Not All GROW Models Are Equal: What Sets InsideOut’s GROW Model® Apart

As Director of Enterprise Coaching Solutions at InsideOut Development, I've seen firsthand how effective coaching can fundamentally change an organization. After working with hundreds of global organizations, I've recognized that not all coaching models are equal.

Today, I want to address some common misconceptions about the GROW Model and explain why InsideOut Development's approach to coaching stands apart.

Beyond the Basic Framework

Many organizations use the GROW Model for its simplicity and adaptability. The GROW Model sharpens Focus, setting the Performance Wheel in motion and turning aspirations into meaningful progress. However, the GROW Model is just a coaching tool and not a complete coaching solution. An effective coaching solution, we believe, combines three things:

• A coaching mindset
• A straightforward and simple framework (like GROW)
• Practical coaching tools to support the conversations leaders have every day

The Origin and Evolution of GROW^®

Let’s start at the beginning. The original GROW Model was developed almost forty years ago by Alan Fine, President of InsideOut Development, along with John Whitmore and Graham Alexander.

Since then, it has become one of the most widely recognized coaching frameworks worldwide, earning endorsements from leading organizations, including the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Alan didn’t stop there. From his work, this simple acronym has evolved into a robust coaching framework powered by three elements of performance that exist within everyone and significantly impact our ability to perform consistently and productively:

• Faith is what we believe about ourselves and others.
• Fire involves our energy, passion, motivation, and commitment.
• Focus is what we pay attention to and how we pay attention.

These elements are valuable on their own, but their true power lies in how they enable the use of Knowledge. When aligned, they unlock potential; when obstructed, they hinder performance. As a leader, your approach to these elements can either empower your team or hold them back.

Recognizing the vital roles of Faith, Fire, Focus, and Knowledge, we have placed the Performance Wheel at the very center of GROW. This wheel is more than a visual metaphor — it illustrates how these elements interact to drive performance.

Focus serves as the driving force that ignites Faith and Fire, generating the energy and confidence needed to overcome obstacles. As these elements align and build momentum, they engage the Knowledge rim of the Performance Wheel, converting potential into tangible results.

By mastering this dynamic, leaders can strategically leverage GROW to activate the Performance Wheel and unlock their team’s full potential.

Coaching Mindset

Most coaching solutions are based on the idea that more Knowledge equates to better results.

Our approach to coaching is much different. We get people to act on what they already know. We call this the InsideOut Mindset — the fundamental belief that every person has untapped potential and an enormous capacity to learn.

Simple Framework

As noted earlier, the GROW Model sharpens Focus and sets the Performance Wheel in motion, leveraging existing Knowledge. It enables individuals and teams to make quick, informed decisions, driving effective actions and better results.

Practical Coaching Tools

We have created easy-to-use conversation tools featuring time-tested, research-backed questions for discussions of all levels, from simple to complex. These tools help leaders engage both the “head and heart” of every conversation, fostering authentic, effective coaching that consistently drives high performance. 

What sets us apart is empowering leaders to coach seamlessly within their conversations.

Real Results: A Case Study

The impact of these tools and our comprehensive approach is best illustrated through an implementation at one of our client organizations. When a major insurance company's sales division faced significant challenges with retention and performance, they turned to InsideOut Development's coaching programs for help.

Solution

• Implemented a multi-faceted plan to support the development of a coaching culture.
• Deployed InsideOut Development’s coaching programs onsite with the sales management team.
• Established key action items: coaching logs and leadership coaching roundtable.
  
  

Results

• Turnover was reduced by 15%, lowering the rate to 11%.
• Employee engagement scores among sales managers increased by 7%.
• New written premium productivity rose by 16%, while the control group saw a 14% decline.

Setting the Record Straight

Two important clarifications about the GROW Model:

1. InsideOut Development’s version of GROW goes beyond the basic model, incorporating decades of research and refinement.
   
   
2. Effective coaching requires more than just the model. It needs a complete solution that includes a coaching mindset, framework, and tools.

The InsideOut GROW Coaching Model isn’t just a framework. It’s a proven system for creating meaningful change and delivering measurable results.

By centering on what truly drives success — Knowledge, Faith, Fire, and Focus — it helps leaders eliminate obstacles, inspire their teams, and cultivate a culture of growth and high performance.  

At InsideOut Development, we go beyond teaching coaching. We drive transformation from the inside out. By aligning the GROW Model with the Performance Wheel, we empower organizations to unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success.

Ready to invest in real, sustainable change? Let’s move forward — together.