Have you ever found yourself struggling to reach a personal or professional goal? Maybe you set out with great intentions but got sidetracked along the way?
It’s a common challenge, and that’s exactly where the GREAT coaching model can help.
Developed by Graham Alexander, a well-known coach in goal-setting and personal development, GREAT coaching model provides a structured yet flexible approach for turning your goals into tangible results.
Whether you’re a leader, a coach, or someone working toward personal growth, this model can guide you through the process of clarifying your goal and achieving it step by step.
Core Concept of GREAT Coaching Model
The GREAT model focuses on five key stages to help you get clear about your goal and work toward it effectively.
Goal
Start with defining a clear, specific, and meaningful goal (refer to SMART Goal Setting Framework). A well-crafted goal is the foundation for success, as it gives you direction and purpose.
Practice: You set a goal to increase your team’s productivity by 20% over the next quarter.
Reality
Take a hard look at your current situation. Understanding where you stand is critical.
What obstacles are in your way? What resources do you have at your disposal? A clear reality check gives you the insight you need to make informed decisions.
Practice: You analyze the current state of the team, identifying key issues like unclear communication or missed deadlines.
Explore
Explore different options and solutions.
This stage encourages creativity and brainstorming. What pathways could help you achieve your goal? What risks and rewards are associated with each option?
Practice: You and your team brainstorm possible solutions, such as improved workflows, training, or regular feedback sessions.
Action
Now, it’s time to take action!
Create a clear, step-by-step plan that outlines exactly what needs to be done. This phase is all about commitment and execution.
Practice: You create a detailed plan with actionable steps, like scheduling bi-weekly check-ins and reassigning tasks based on team strengths.
Timing
Finally, focus on timing.
Set deadlines, create milestones, and regularly assess progress. This ensures you stay on track and can adjust your plan when necessary.
Practice: You establish clear milestones, like measuring productivity improvements every month and adjusting the plan as needed.
Tips for Using This Model
- Clarify your goal: The more specific your goal, the easier it is to stay focused
- Be honest about your reality: A realistic assessment of where you stand is crucial for progress.
- Think outside the box during Explore: Don’t settle for the first idea—be creative in finding solutions.
- Set clear and achievable actions: Break down tasks into manageable steps so they don’t feel overwhelming.
- Monitor progress: Use regular check-ins to track milestones and make adjustments if needed.
Other Coaching Models
- GROW Model – Goals, Reality, Options, Will
