The GROW Model: A Problem-Solving Tool That Really Works
Purpose
Every manager and leader needs a tool that addresses problems quickly, and improves individual and company achievements. This is where the GROW model comes in. Its aims are to help you solve problems and boost business performance.
How To Use It
This simplicity of purpose is appealing. But what does the acronym GROW mean?
- G is for goal
- R is for reality
- O is for options
- W is for will
Goal, reality, options and will are four words associated with aims, problems and solutions:
- Your goal is what you intend to achieve
- Reality is the world as it exists in relation to a problem
- Options are the choices you have to solve a problem and reach your goal
- Will is a concise way of saying: what decisions will I take to reach my goal, bearing in mind the reality and the options?
Whenever a problem appears, you can put the GROW model to work. Many problems lack quick, neat answers. You can therefore use the GROW Model to give yourself a framework for breaking a problem into manageable chunks and pointing the way to a solution.
With the GROW model, you can make notes as you go along. You write down what you regard as the goal for the problem. Then you put down the key elements of reality. These elements may be what caused the problem in the first place. Next, you consider and note down the various solutions. Finally, you make your problem-solving decision.
In reality, of course, you may encounter a few difficulties completing your notes. But the GROW model can help. It identifies the questions you have to ask to arrive at the sort of answers that lead to a positive solution.
This is where business coaches can assist. In essence, what they do is show you how to take goal, reality, options and will, and apply the right quality and quantity of questions. You then boost the effectiveness of the GROW concepts.
Limitations
The GROW Model has a proven history of success. But it’s a process that often relies on a coach to find the right questions that enable you to use the GROW model to its full extent. You should therefore use an experienced coach who understands how your organisation works.
Related Subjects
A principle known as the Inner Game lies behind GROW model coaching. The Inner Game deals with the mental barriers that can obstruct problem solving. These barriers include lack of confidence, limited awareness and wrong assumptions.
A coach helps you play the Inner Game in such a way that you break down these barriers. You can then apply the GROW Model as successfully as possible.
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