Decoding 'Grow', a mantra for business success

As we step into 2025, many of us reflect on the goals we set for the past year and assess how successful we were in achieving them. Resolutions often fall by the wayside within a few weeks, and goals may require tweaking sooner than expected. Like many others, I faced these challenges until I came across a coaching model called G.R.O.W., developed by British author John Whitmore. This model helped me rethink my approach to goal setting and personal growth, and it may do the same for you.

The G.R.O.W. model consists of four simple but powerful stages:

G: Goal – What do you want to achieve?

R: Reality – Where do you currently stand?

O: Options/Obstacles – What are your choices, and what might get in the way?

W: Way Forward – What actions will you take to move forward?

The G.R.O.W. model emphasises starting with goal. It's important to define clear, actionable goals, ideally using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For example, in corporate workshops, clients often set goals to increase sales, but I encourage them to consider the bigger picture: How does this affect profits, resources, and team well-being? Focusing solely on growth can lead to resource strain. A well-balanced goal considers the long-term health of your company or personal life.

Once you’ve set a goal, you must assess your Reality. Where do you stand today? What resources and challenges do you face? This is where honest self-reflection is crucial. Without understanding your current situation, you can't make an informed decision about how to move forward. In the G.R.O.W. model, this step encourages you to confront the truth, including your strengths, weaknesses, and external factors that could impact progress.

From there, you’ll explore Options and Obstacles. What strategies can you pursue to achieve your goal? What are the potential challenges you might face? Brainstorming options opens up new perspectives and helps you prepare for hurdles along the way. It’s important to stay flexible here and be willing to adapt, as your path may not always be a straight line.

The final step, Way Forward, focuses on creating an actionable plan. What steps will you take to move closer to your goal? This phase involves setting deadlines, identifying key actions, and preparing for the inevitable obstacles. An essential part of the way forward is also creating a backup plan—so that if your original course is blocked, you’re ready to pivot.

• Simple and fun — Chef Pierre Gagnaire's guiding principle on food