Key Coaching Models That Transformed My Practice
When I first started coaching, I relied heavily on structured frameworks to guide my conversations. While these were useful, I soon learned that true coaching isn’t about following a script—it’s about adapting to the person in front of you. Through my Practitioner Diploma, I was introduced to several coaching models that helped me refine my approach, balancing structure with flexibility. Here are the key models that transformed my coaching practice.
1. The GROW Model: A Strong Foundation
The GROW model is one of the most widely used coaching frameworks, and for good reason. It provides a simple yet effective way to structure coaching conversations:
Goal – What does the client want to achieve?
Reality – What is their current situation?
Options – What possible actions could they take?
Way Forward – What will they commit to doing next?
Before my diploma, I leaned heavily on this model but sometimes applied it too rigidly. I learned that while GROW is a fantastic starting point, the real power comes from how you guide the client through it—asking open questions, allowing space for reflection, and adapting based on their needs.
2. TOGROWME: Taking GROW to the Next Level
During the course, I was introduced to TOGROWME, an expanded version of GROW that incorporates additional elements:
Topic – What are we discussing today?
Outcome – What does success look like for this conversation?
Goal – Where do you ultimately want to be?
Reality – What’s your current situation?
Options – What paths are available to you?
Way Forward – What actions will you take?
Motivation – What’s driving you to make this change?
Evaluation – How will you measure success and stay accountable?
I found this model particularly useful for deepening coaching conversations. It ensures that not only are we setting a goal and action plan, but we’re also exploring motivation and sustainability—two areas that often determine whether a client will follow through.
3. Gestalt Coaching: Raising Awareness for Change
One of the biggest revelations for me was Gestalt coaching, which emphasizes the idea that awareness precedes change. Instead of jumping to solutions, Gestalt coaching encourages clients to explore their emotions, behaviors, and underlying patterns.
For example, instead of asking “What can you do to fix this?”, a Gestalt-inspired question might be:
🔹 “What do you notice about how you’re responding to this challenge?”
🔹 “How does this pattern show up in other areas of your life?”
By bringing awareness to these elements, clients often gain deeper insights that lead to more meaningful and sustainable change. I’ve started integrating Gestalt principles into my sessions, particularly when clients seem stuck or unsure about their next steps.
4. The Power of Contracting: Setting Clear Expectations
Before my diploma, I didn’t fully appreciate the role of contracting in coaching. I assumed that because I was coaching colleagues or direct reports, expectations were automatically understood. However, I quickly learned that clear contracting creates a foundation of trust and accountability.
A simple but powerful mantra from my course was “ABC – Always Be Contracting.” At the start of a coaching relationship, and even at the beginning of each session, I now ask:
✅ What do you need from me as your coach today?
✅ How will we know this session has been successful?
✅ What level of challenge or support do you prefer?
Contracting has transformed the quality of my coaching conversations by ensuring alignment and creating a space where clients feel safe to explore.
Final Thoughts
Each of these models—GROW, TOGROWME, Gestalt, and Contracting—has played a vital role in shaping my coaching style. Rather than relying on one rigid framework, I’ve learned to blend elements from each, adapting based on the client’s needs and the flow of the conversation.
Coaching is both an art and a science. While models provide structure, the real magic happens when we stay present, curious, and open to where the conversation naturally leads.
What coaching models have had the biggest impact on your practice? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
This is part of my ongoing blog series on coaching insights. Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll explore the art of asking powerful coaching questions!
