem, difficulties or challenges which might be holding someone back. These might be workplace barriers such as policies, procedures or personalities; personal behavioral issues or lack of skills or knowledge; physical challenges; confidence issues; identifying what is the main ‘sticking point’; as well as positive achievements and how these were attained.

The third step is to identify how to overcome the problems, difficulties or challenges by finding solutions, which would be a range of options (sometimes called opportunities) to explore, to these. The use of a brainstorm, or similar, session/s can be beneficial in complementing this step. The options would offer routeways to achieving the stated goal.

The final step is to select the most favoured and/or appropriate option to wrap-up the process and to put it into action, ensuring the individual is committed to the implementation of the outcome. This final step is sometimes also called ‘Wrap up’ or ‘Will’, as it establishes the desire and commitment by the individual to put into practice the chosen option. Progress will often be monitored and reviewed on a planned basis, which might be daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on the extent of the requirements and goal. This process can be used to help develop and motivate employees.