Reflective Log: Component 1

PSM528
Coaching Psychology
180038338
Reflective Log: Component 1
Introduction:
The role of a coach is to help individuals in understanding their potential and skills and
growing them on their own (Whitmore, 2009: 11). In this essay, I will be reflecting on the
two sessions that I had with my two clients. I would also bring in some aspect's that different
researchers have used to define coaching and how it evolved. I used the GROW model for
my coaching sessions. The essay will focus on elements of GROW, to have a better
understanding of how it worked in my coaching sessions.
Understanding the role of a Coach:
The coach cannot provide technical support to the Coachees since he is not an expert in their
field (McAdam, 2005). Coaching is also now is a part of the new emerging culture where
employees are involved in their learning processes (Bell & Kozlowski, 2008). Coaching is
more formal then mentoring, and it's a short-term contract between two individuals.
(Passmore, 2010). The crucial role of a coach is to build a rapport and help individuals in
moving towards their goals and helping them to achieve their potentials on their merit
(Whitmore, 2009:19). The coach facilitates coachees in acting as their advisors (Bresser &
Wilson, 2010). Hawkins and Smith (2006), said to be a competent coach one must be an
attentive listener, to be able to relate to what the coachee is saying and to be an emphatic
listener. It helps in building the rapport and trust between the coach and coachee.
Being a good coach means continuous learning and some the skills are gained with time and
experience as well. Many models and frameworks can help in making a coaching session a
success.
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PSM528
Coaching Psychology
180038338
Grow Model:
The GROW model is considered as a framework that helps in making coaching sessions
successful. The GROW model was founded 30 years ago by Whitmore and his fellow
researchers. But since Whitmore (2009), published his book, GROW became the most
popular tool in the coaching field. Many new models have emerged since but, GROW is
always considered the foundational base for these models.
GROW is an acronym representing the different phases of the coaching process: Goal,
Reality, Options and Will (Whitmore, 1992). As per Whitmore (2009), the primary purpose
of coaching was to increase a sense of purpose in coachees so that they reached goals by
seeing a new way forward. The framework of the Grow model helps in constructively
achieving this route. Whitmore (2009), explained that coaching has two key elements to it,
one is to make the individuals aware of their responsibilities. By doing this coachee should be
helped to look at their situations differently, so they move towards attaining their goals.
Through the GROW model, the awareness stage is reached through the Goal and Reality
Phase. By looking at the facts and information, the individual can be made self-aware of
what’s important to them (Whitmore, 2009: 34). Once the coachee is aware of what's
important to them then through the Options and Will stage, the coach encourages them to
take ownership to achieve their goals. Whitmore (2009: 37) suggested that when an
individual takes responsibility for his thoughts and actions, they get genuinely committed to
raise their standards and attain their aspirations even if it means changing old behaviors and
patterns and looking for new solutions.
FIGURE 1: GROW COACHING MODEL, 1992
Coaching sessions using the GROW Model:
My first coaching session was with a young girl called Reena. I was a bit apprehensive since
it was the first coaching session that I was taking as a coach. I had decided that the first
session would be a shorter one as ice-breaker so we could both see if we felt comfortable
with each other. But once we met and started talking, I noticed, we got along just fine. Later
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