GROW Model vs. 8-Frame Outcome
The "GROW model," frequently used in coaching, and the "8-Frame Outcome," used in NLP. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are many differences when you actually put them into practice. This article summarizes the overview and characteristics of both models, along with insights on how to use them in practice.
1. What is the GROW model?
Components of the GROW model
G (Goal): Goal setting
R (Reality): Understanding the current situation
R (Resource): Resources to support goal achievement
O (Option): Examining action alternatives
W (Will): Decision-making and commitment to action
While it is generally established under the name "GROW model," as highlighted in this article, there are times when there are two Rs if "Resource" is emphasized separately. In any case, it is a versatile model with a clear session flow that can be utilized in a wide range of areas, such as business and personal goal setting.
Objectives of the GROW model
Help the client set a clear goal
Recognize the gap from their current position
Support the client in taking actual action while identifying solutions and resources
As a coach, you support the process of breaking down "abstract goals" into "concrete actions" by listening carefully to the client's statements at each stage and deepening your questions as necessary.
Point:
• GROW is highly versatile and easy to apply to any goal.
• Deep exploration is possible depending on the coach's questioning skills, but it tends to be time-consuming.
• The key is how much "Resource (R)" you can draw out.
I have provided a few links for more details on the GROW model.
2. Basic questions for the GROW model
In an actual session, you proceed by combining various questions based on the following basic questions. It is common to engage in a careful dialogue that takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Goal: What is your goal?
Reality: If achieving your goal is a 10, what is your score now?
Resource: What resources, supportive people, or skills can you use to achieve your goal?
Option: What action plans do you have to bridge the remaining gap?
Will: When and with what will you start? How will you execute and sustain it?
Practical Considerations
If the gap between the current state and the goal is large, you need to be creative, such as by asking questions to break down the goal.
When eliciting resources, it is effective to ask questions that broaden perspectives, such as about 'past successful experiences' or 'support from those around you.'
If session time is limited, you may simplify the Option section.
Point:
・It is important to encourage the client's awareness with each question.
・In practice, combine multiple questions for each step.
・Flexibility is required, such as using alternative auxiliary questions if time is limited or the client's resources are scarce.
3. What is the 8-Frame Outcome?
It is considered one of the NLP coaching frameworks, but it is not included in some literature, and its origins are sometimes unclear. Therefore, it may be used by some schools of 'Japanese-style NLP,' and it is characterized by the fact that it is rarely found in overseas literature.
Features of the 8-Frame Outcome:
The order of questions is fixed, and the process proceeds steadily without much digression.
It can be completed in about 15 to 20 minutes, making it suitable for 'short-term coaching.'
Elements of 'five-sense imagery' and 'meaning-making,' which are basic concepts of NLP, are emphasized.
Point:
・Even with a short time, it is less likely to go off track and easier to approach the goal reliably.
・Since the origin is not certain, it gives the impression of a derivative model rather than 'mainstream NLP.'
・The focus is mainly on concretizing the future image and action plan after achieving the goal.
4. 8-Frame Outcome Questions
What is your goal?
How will you know when the goal is achieved? (Five-sense imagery)
When, where, and with whom will you create the achievement of the goal?
Once you achieve your goal, what will be the impact on your relationships and those around you?
What resources can you use to achieve your goal?
What is currently stopping you from achieving results?
Once you achieve your goal, what will it mean to you?
When and with what will you start?
How to proceed with the 8-Frame:
Do not change the order; basically, ask the questions in order from the top.
There are more questions that prompt the client to imagine the future than questions that delve deeply into the client's current situation.
Because the questions are in an order that is difficult to predict, it is easy to trigger a "chemical reaction of thought" in the client.
Point:
・It is easy to elicit a future image in a short time and visualize the vision after achieving the goal.
・Since the order of the questions cannot be changed, the coach's improvisation is easily restricted.
・It has the advantage of allowing you to proceed without unnecessary detours or getting lost.
These are reference materials regarding the 8-Frame.
5. Illustrative examples of both models
Regarding both models, if you illustrate them by placing the current situation in the lower left and the goal in the upper right, I think it would look like the following, for example.
GROW Model: An image of clarifying the current situation (Reality), analyzing the gap from there to the goal (Goal), and designing actions (Option & Will) while utilizing resources (Resource). The flow is linear and easy to understand.
8-Frame: The order of the questions is somewhat scattered, giving the impression of going back and forth. A flow of deciding actions while viewing the goal from multiple perspectives, such as Goal -> Future Image -> Impact on Surroundings -> Current Limitations, etc.
Looking at it this way, I think GROW is an easy-to-understand model that starts by grasping the gap between the goal and the current situation, and then considers how to achieve it. On the other hand, the 8-Frame appears to have a structure that goes back and forth quite a bit.
On the other hand, this ease of understanding of GROW might be largely from the perspective of the coach running the session. When I was first coached using the GROW model, I didn't know "which part we were talking about now" because of the tension. Therefore, from the client's side, there is a possibility that the perceived ease of understanding is the same for both GROW and the 8-Frame.
Point:
・GROW has a simple structure, making it easy for the coach to create a flow.
・The 8-Frame makes it easy to expand images from the client's perspective, but the order is unpredictable, making it easy to generate unexpected realizations.
・Visualizing them makes the characteristics of both clearer.
6. Comparing the questions
When you apply the 8-Frame Outcome questions to the GROW model as a benchmark, you can see that the 8-Frame emphasizes future imagery (the five senses) and the "meaning assigned when achieved." On the other hand, GROW is structured to thoroughly analyze the current situation and identify specific action options.
Point:
・The 8-Frame is specialized for creating positive future imagery, while GROW is strong in current situation analysis and action planning.
・Using them in parallel allows for more multi-dimensional session design.
・You can customize the model and questions you use depending on "where you want to dig deeper."
7. How to use them differently?
Basically, I think it is a good approach to use the GROW model while incorporating 8-Frame questions as needed.
When you have time and are having a thorough dialogue with the client: It is effective to add 8-Frame style questions about "future vision," "impact on surroundings," and "internal meaning" based on the GROW model.
When you want to "summarize goals and actions in a brainstorming style" in a short time (about 20 minutes): Following the 8-Frame in order as it is will result in a simple summary.
When the client's current situation is complex and their goals or resources are vague: Prioritize solidifying the foundation by using the GROW model thoroughly and carefully asking about Reality and Resources.
When you want to gain deep insights even in a short time: The 8-Frame's "unexpected order" can stimulate thinking, so actively use the 8-Frame when you want to leverage that characteristic.
Point:
・Use the 8-Frame if you want to "reduce the risk of getting lost" or "get results in a short time."
・Use GROW if you want to "carefully grasp the situation and dig deeper into specific measures."
8. Summary
You might have felt at first that "the GROW model and the 8-Frame Outcome are similar," but when you actually line them up, their approaches are quite different.
GROW model: Emphasizes grasping the gap between the current situation and the goal, and meticulously creating an execution plan.
8-Frame: Intensely visualizes the future goal image first and works backward from there.
Both models share the commonality of being "goal-oriented." As a coach, it is desirable to use them to complement each other depending on the purpose of the session at that time, the time frame, and the client's thinking tendencies and motivation state.
Links to other articles can be found on this sitemap: