The GROW Model

The GROW Model is a simple yet powerful framework to start establishing and evaluating your goals as you embark on your journey to achieving them. GROW is an acronym for Goal, Reality, Options and Way forward. Regularly checking your goals and progress can help build momentum.

Originally developed in the 1980s by business coaches Graham Alexander, Alan Fine, and Sir John Whitmore, this model is an effective tool to use if you are changing careers, setting up as self-employed or looking for a promotion.

When to use GROW

You will benefit from using the GROW model if you are changing career or deciding to go self-employed. GROW can assist you to establish the way forward and create a plan around what actions you need to take from here to achieve your goal.

Plan your journey

• Decide where you are going and establish where you currently are
• Explore various routes to your destination.
• Ensure that you're committed to making the journey
• Prepare for any challenges you may meet along the way

GOAL

Make sure your goal is SMART - Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.

Let’s imagine you want to change your career and become self-employed within the next 12 – 18 months

• What is your goal?
• When do you want to achieve it by?

For example:  My goal is to set up as a self -employed interior designer working for a portfolio of commercial and residential clients in the North West of the UK by January 2019.

REALITY

You need to establish, where you are now, what you have done so far and identify challenges you have met. If you have just begun your journey you need to analyse your current skill set and areas of expertise to assist you in achieving your goal.

• Where are you in relation to your goal?
• What have you done so far to achieve your goal?
• What challenges have you met and overcome so far?

OPTIONS

What actions do you need to take? This could include, completing some training courses, upskilling in your new area, building and expanding your network, conducting market research and thinking about how you may market yourself to source opportunities moving forward. Aim to create a large list so that you can work through these actions and towards your goal within the timeframe you have set yourself.

• What haven’t you tried yet that you should try to move at least one step towards your goal
• What else could you do?
• What will you do next?
• Who else could help you?

WAY FORWARD

This is your opportunity to establish what your first action will be from here. You also need to be honest with yourself if there are barriers or challenges that will stop you from being able to take action. For example, do you feel your financial situation will be a barrier to being able to carry out specific training? Do you have other commitments or responsibilities which will limit how much time you can dedicate to taking action.

• On a scale of 1-10, how committed and motivated are you to achieving your goal?
• What 3 actions could you take this week?
• What challenges might you face and how will you overcome them?
• What else do you need to consider before taking action?

Renovo is one of the UK’s leading providers of outplacement and career transition support. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you please call 0800 612 2011 or email info@renovo.co.uk