The GROW model Introduction The GROW model is a widely recognised coaching framework used in leadership, education and professional development. It was developed in the 1980s through the work of business coaches Sir John Whitmore and his colleagues, building on performance coaching practices in sport and organisational leadership. The model became widely known following the publication of Coaching for Performance, which helped establish GROW as a practical and structured approach to developmental conversations. GROW provides a simple framework for guiding a coaching conversation while keeping the focus on reflection, ownership and action. GROW stands for: •
G – Goal
•
R – Reality
•
O – Options
•
W – Will (or Way Forward)
The model is designed to support structured thinking; it should guide your conversation, not restrict it.