What Do You Get Out of Group Coaching That You Might Be Missing Elsewhere?

by Sean Foster | October 13, 2025  | Business Coaching

Why Group Coaching Matters for NZ Business Owners

Running a small or medium business in New Zealand often feels like carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You’re making big decisions daily, yet it’s easy to feel isolated, stuck with the same strategies, or lacking accountability. This is exactly where group coaching steps in.

More than just business advice, group coaching offers NZ business owners what they’re often missing elsewhere: peer support, fresh perspectives, and accountability that drives real progress. In this article, we’ll explore why group coaching is becoming a game-changer for Kiwi SMEs looking for growth, resilience, and connection.

Common Challenges NZ Business Owners Face Without Group Coaching

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s name the gaps many SME owners experience:

• Loneliness in leadership – being the final decision-maker can feel heavy without peers to soundboard with.
• Recycling the same ideas – without outside input, strategy can stagnate.
• Lack of accountability – it’s easier to let goals slip when no one is checking in.
• Tunnel vision – focusing so much on your business that you miss broader opportunities or blind spots.

These are not minor issues, they directly affect decision-making, growth, and wellbeing. Group coaching was built to address these gaps. For more on how leadership choices impact your team, read our related article: The #1 Mistake That Business Owners Make That Causes Stress, Anxiety & Worry in Their Employees.

Key Benefits of Group Coaching for NZ SMEs

1. A community of peers who understand
   Instead of carrying the weight alone, you join a group of owners facing similar challenges. According to my owner experience as well as BusinessNZ, collaboration between SMEs creates innovation and resilience, making peer groups an invaluable resource.
2. Fresh ideas and perspectives
   Other business owners will see solutions you may not. The Institute of Directors NZ found leaders with peer networks made decisions with greater confidence and broader perspective.
3. Built-in accountability
   Sharing your goals with a group means someone will ask about progress. NZTE highlights peer groups as a way to increase follow-through on business goals.
4. Learning faster, saving time
   Instead of trial and error, you learn directly from others’ experiences. This reduces costly mistakes and speeds up decision-making.
5. Personal growth alongside business growth
   Group coaching doesn’t just improve business outcomes, it helps owners develop resilience, leadership skills, and self-awareness. BDO NZ notes these as hidden but crucial benefits of coaching

For a deeper look at how coaching impacts teamwork, check out our related article: Unlocking Your Team’s Potential: How Group Coaching Boosts Productivity & Dynamics.

Why Group Coaching is Essential for NZ SMEs

With 97% of all NZ enterprises classified as SMEs (MBIE), most business owners are operating without large internal teams or boards. Group coaching provides that surrogate boardroom - a place for advice, challenge, and support that smaller businesses often lack.

Group Coaching vs Executive Coaching vs Training: Which is Best?

The Takeaway: Why NZ Business Owners Choose Group Coaching

What you get out of group coaching that you may be missing elsewhere is less about tactics and more about people, i.e. connection, accountability, and perspective. For New Zealand business owners, it fills the gaps of isolation and tunnel vision, while opening the door to new strategies and shared wisdom.

👉 Want to see the advantages for yourself? Book a session with Sean or explore our BIG Group Coaching programme, designed specifically for NZ SMEs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes group coaching different from other types of coaching?
Group coaching brings together multiple business owners to share experiences and insights, unlike executive coaching which is one-on-one.

2. Is group coaching right for small business owners in NZ?
Yes. Since most NZ businesses are SMEs, group coaching provides a peer-based support system that many owners wouldn’t otherwise have.

3. How does group coaching help with accountability?
When you state goals in front of peers, you’re more likely to follow through because others will ask about your progress.

4. What if I prefer more individualised attention?
Group coaching offers broad perspectives, but if you need deep focus, executive coaching may suit you better. Many owners do both at different stages.

5. How quickly do results appear from group coaching?
Most owners notice mindset shifts within a few sessions, with measurable improvements over several months.