GROW SMART in coaching

I am currently attending a two-day coaching course. A primary model of coaching used is the GROW model. Grow is used to enable the client to set goals and move action. The model guides the coach who asks the client a series of questions corresponding with each of the letter of this acronym. While there are slight variations the general idea is as follows:

• G - Goals - What specifically do you want?
• R - Reality - What have you done so far?
• O - Options - What are some of the things you could do...?
• W - Will - What actions could you take in the next 48 hours...?

Each of the steps involves asking multiple open-ended and/or directional (focusing) questions. These questions incorporate enabling the client to clarify very specifically what he wants, resources, obstacles, multiple options, and well as checking client commitment and motivation. There is an abundance of information on the net on this model.

Another model used is the SMART model. Again there are many variations. The model can be used in a similar way to the GROW model. Generally the idea is as follows:

• S - Specific - What specifically do you want?
• M - Measurable - How will you know when you have achieved this?
• A - Achievable - What similar goals have you achieved up until now?
• R - Realistic - What resources do you have that will help you...?
• T - Timed - By when do you want to achieve this?

There are many obvious parallels between the two models. And again, one can change any of the key words, e.g. T for take action and incorporate the "timed" part in one of the other steps such as "measurable". Anything to make the model more suitable and effective.

In my book, Passion to Performance*, I explain in more detail how this can be done. Any of these models can be seen as a starting point and be expanded later on in the process. My first level expansion of SMART is SMARTEST. The -EST extends the process so the client is better able to apply it.

• E - Ecological - What are the benefits to myself and others...?
• S - State - What needs to happen for you to feel more confident about this step?
• T - Take Immediate Action - What can you do right now towards making this happen?

*Passion to Performance, Bakker Aneesah, 2007, Trafford Publishing, ISBN 142511689-2,

If you found this article interesting, you might also be interested in this article I wrote for the Association for Coaching, Spring 2007 Bulletin:

http://www.associationforcoaching.com/pub/ACB0705.pdf

where I discuss and give more examples of specific questions in this goal management process.