The ROSA coaching model: a framework to unlock real results

Ever wish you had a GPS for your goals? A system that could help you figure out exactly where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there?

That’s exactly what ROSA is — a navigation system for better thinking and conversations. Coaches and clients around the world keep searching for a results-driven, practical, and adaptable method, and more and more are landing on ROSA.

What is the ROSA coaching model?

ROSA is a powerful, future-focused coaching model taught by the World Coaching Organization — and today, it’s used by thousands of formal and informal coaches around the globe to help their clients, and themself, move from confusion to clarity and from ideas to real, sustainable action.

Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or someone working through your own goals, ROSA works like a mental GPS. Used skillfully, it guides conversations, and thinking, with just the right mix of structure and depth.

The model consists of four key phases that help navigate the coaching process from problem to progress:

R – Reality, O – Objectives, S – Solutions, A – Actions

The foundation of this model is ROSA 1.0, as we call it, with deeper levels — ROSA 2.0 and ROSA 2.5 — designed for more transformational breakthroughs. But let’s start where all great change begins: the fundamentals.

The four stages of ROSA

Reality: Where are you now?

You wouldn’t plan a route without knowing your current location. In coaching, it’s the same. Every coaching journey begins with a clear, honest look at the present. 

• What’s going on right now?

• What challenges, patterns, or contexts need attention?

• What problem are you trying to solve?

This stage is crucial. It lays the groundwork by exploring the client’s circumstances —whether it's a future project, a pressing concern, or a recurring pattern that needs to change. By taking the time to fully understand the landscape, we set the stage for meaningful growth.

Objectives: Where do you want to go?

With a clear grasp of the present, the focus shifts to the future. In other words, it's time to chart the destination.

• What outcome would make the biggest positive difference?

• What’s the one thing that, if achieved, will change everything?

This is where clarity meets ambition. While there may be multiple goals, ROSA encourages coaches and clients to prioritize — to aim for the objective that will create the greatest impact. The Objectives phase of the process helps us to choose what matters most and focus.

Solutions: What routes could you take?

This is the creative powerhouse of the process, the creative planning mode. The client is encouraged to brainstorm — freely, fearlessly, and abundantly to produce many potential solutions, from the practical to the imaginative. 

• What are the possible ways forward?

• What paths haven’t you considered yet?

Why many? Because innovation often hides behind the obvious. By pushing beyond the surface, those transformative ideas will emerge. Also, be mindful! Solutions is not about finding the answer, but about uncovering many good ones. And then choosing wisely, which brings us to...

Action: What will you do first?

Now it’s time to put the key in the ignition. What steps can be taken immediately — and realistically — to bring the chosen solution to life? 

• What could be the first small step? 

• What will you actually do, and by when? 

• What support, structure, or accountability do you need? 

This phase is all about movement and translating insight into action. It’s where we identify the exact steps, required resources, deadlines, and support systems to make it all happen. Eventually, Action is the heartbeat of ROSA: doing what matters most, in a way that drives the results we are looking for. 

Follow-up: staying on course 

Of course, even the best-designed route won’t matter if we veer off track. Life has a way of interrupting even the most well-intentioned plans — which is why ongoing follow-up is a vital part of the ROSA process. Whether you're working with a coach or on your own, checking back in on actions, reviewing progress, and adjusting direction when needed helps keep momentum alive. 

Think of it like course correction on a GPS. You might take a detour, pause at a rest stop, or even miss a turn — but as long as you check back in, the system recalibrates, and you keep moving toward your destination. 

ROSA vs. GROW 

If you’re already familiar with coaching models, you might have come across the GROW model — another widely used framework. "What's the difference?" we have been asked several times.

In GROW, the first steps are Goal and then Reality. At first glance, it seems logical to start with where you want to go. But here’s where ROSA offers a subtle, yet important shift: in ROSA, we begin with Reality. Why? Because without clarity about where you are, it's nearly impossible to set a meaningful destination. Many coaches who have used both GROW and ROSA tell us that ROSA simply feels more natural — more aligned with how people actually think, decide, and act, and how a coaching conversation naturally flows.

ROSA for self-coaching 

One of the reasons ROSA has gained such popularity is its versatility. While it’s a powerful tool in formal coaching sessions, it’s just as effective for self-coaching. Whether you're planning a career move, navigating a relationship, or facing a personal crossroads, ROSA gives you a structure for thinking clearly, making decisions with confidence, and following through on what's most important. 

All you need is a quiet moment, a piece of paper, and a willingness to be honest with yourself.

Why ROSA works 

At its core, ROSA isn’t just a model — it’s a mindset. It brings structure to the often chaotic process of change, while still leaving room for creativity and insight. And it's a very intuitive process. Many individuals and professionals use ROSA in life and in their workplace, without even realizing it. Some in planning their annual business strategy, and others in educating their children.

ROSA doesn’t promise instant transformation or dramatic breakthroughs in every session (especially on the 1.0 level). What it does offer though, is a way to think more clearly, ask better questions, and make meaningful progress, one step at a time.

What are your experiences with the ROSA model? Where could you try it next? Share this with someone who's ready to make progress!

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Ready to 'ROSA'?  Try it yourself, or introduce it in your next coaching conversation. We also invite you to:

• Check out our free ROSA resources in our Toolbox!

• Learn more about the basics of ROSA in our upcoming workshops.

• Dive full in and explore ROSA 2.0 in our International Coaching Certification course!