It is important to have regular check-ins. If you are responsible for other people check-ins you might like to use the coaching technique known as the “Grow” model. Even if you are not the one asking the questions you might like to use some of these to prepare for your own checkin.
Coaching doesn’t try to find a solution. It is a questioning technique which allows individuals to find their own way through.
The GROW Model is one of the most established and successful coaching models. It was created by business coaches Graham Alexander, Alan Fine, and Sir John Whitmore and made popular by Sir John Whitmore’s book: Coaching for Performance.
GROW stands for:
- Goal.
- Current Reality.
- Options (or Obstacles).
- Will (or Way Forward).
So when thinking about your check-in (or appraisal) the following structure (and questions) might be a suitable approach.
Goal
- Tell me about what you are trying to achieve/the problem?
- Where are you going?
- What do you want to get out of this conversation?
Reality
- Where are you now?
- What are you experiencing?
- What have you already tried?
- What obstacles are in your way?
Options
- What are your options?
- What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail
Will do
- What are your next steps?
- What will you do and by when?
- What support do you need?