GROW Coaching Model


Sir John Whitmore is considered one of the founding fathers of modern performance coaching. The model he devised (the GROW model) is used worldwide by coaches and leaders as an aid to personal development.

Technique Overview

GROW Coaching Model Definition

The GROW coaching model is an action-oriented framework that can be used in structuring coaching sessions, performance reviews, conversations, and goal setting. GROW is an acronym for the four steps in GROW coaching: Goal (aspiration), Reality (current situation), Options (choices) and Will (commitment). The objective of GROW is for the coaching conversation to move from one stage to the next as a guide for the coaching interaction. Although the GROW model is set out in stages, you can go back as needed; how and when you move from one stage to another will depend on the coachee’s needs.

GROW Coaching Model Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of GROW Coaching Model *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of GROW Coaching Model *

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Professional Tools

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Further Reading

GROW Coaching Model web and print resources *

GROW Coaching Model references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Bates, B (2015) The Little Book of Big Coaching Models. Harlow, Pearson.
  • Kotian, K. (2020). The GROW Model of Business Coaching (online). Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/business-coaching-grow-model-kenneth-rohan-kotian (accessed 10/01/2023).
  • McGrath, J & Bates, B (2017) The Little Book of Big Management Theories. Harlow, Pearson.
  • Landsberg, M (1996) The Tao of Coaching. London, Profile Books.

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