GROW Model Coaching Template + Guide: Examples, Questions & Exercises

Stepping into the world of coaching or planning to build your online coaching business? A clear framework can really set you apart. 

People come to you for direction and clarity. So they expect you to have a defined way of doing things. That’s where coaching models or frameworks come in. 

Coaching models are the blueprints for your coaching session. Think step-by-step guide or a list of questions and prompts. They pave the way for a smooth and productive conversation.

One of the simplest and most popular ones is the GROW model coaching approach. It sets the expectations in coaching conversations, so your clients have a clear path to achieve goals.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the GROW model is, its components, how it compares to other coaching models, and how you can apply it across niches. 

Let’s dive into this four-step coaching method and see how it can shape your coaching success.

What Is GROW Model Coaching?

The GROW model coaching is a straightforward, four-step process that drives coaching conversations developed by Sir John Whitmore. It’s a practical structure you can use in your practice to guide clients from where they are to where they want to be.

You can use the GROW coaching model to support personal development, problem-solving, and goal achievement. Its simplicity makes it a go-to approach for coaching sessions aimed at clarity and action.

What does GROW coaching model stand for?

GROW is an acronym standing for these four components:

• G – Goal: Defining what your client wants to achieve. This is about setting a clear SMART goal for the coaching journey.
• R – Reality: Exploring the client’s current situation or challenges. This stage helps you assess their current reality or context.
• O – Options: Brainstorming possible strategies, choices, and solutions to bridge the gap between their current reality and the goal.
• W – Will (or Way forward): Establishing a concrete action plan with doable steps, timelines, and commitments to move toward the goal.

What is the GROW model for coaching and its benefits?

Using the GROW model in coaching offers many advantages, including the following:

1. Simple process: Both you and your client can easily follow the steps.
2. Helps gain clarity: You can use it to assess your client’s current status and create an actionable path forward.
3. Good for reflection: The framework helps your client dig deep with powerful questions to answer.
4. Applicable across niches: It’s flexible enough to be used by different types of coaches, like life, executive, performance, and team coaches.
5. Builds a coaching mindset: The approach teaches your clients to be open and serious when finding solutions and making measurable progress.
6. Better client engagement: This makes it easier to keep clients motivated and consistent about their next steps.

Other Frameworks vs GROW Coaching Model Explained

The GROW coaching model is widely used, but how much better is it compared to other popular models? 

• The OSKAR model highlights a client’s strengths and past successes to solve problems.
• The CLEAR model focuses on emotions and experiences to make lasting change.
• The STAR model prompts clients to understand their situation and actions and make better decisions.

Compared to these, the GROW model is more goal-oriented and action-focused. It’s best for when clients know they want change but aren’t sure how to get there. 

While other approaches emphasize deeper exploration, GROW is about logically moving forward. It’s also a good starting point for beginners building their coaching skills.

Limitations of GROW model of coaching and mentoring

The GROW coaching model has its strengths. But you can encounter challenges when applying it, for example:

1. May be too simple: You can’t use this for cases where clients have complex emotional or psychological issues.
2. Dependent on client’s drive: The model relies heavily on clients being self-motivated and ready for change.
3. Assumes clients have clarity: You’d need to go beyond the four steps if a client struggles to define clear goals or identify options.
4. Can be strict and too linear: If you don’t adapt it to fit different coaching conversations or clients’ unique contexts, it can feel generic or scripted.

Being aware of these helps you blend GROW with other tools for a more rounded coaching approach, especially in executive coaching or sensitive personal situations.

4 GROW Model Coaching Examples

How you apply the GROW model depends on the goal of coaching. This approach works for various industries and personal growth journeys. It can be used for one-on-one or group coaching sessions, too.

Let’s look at some practical examples of how the framework plays out in real coaching fields. Seeing actual examples of the GROW process succeeding can inspire you and give you a roadmap to follow.

1. GROW model life coaching

Here’s an example of how the Life Coach Training Institute applied the GROW method:

Case study 1: Building self-confidence and self-esteem

Sarah, a professional, struggles with low self-confidence, which prevents her from pursuing her goals and advancing in her career. 

• Goal: Sarah and her coach set the goal of improving her self-confidence so she can advance in her career.
• Reality: The coach helped Sarah explore the reasons limiting her self-belief, including past experiences and external influences.
• Options: They brainstormed on strategies to use, like daily affirmations, visualization exercises, and gaining feedback.
• Will: Sarah began practicing these strategies, following specific steps she and her coach decided on. 

In three months, Sarah noticed a difference and feels more empowered. She asserts herself at work, taking on more challenging projects and networks so she can grow.

2. GROW model team coaching

Here’s an example of how Structural Learning used the GROW approach for team coaching:

Case study 2: Increasing collaboration and productivity

Emily, a team leader, held team coaching sessions to improve their team’s dynamics.

• Goal: Emily and her team members defined their main targets: collaboration and productivity.
• Reality: They noted gaps in communication and unclear roles and responsibilities as their biggest challenges. 
• Options: They decided to establish regular meetings, define expectations, and improve feedback channels. 
• Will: They implemented these strategies and held themselves accountable. 

After following their plan, the team collaborated better, became more productive, and improved their overall performance.

3. GROW model coaching for performance

Structural Learning presents another case where the GROW model was used to improve performance.

Case study 3: Improving leadership performance

A manager struggles to communicate and motivate her team.

• Goal: The coach and coachee set the goal of improving communication skills.
• Reality: The manager recognizes that she needs to work on her active listening and empathy.
• Options: They try out communication tactics like having both team meetings and one-on-one meetings.
• Will: The manager committed to the plan and followed through.

The manager successfully improved her leadership performance, communicating smoothly and motivating her team to achieve their targets.

4. GROW model executive coaching

Western States Lodging and Management Development used the GROW method to reach its goals successfully. Here’s how they did it:

Case study 4: Developing leaders with better execution and accountability

WSLMD lacks a leadership culture and wants to strengthen its strategy. They only had one-off training events with no follow-through.

• Goal: Their objective is to empower managers and executives to excel in strategy, accountability, and coaching.
• Reality: They realized that leadership conversations were not consistent, and there was no reinforcement for leadership behaviors.
• Options: They partnered with InsideOut Development to apply the GROW model in their leadership programs. They certified coaches, held a leadership conference, and made annual visits to see GROW in action.
• Will: Executives applied the GROW coaching approach at all levels, with their CEO and leadership team closely monitoring.

Leaders became more effective in coaching their employees. Managers had improved conversations with teams, stronger ownership of responsibilities, and better strategic execution. 

13 GROW Model Coaching Tool Ideas

Achieve effective coaching with the GROW model by using visual and interactive tools. Engage clients using any of the following:

• Coaching cards: Flashcards containing pictures, questions, or statements that facilitate conversations.
• Images: Pictures that represent emotions and concepts that you show clients to evoke emotions.
• Demonstrations: Show clients how it’s done with role-plays or scripts they can mirror.
• Activities: Apply the coaching lessons by doing activities during the session or as an assignment.
• Questions: Reflection prompts that support clients in processing their experiences.

GROW model coaching cards

Use coaching cards to keep clients on track and structure the flow of the conversation. Here are some examples:

1. G-R-O-W cards: Use cards with each step of the GROW coaching model to guide sessions. They can keep you and your client grounded on a clear sequence.
2. Question prompt cards: You get a selection of actionable coaching questions for each stage.

GROW coaching model images

Use images for clients to easily understand and retain insights. This helps especially if your clients are visual learners.

3. Pictures: Use photographs to begin a discussion point.
4. Visual diagrams: Illustrate the GROW cycle so clients clearly follow the process.
5. Infographics: Summarize steps and key questions to reinforce learning between sessions.

GROW model coaching demonstration

Demos are valuable for coaching to show clients how GROW is used in action. Here’s how you can do that:

6. Role-play scenarios: Show clients how to go through a full coaching conversation using the GROW framework.
7. Video tutorials: Pre-record videos showing client-coach sessions applying the model step-by-step.

GROW coaching model activities

Do little activities in your sessions to break up chunks of the conversation. These also help clients apply and absorb what they’ve learned.

8. Mind mapping: Use this to explore the Options phase, encouraging creative brainstorming.
9. Timeline planning: During the Will stage, ask clients to create a visual timeline of commitments and deadlines.
10. Journaling: Inspire clients to keep a journal and reflect on each phase of GROW.

GROW model coaching questions

Asking the right questions is the heart of the GROW coaching model. Stay curious so you can dive into what clients really want to say.

Here are examples of coaching questions you can ask, depending on what you want to achieve:

11. Clarify the target: “What does success look like for you?”
12. Assess the current situation: “What’s been happening that is currently affecting your dreams?”
13. Encourage creative solutions: “Forget the doubters for a second. What’s your next move?”
14. Have them commit to the action: “What will you do next and when?”

GROW Model Training Exercises

Before you use GROW for your clients, make sure you get some practice. Here are some training exercises to help you get comfortable and confident with this new method:

1. Practice open-ended questions for each of the GROW steps.
2. Partner with other coaches-in-training to roleplay client and coach roles.
3. Build empathy and skill by imagining many coaching scenarios you may face.

GROW model coaching scenarios

Exploring scenarios gets you prepared and sharpens your ability to relate to clients. Here are some coaching scenarios you can practice with:

1. Business coaching: You support an entrepreneur stuck launching a product, applying GROW to clarify priorities.
2. Leadership coaching: You help a team leader who struggles with building team morale.
3. Career coaching: You guide a professional transition out of a job and start their own business.
4. Life coaching: You advise clients who want to juggle both personal and professional responsibilities.

GROW Model Coaching Template

Templates serve as practical guides to keep coaching structured and productive. Using a template based on the GROW coaching model helps you make sure no step is missed.

Keep it simple: print the model as a visual guide, and have a questionnaire ready so you’re never short on prompts during life coaching sessions.

GROW model of coaching PDF

Here’s a simple template including all the sections of GROW:

GROW coaching model template

Client’s Name: _____________________________

Date of current session: _____________________________

Date of previous session (if any): _____________________________

I. Goal

• Overarching goal:
• Session’s goal:

II. Reality

• Client’s current situation:
• Specific challenges they need help with:
• Other relevant notes:

III. Options

• Idea #1: [List down a possible solution or path.]
• Idea #2:
• Idea #3: 

IV. Will

• Action plan:
• Start date:
• End date:
• Schedule of check-ins: 

GROW model coaching questions template

Preparing coaching questions for each stage of the model makes sure you don’t skip a step. This preparation adds value to your coaching by helping you keep focused and more curious.

Use this downloadable PDF with categorized questions as a quick reference and customize it for different types of clients later on.

GROW model coaching questions PDF

Here are the GROW coaching model questions you can print out for your practice:

Goal questions

1. What do you want to achieve?
2. What does this goal mean to you personally?
3. What motivates you to reach this goal?
4. How much control do you have over this goal?
5. What will it look like when you’ve achieved your goal?
6. How will you measure success?
7. What is the timeframe for this goal?
8. Why is this goal important right now?
9. What will achieving this goal enable you to do?
10. If there were no limits, how big would you set this goal?

Reality questions

1. What is your current situation regarding this goal?
2. What have you tried so far?
3. What obstacles are standing in your way?
4. How do you know this is the real issue?
5. Who else is involved or affected?
6. What resources or support do you currently have?
7. How does this situation impact your work or life?
8. What feedback have you received about this situation?
9. What has gone well in the past around this challenge?
10. What patterns or behaviors might be holding you back?

Options questions

1. What are some ways you could move forward?
2. What alternatives have you considered?
3. What would happen if you did nothing?
4. What are the pros and cons of each option?
5. What resources or skills do you need to explore these options?
6. What would your ideal solution look like?
7. Who can help you explore these options?
8. What options have worked for you in the past?
9. How creative can you get with your solutions?
10. What’s the first step you could take for each option?

Will questions

1. What will you commit to doing next?
2. When will you take this action?
3. What might get in your way?
4. How will you stay motivated and on track?
5. Who will hold you accountable?
6. What support do you need to follow through?
7. How will you know you’ve succeeded?
8. What’s your backup plan if things don’t go as expected?
9. When shall we next review your progress?
10. What have you learned from this process so far?

How to Use the GROW Model in Coaching

Planning to start your own coaching business? Master your tools and frameworks before onboarding your first client.

Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to applying the GROW coaching process:

1. Establish the goal: Start your session by helping the client define a specific, measurable, and achievable goal.
2. Explore the reality: Understand the client’s current status, challenges, and context around the goal.
3. Generate options: Brainstorm possible ways to overcome obstacles and move toward the goal without judgment.
4. Agree on their way forward: Finalize a clear action plan with timelines and accountability to ensure real progress.

7 Tips for effective GROW model coaching

Here are some best practices to apply when adding the GROW model to your toolkit: 

1. Sit with your clients: Listen actively and avoid jumping to solutions too early.
2. Inspire creative thinking: Encourage clients to think creatively during the Options phase.
3. Keep things realistic: Always confirm the goal is measurable and time-bound.
4. Track progress: Follow up regularly to check commitment and progress on the Will steps.
5. Match your client: Personalize your language and pacing depending on client needs and coaching style.
6. Engage clients: Use tools like cards or templates to keep sessions structured and interesting.
7. Take your time: Be patient with clients who need more time for reflection and clarity.

Grow Your Business

The GROW model coaching framework gets clients committed to action. In four simple stages, you can help them clarify their goals and explore their next steps forward.

Whether you’re a life coach, executive coach or performance manager, using this approach is a good foundation if you’re looking for a structured way of doing things.

You’ve got the coaching part covered. Now it’s time to launch a highly scalable, highly profitable coaching business. 

All it takes is three simple steps.

The result? High-paying clients, lining up to work with you. Carl grew to 100K email subscribers. Philip earned $40K in just 30 days.

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