Reflacto

ENDE

GROW Model

Goal · Reality · Options · Way Forward

GROW prevents rushed solutions: clarify the goal and reality, explore options, then commit to a next step.

  • Clarify the goal
  • Test current reality
  • Commit to action

GROW in 4 steps

GROW moves you from a clear goal through an honest reality check and several options to one concrete next step.

  1. Goal

    Define the desired outcome and how you will recognise success.

  2. Reality

    Check what is happening, what you have tried, and which obstacles or resources matter.

  3. Options

    Generate several routes before judging them.

  4. Way Forward

    Choose a route. Set the next action, owner, and time.

Concrete example

Example: A team lead wants to release important software changes faster.

  1. Goal

    Review and release critical changes within three working days.

  2. Reality

    The process takes eight days on average. Changing ownership delays handoffs between engineering and quality assurance.

  3. Options

    The team considers a fixed review rotation, smaller changes, joint reviews, or a pilot.

  4. Way Forward

    On Monday, the team lead starts a four-week review-rotation pilot. Then she checks lead time and unresolved handoffs.

Adapt the example to your situation and room for action.

When this method helps

Use GROW when you are stuck, going in circles, or helping someone define a concrete next step.

Limits and when to pause

GROW requires a clear enough view of the situation and room to act. It cannot replace specialist support for legal, safety, health, or crisis matters.

Where Reflacto uses this method

Choose the situation you want to reflect on:

Key benefits

  • Clarifies the goal before selecting a solution
  • Opens alternatives beyond the obvious answer
  • Turns reflection into an owned, timed next step
  • Works for self-reflection and coaching

Questions Reflacto asks

Reflacto turns the method into these concrete reflection questions:

  1. 1What is the goal you want to achieve in this situation?
  2. 2What is the current reality?
  3. 3What options are available to you?
  4. 4Evaluate each option: what are the pros and cons?
  5. 5Which option will you choose and what are your next steps?
  6. 6What is your next step?

Common questions about the GROW model

What does GROW stand for?

Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward. Clarify the goal and reality before you generate options and commit to an action.

What does Reality mean in the GROW model?

Reality is an honest account: What is happening? What have you tried? What failed, and how might you be contributing? Without this check, you may solve the wrong problem.

Can I use GROW on myself, without a coach?

Yes. Write down your answers so you do not skip Reality. The questions provide structure; a partner adds constructive challenge.

What if I can't think of any options?

Separate generating from judging. List at least five options, including bad ones. If ideas run out, ask: "What would I tell someone else in this situation?"

Origin and Reflacto's adaptation

Sir John Whitmore and colleagues, including Graham Alexander and Alan Fine, devised GROW in the 1980s. Whitmore later documented it in Coaching for Performance.

Also known as: GROW coaching model, Goal-Reality-Options-Way forward

What Reflacto changed

Reflacto turns the four steps into six questions. It separates generating options from weighing trade-offs. The final “Will” step becomes a decision and one concrete action.

Primary sources and further reading

Editorially reviewed by Daniel Schmeiß

Last substantive review: August 30, 2026

Related reflection methods

Compare another method that approaches a similar situation from a different angle.

Compare all methods