What Is the GROW Coaching Model?
The GROW model is a structured coaching framework developed in the 1980s by Sir John Whitmore and Graham Alexander. Originally used in management and leadership contexts, it quickly established itself as a universally applicable method – especially for career-related questions and professional decision-making processes.
The name GROW stands for four logically connected phases:
- G – Goal
- R – Reality
- O – Options
- W – Will / Way Forward
The strength of the model lies in its clarity: each step builds on the previous one, preventing rushed or purely emotional decisions.
Why the GROW Model Is So Effective
GROW is not a motivational trick, but a structured thinking framework. It helps bring order to complex situations and encourages people to take ownership of their own path.
Key benefits of GROW:
- Clear goal definition instead of vague wishes
- Honest analysis of the current situation
- Focus on solution-oriented thinking
- Structured decision-making
- High practical relevance – even for self-coaching
Especially in career planning, where many factors interact at once, GROW creates clarity and orientation.
Why GROW Is Ideal for Career Planning
Career decisions are rarely simple. Questions like “Stay or change?”, “Move into leadership or deepen expertise?”, or “Further training or a new job?” cannot be solved with a simple pros-and-cons list.
The GROW model helps address these questions systematically. It clearly separates goals, reality, and possible actions – and prevents premature decisions.
The GROW Model in Career Planning – Step by Step
1. Goal – Clearly Define the Career Objective
The first step is to define what you want to achieve.
A strong career goal is clear, motivating, and future-oriented.
Examples:
- “I want to clearly develop my professional expertise within the next twelve months.”
- “I want to take on more responsibility and increase my visibility within the company.”
- “I am aiming for the next career step that better aligns with my strengths.”
The key is not perfection, but clarity.
2. Reality – Take an Honest Look at the Current Situation
This phase is about a realistic assessment – without sugar-coating, but also without excessive self-criticism.
Typical guiding questions:
- Where do I currently stand in my career?
- Which skills and competencies do I already have?
- Which experiences am I still missing?
- What external factors influence my situation?
This phase lays the foundation for sustainable decisions.
3. Options – Develop Possible Courses of Action
Now the perspective widens. The goal is to identify different paths and possibilities – without evaluating them immediately.
Examples:
- Further training or certification
- Taking on project responsibility
- Internal role change
- Mentoring or coaching
- Increasing visibility through presentations or expert contributions
The more options become visible, the greater the individual room for manoeuvre.
4. Will / Way Forward – Decision and Implementation
In the final step, a decision is made about which option to pursue – and how the next step will look in practice.
Key questions:
- What do I decide to do?
- What is my next concrete step?
- By when will I implement it?
- How will I measure progress?
This phase ensures that reflection turns into real momentum.
📥 Download the free GROW-Template as a Word file and bring structure to your goal and career planning.
Practical Example: GROW in Everyday Career Life
Goal:
“I want to prepare myself specifically for a leadership role.”
Reality:
Strong technical expertise, limited leadership experience, good acceptance within the team.
Options:
Taking on project leadership, attending leadership training, using mentoring, moderating team meetings.
Will:
Taking over a project starting next quarter and participating in a leadership training programme.
Using GROW for Self-Coaching
The GROW model can also be used effectively without an external coach – for example as a reflection tool:
- to prepare for performance or development reviews
- during career decision phases
- as a regular career check-in
- for personal positioning and self-assessment
What matters most is taking the time for honest answers.
GROW brings structure to career decisions. The model helps ensure that careers are not left to chance, but shaped consciously. It creates clarity, supports well-founded decisions, and ensures that goals turn into concrete actions. Those who apply GROW consistently take responsibility for their own development – structured, reflective, and effective.
