Solution-focused problem-solving (contrast with GROW model)

The stages of solution-focused problem-solving offer a structured approach to addressing issues by leveraging an individual's strengths and resources. Here's an expanded view of each stage:

1. Connecting to the Person's Inner Resource: This initial stage is crucial for establishing a strong rapport and trust with the person. It involves actively listening, showing empathy, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for them to open up. Encouraging them to reflect on their past successes and capabilities helps in building confidence and a positive mindset. The aim is to shift focus from problems to strengths and resources.

2. Defining the Problem: Clarity about the problem and its impact is essential. This involves identifying the goal and understanding the thinking and feeling behind it. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This clarity ensures alignment with the person's purpose, motives, and commitment.

3. Finding the Exceptions: This stage involves exploring situations where the problem is less severe or absent. By examining the 'who, what, when, where' of these exceptions, insights can be gained into what works and how these strategies can be applied more broadly. This helps in identifying potential solutions and coping strategies.

4. Life Without the Problem: Here, the focus shifts to envisioning a future where the problem is resolved. This 'magic outcome' exercise helps in understanding the desired state in a detailed and sensory way - what it would look, sound, feel, taste, and smell like. This imaginative process checks the alignment with the person’s purpose, motives, and commitment.

5. Scaling: Using a scale from 10 to 0, where 0 represents the desired outcome and 10 the worst situation, the individual assesses where they currently stand. This scaling helps in quantifying progress and setting realistic goals.

6. Reviewing the Scale: In this stage, realistic and attainable steps are identified. It involves considering what a small yet significant step on the scale would look like (e.g., moving from a 6 to a 5), identifying barriers to progress, and recognizing available resources and strategies that can facilitate this change.

7. Feedback: The final stage is about reflective learning and adaptation. It involves seeking feedback on the session - what was helpful, what led to new insights, and what could be improved. Follow-up sessions are important to review progress, address any new problems, and reinforce successes.

Throughout these stages, the focus remains on empowering the individual, leveraging their strengths, and fostering a solution-oriented mindset. This approach is particularly effective as it shifts the emphasis from problem analysis to building solutions based on the person's own resources and past successes.

By contrast the simpler GROW model is a widely used framework in coaching and personal development, designed to aid in goal setting and problem solving but without necessarily having taken the therapeutic approach of Connecting to the Person's Inner Resource. Its name is an acronym for its four key components:

1. Goal: The starting point of the GROW model is establishing clear, specific, and achievable goals. It's about understanding what the individual wants to accomplish in the short-term and long-term.

2. Reality: This step involves exploring the current situation. It's about understanding where the individual is now in relation to their goals, acknowledging the challenges they face, and recognizing the resources they have at their disposal.

3. Options: Here, the focus is on identifying different strategies or paths to achieve the set goals. It involves brainstorming various courses of action, considering alternative approaches, and evaluating their feasibility.

4. Will (or Way Forward): The final step is about commitment and action. It involves deciding on a specific course of action from the options discussed, creating a step-by-step plan to achieve the goals, and ensuring the individual's commitment to taking the necessary actions.

The GROW model is valued for its simplicity and effectiveness in a variety of settings, from individual coaching sessions to team development and organizational planning. It helps individuals clarify their goals, understand their current situation more clearly, explore various options, and commit to action steps that drive them towards achieving their objectives.

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