GROW

Posted on Apr 23, 2026
tl;dr: Yet another management framework

Management. Leadership. Coaching.

Framework

  • Goal to achieve
  • Reality to ground ourselves
  • Options to stimulate creativity and choices
  • Wrap-up / will or way forward to ensure commitment to action and ownership

Oxytocin Generators for Building Trust

Oxytocin, the “trust hormone,” can be stimulated to improve team relationships. Based on research by Paul Zak, here are key strategies:

  • Recognize Excellence: Celebrate individual and team successes to boost feelings of value.
  • Induce ‘Challenge Stress’: Present stimulating challenges (not overwhelming ones) to foster growth.
  • Give People Discretion: Allow individuals to choose how they accomplish tasks to increase engagement.
  • Enable Job Crafting: Encourage employees to adapt their roles to their strengths and interests.
  • Share Information Broadly: Promote transparency to reduce uncertainty and build trust.
  • Intentionally Build Relationships: Organize positive social interactions (e.g., virtual coffee chats, team-building activities).
  • Facilitate Whole-Person Growth: Support personal development beyond work (e.g., training, wellness programs).
  • Show Vulnerability: Share your own challenges to humanize interactions.