The GROW model ¨at home¨

One of my main reasons for pursuing a career in Human Resources was the opportunity to support people as they developed.  A friend of mine who works in the organizational development department of a multinational company resumes his job description in a sentence: ¨be the wind beneath employees wings¨.

The G.R.O.W. model is an extraordinary tool for goal setting and problem resolution.  It stands for: Goal, Reality, Obstacles or Options and Will or Way Forward.

In a business perspective, this model is intended to coach high profile managers to improve their performance.  As a result the organization guarantees a happier and more effective individual and an outstanding improvement in the company results. 

At home, is not different!

Let’s assume you enjoy watching your beloved ones succeeding in their personal and professional lives, whatever they choose to do.  How would you encourage themselves to pursuit their goal? What would be your recommendation when setting their goals? 

Now, once you go through the GROW model ¨at home¨, you will learn the technique that enables you to support your partner, friends and family to continuous growth and development.  

Before getting in too deep, we have to mention a slightly difference between the GROW business model and the one you will perform ¨at home¨. 

• In the business model there is always a coach who plays the role as an objective facilitator, meaning that supports the individual by not offering advice. 

• In the model that we call ¨at home¨, you won’t be acting as a coach since you are personally involved with the individual who is setting goals.  Instead, you will have more input when asking questions.  I suggest you trust the model, listen carefully, be empathetic, and ask ¨w¨ questions.  Feel free to offer some advice and please dare to discuss! Finally, make sure the individual is comfortable with every step and willing to give her/his best in order to achieve the goals.

Tip:  If you are setting goals together with the other person, there is a one more step you need to follow and it’s called: Consensus.  You both need to agree on the decisions in order to guide yourselves to better results.  Remember, consensus is a must!

 

 

Draw your own path!

The GROW model is built as an easy-to-use road map throughout your life.  Think about life as a journey and plan your trip as a one way ticket.  Remember, every living specie share a start and end point in common, whatever make us different is what we do in the middle!

Let´s start the journey!

1. You have the map but need to decide where to go!

Goal: It will be agreed and defined based on the expectations and the outcome to be achieved. Remember that your goals have to be S.M.A.R.T.E.R (Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, evaluated, and reevaluated).

2. Where are you currently situated?

Reality: Be honest with yourself and see where you are standing and what your current reality is.  At this point, there might be some interesting discussions that could challenge the conversation.  Use the W questions (what, when, why, who, whom) when appropriate and be open to hear a different opinions.

3. What are your options if something changes while traveling?

Options: Write down the options you have explored and discussed them.  Cut down the options by considering every aspect of it.  Remember to hear first other’s options before throwing up your ideas.  The facilitator will follow the 2 ears 1 mouth rule: Listen more than you talk!

4. What will you do to accomplish these goals? Are you ready for any weather conditions or obstacles along the way?

Will: This will be a testament about the commitment of this journey.  There will be always bumps and pits and remember to stay strong enough in order to overcome the obstacles.  Finally, remember to always have FUN since this is your life!

I hope the GROW model ¨at home¨ will benefit any person who learns about it.  Our ultimate goal should be to leave the best blueprint in people’s life.

More information:

SMARTER Technique for goal setting.

The Inner Game of Tennis - W. Timothy Gallwey.

The pursuit of Happiness – Chris Gardner

 

Quote of the day

¨Reach for the high apples first… you can get the low ones anytime¨.

                                                                                                    Anonymous