Coaching is the leadership skill du jour, and for good reason. A recent survey of 1500 leaders in Chief Learning Officer Magazine found it was the top skill managers crave. Why? Because when coaching is done well, people are 32% more committed to their work and a whopping 46% more satisfied with their jobs. Who wouldn't want that kind of boost?

And the real magic is this: coaching isn't just about helping others, although we love to do that! It's a leadership superpower that can transform the way you approach problems, make decisions, and even navigate your own career.

So, how do you tap into this superpower? Enter the GROW coaching model, a simple yet powerful tool that can revolutionise your conversations and unlock hidden potential in your team (and yourself!).

What is GROW Anyway?

GROW is a popular coaching framework that is used in all sorts of situations - from one-on-one coaching sessions to team meetings and everyday leadership interactions. It's a simple acronym that stands for:

• Goal: What do you want to achieve?
• Reality: What's happening right now?
• Options (and Obstacles): What can you do? What might get in the way?
• Way Forward: What's the plan?

Start with the Struggle

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for people to talk about their problems? We're all pretty well-versed in what's going wrong. That's why the GROW model is so flexible – you can start with the "R" (reality) and dive into what's currently challenging your team member. This helps them feel heard and understood before you even get to the "G" (goal).

Remember, coaching isn't about fixing people; it's about empowering them to find their own solutions and find inner strengths, knowledge, ideas and resources they didn’t know they had.

Let's Break It Down

• Goal: Once you've explored the current reality, help your team members get clear on what they actually want to achieve. Guide them to focus on positive outcomes and use language that reflects their desired future.
• Reality: Now that they have a goal in mind, it's time to delve deeper into the current situation. Ask open-ended questions like, "What have you tried so far?" or "What resources do you have available?" Give them time to think and reflect, and avoid jumping to solutions.
• Options (and Obstacles): This is where the real brainstorming begins. Help your team member explore all possible paths to their goal. Encourage them to think outside the box and consider creative solutions. And remember to address potential obstacles head-on – is it fear of failure, a lack of resources (internal or external), or simply feeling overwhelmed? Identifying these roadblocks early on can help you help them develop strategies to overcome them.
• Way Forward: This is the action-oriented phase. Help your team members create a clear, specific plan with measurable steps. Get their commitment to taking action, and ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Why GROW is a Leader's Secret Weapon

Think of the GROW model as your trusty Swiss Army knife – it's a versatile tool that can handle a whole range of leadership challenges. It's not just about fixing problems, it's about empowering your team to find their own solutions. When you use GROW, you create a space where your team members feel safe to open up, share their ideas, and take ownership of their work. This builds trust and rapport, boosts morale, and leads to a more engaged and productive team.

But it doesn't stop there. GROW also helps you step back from being the "answer person" and allows your team to shine. You'll be amazed at the creative solutions and innovative ideas they come up with when given the opportunity to take the reins. And as your team grows in confidence and capability, so will your results. It's a win-win for everyone involved!

Powerful Coaching Questions:

• Goal-Getter: What's one thing you'd love to accomplish in the next three months that would make a significant impact on your work or life?

• Reality Check: What are the biggest challenges or roadblocks you're facing right now that might be hindering your progress?

• Opportunity Knocks: What resources, skills, strengths or support do you already have that could help you overcome those challenges?

• Way Forward Warrior: What's the most important first step you can take towards achieving your goal? What support do you need from me or others to make it happen?

Actions to Commit this Week

1. Schedule a GROW Conversation: Choose one team member (or yourself!) and schedule a dedicated GROW coaching session.

2. Practice Active Listening: During the conversation, focus on truly hearing what the other person is saying, without interrupting or jumping to solutions.

3. Celebrate Progress: After the session, reflect on what went well and celebrate any small wins or insights gained.

Remember: Coaching isn't about having all the answers. It's about helping people find their own answers and unlock their full potential. And who knows, you might just discover some hidden potential in yourself along the way!