Set up your running clients for success with the GROW model
The GROW Model is a popular coaching framework that helps structure coaching sessions and guide running clients towards achieving their goals. It stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Way Forward.
Don't we all appreciate speaking with a coach who truly understands the subject matter? The one who guides you through the process and helps you determine your desires (sometimes things you had never even considered)? You can develop those skills yourself by learning to use the GROW model with your running clients — it's a great start to setting up your clients and yourself for success! I will get you started in this blog post.
When runners sign up with a running coach, they usually have specific reasons for seeking coaching. These reasons may include clear goals such as finishing a particular race, achieving specific times on certain distances, or recovering from an injury. Others may have broader aspirations, like getting fit or running faster. Regardless of your running clients goal, in order to ensure client satisfaction, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the purpose of the coaching sessions. To do this effectively, it's important to ascertain what the client wants. But how can you do this in a straightforward and efficient manner?
Here’s a deeper dive into each component of the GROW model, that will help your running clients achieve their goals:
1. Goal
Alright, let’s start with the fun part – finding the goal! Think of it as a destination. What does your client really want to achieve? It could be anything from running a marathon to getting stronger and losing a few pounds. The key here is to be specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” try “I want to run a 10K in under an hour.” This way, you have a clear target to aim for.
Example Questions:
- "What’s your big dream or goal?"
- "How will you know when you’ve achieved it?"
- "What does success look like to you?"
2. Reality
Next, let’s take a good look at where the client is right now. This is about understanding the current situation and any obstacles she might face. Encourage your client to be honest with herself—it’s okay if things aren’t perfect. This step is all about getting a clear picture so you can plan effectively.
Example Questions:
- "What’s your current situation?"
- "What have you tried so far?"
- "What’s holding you back?"
3. Options
Now comes the brainstorming part. Let’s think about all the different ways the goal can be achieved. Don’t hold back – even the wildest ideas can spark something useful. The aim here is to explore as many options as possible, so you can choose the best path forward.
Example Questions:
- "What are all the possible ways you could achieve your goal?"
- "What resources do you have that could help?"
- "What are the pros and cons of each option?"
4. Way Forward
Finally, it’s time to make a plan. This is where you decide on the best course of action and commit to it. Break the goal down into smaller, manageable steps and set a timeline. This way, you’ll know exactly what is needed and when.
Example Questions:
- "What’s the first step you need to take?"
- "When will you do it?"
- "What support do you need to stay on track?"
Putting It All Together
Applying the GROW model on your running client
Let’s say you have a running client who dreams of completing their first half marathon. After a discussion you may come up with something like this:
Goal: Your client wants to finish a half marathon in under 2 hours.
Reality: They currently run 5 kilometers comfortably but have never run more than 10 kilometers. They have a busy work schedule and can only train three times a week.
Options: You could create a tailored training plan that gradually increases their distance, suggest cross-training activities to build strength, and provide nutritional advice to support their training. You might also recommend joining a local running group (or personal coaching sessions) for motivation and support.
Way Forward: You decide to create a 12-week training plan that includes three runs per week: one slow long run, one speed workout, and one mid-length run with running drills and a hill run. You also schedule bi-weekly check-ins to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed. Additionally, you provide tips on proper mobility exercises and nutrition to help them fuel their runs.
By following these steps, your client will have a clear and structured plan to achieve their goal of finishing a half marathon. The GROW Model helps you guide them through the process, ensuring they stay motivated and on track.
Applying the GROW model to your own development and career
As you can see, the GROW model is an excellent way to help your running clients achieve their goals - but why not apply it to yourself in your own development of anything you'd like to accomplish in life? For example, let’s say you’re a running coach who wants to start an online coaching business. Your GROW analyses could look something like this:
Goal: You want to launch your online coaching business and sign up 10 clients within the first three months.
Reality: You currently have a few local clients and a basic website, but you’re not sure how to attract online clients or how to launch and grow a profitable online business.
Options: You could improve your website, start a blog, use social media to promote your services, or you could find a mentor or program that really knows how to prepare, launch and grow an online business.
Way Forward: You decide to do some actual research and put effort into finding a mentorship program for building an online business before continuing the struggle with your basic website. The first step is to get the FREE VIDEO SERIES that will inform you of your next steps.