GROW Coaching is a participatory activity in which participants pair up to practice the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will). Each participant shares a personal problem or challenge, and their partner uses questions based on the model to guide them in reflection and developing solutions. The activity promotes self-awareness, active listening, and coaching skills.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Encourage coaching skills and active listening.
- Guide participants in reflecting on personal challenges or goals.
- Promote empathy and mutual support in a collaborative environment.
- Prepare materials:
- A brief guide on the GROW model for each participant (optional).
- Paper and pens for note-taking.
- A quiet, comfortable space for paired conversations.
- Set up the space:
- Ensure there’s enough space for pairs to converse without interruptions.
- To conduct the activity virtually:
- Use virtual platforms with breakout room features to divide participants into pairs.
Step-by-step instructions
- Introduction to the GROW model:
- Briefly explain the stages of the GROW model: Goal, Reality, Options, and Will.
- Provide example questions for each stage.
- Form pairs:
- Divide participants into pairs, ensuring they’re comfortable sharing their reflections.
- Take turns practicing:
- Each participant has 10-15 minutes to share their problem or goal, while their partner guides them using GROW-model questions.
- Switch roles after each turn.
- Group reflection:
- Bring the group back together to share insights and reflections on their experiences as coach and coachee.
Characteristics of the GROW model
The GROW model is a widely used methodology in personal and professional coaching, comprising four stages:
- Goal: Identify the desired objective.
- Focuses on what the person wants to achieve, ensuring the goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).
- Reality: Analyze the current situation.
- Explores where the person currently stands concerning their goal, available resources, and existing obstacles.
- Options: Generate alternatives.
- Evaluates various strategies, ideas, and approaches to progress towards the goal, promoting creativity and flexibility.
- Will: Establish a clear commitment.
- The individual defines specific actions, their commitment level, and how progress will be measured.
Peer coaching
Peer coaching allows participants to practice essential skills such as active listening, empathy, and formulating open-ended questions. Each pair alternates between coach and coachee roles, fostering mutual support and shared learning.
- The coach’s role:
- Create a safe space for reflection.
- Listen actively without interrupting or judging.
- Guide the conversation through questioning, avoiding direct advice or solutions.
- Encourage the coachee to explore their own resources and find their own answers.
- The coachee’s role:
- Reflect openly on their situation.
- Honestly identify their goals and challenges.
- Commit to the actions defined at the end of the process.
What to try and what to avoid as a coach
What to try:
- Asking open-ended questions (e.g., “What does this goal mean to you?”).
- Paraphrasing to confirm understanding (e.g., “So, what you’re saying is…”).
- Encouraging self-exploration and creativity.
- Being patient and allowing the coachee time to think.
- Recognizing the coachee’s achievements and progress.
What to avoid:
- Giving direct advice or solutions.
- Interrupting or dominating the conversation.
- Judging or criticizing the coachee’s ideas.
- Asking closed-ended questions that limit reflection (e.g., “Don’t you think you should…?”).
- Pressuring the coachee to act quickly without sufficiently exploring options.
