Coaching is the top desired skill for leaders and managers, as revealed by a recent survey of 1500 leaders in Chief Learning Officer Magazine. It's no wonder why — effective coaching can increase employee commitment by 32% and job satisfaction by 46%! Today, I'll guide you through a well-known coaching model that will keep you on track, boost your confidence, and lead to meaningful conversations with your team.

Introducing the GROW Coaching Model—a versatile framework used in coaching conversations, meetings, and everyday leadership. It has become the world's most popular model for problem-solving, goal-setting, and performance improvement.

GROW represents four stages that create a purposeful flow and maintain focus throughout the conversation:

G – Goal:

Start by establishing what your team members want to achieve, solve, or work towards. Setting a clear goal at the beginning of a coaching session provides purpose and transforms it into a meaningful conversation.

R – Reality:

Gain awareness of the current situation and context. While people often start with the Reality stage, it's essential to guide them towards the Goal, so they can identify the gap between their current reality and desired outcome.

O – Options and Obstacles:

Explore the options available to your team member to reach their goal. Encourage them to think outside the box, be creative, and consider potential obstacles. Your role as a leader coach is to help them overcome challenges and broaden their perspective.

W – Way Forward:

In this final step, check for commitment and help your team member create a clear action plan. Ensure they have a solid roadmap for what will happen next, keeping them accountable and motivated.

It's important to note a couple of things that can enhance your coaching approach.

Firstly, avoid starting questions with the word "why." These types of questions tend to imply judgment and can negatively impact the response. Instead, focus on open-ended questions that encourage reflection and exploration.

Additionally, actively listen and give your team members space to think and respond. Embrace the power of the pause and refrain from jumping to solutions or sharing your own opinions. Let the conversation flow and empower your team members to express their thoughts and ideas.

I'm excited to hear about your experience implementing the GROW model. It's a flexible and powerful tool to have in your leadership toolkit, enabling you to unlock potential, inspire growth, and achieve remarkable results with your team.

Remember, coaching is not just a skill—it's a mindset that cultivates trust, empowerment, and continuous improvement. Embrace the GROW model, and let the transformation begin!

Did you know that a study by Gallup found that employees who receive regular coaching conversations are 40% more likely to be engaged at work? (Reference: Gallup, "The Power of Regular Coaching Conversations," 2022)

Share your insights and success stories in the comments wtih your colleagues and friends, and let's inspire each other to become exceptional coaching leaders!