Is Business Coaching Just for When Things Are Going Wrong?

by Sean Foster | September 4, 2025  | Business Coaching

If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone. Many business owners assume that coaching is something you turn to only when things are falling apart; when cash is tight, the team is in chaos, or you’re burnt out and unsure what to do next.

But here’s the truth: business coaching isn’t just a lifeline when you’re sinking. It’s a tool for sharpening your thinking, building momentum, and unlocking clarity, before things go off the rails.

Let’s break it down.

Business Coaching Isn’t About Crisis Control - It’s Clarity

Yes, a good coach can help when things are going wrong. They can guide you through tough decisions, rebuild structure, and support you in getting back on track. But that’s not the only time coaching adds value.

Many of the most powerful coaching conversations happen before the pressure hits, when you’re growing, evolving, or even just feeling a bit stuck or unsure. Coaching in these moments can prevent the chaos, not just help you clean it up.

It’s About Thinking Clearly, Not Just Solving Problems

Business coaching is really about you. Your mindset, your habits, your leadership. And those things don’t just matter during hard times, they shape how you handle growth, success, and opportunity.

Coaching helps you:

• Make decisions faster and with more confidence
• Stay focused on the right priorities
• Build better systems and structure that scale
• Lead with clarity instead of reacting to noise.

If you're exploring coaching for the first time, and especially if you're considering online options, we’ve written a helpful guide: Online Business Coach in NZ: Here’s What to Know Before Hiring One. It covers what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to choose someone who actually gets your business and your goals.

Coaching Is Just as Useful in the Good Times

One of the biggest myths is that coaching is only for fixing problems. But some of the most impactful coaching happens when things are going well, because that’s when you’re in the best position to plan, build, and grow.

Think of coaching like a performance tool. Athletes don’t wait until they’re injured to hire a coach. They work with one to stay sharp, improve, and reach new goals. The same applies to your business.

If you’re still unsure whether your business is even 'ready' for coaching, we’ve broken it down in this article: How Do I Know If My Business Is ‘Ready’ for a Business Coach? It helps you assess where you're at, what to look for in your business and mindset, and whether coaching makes sense right now or might be better timed for later.

A Real-World Example

In a case shared by the Forbes Coaches Council, one business owner started coaching during a growth period, not because something was broken, but because they didn’t want to lose their edge. The coach helped them refine their strategy, focus their team, and set up systems that made growth sustainable. When challenges did come up later, the business was better prepared to handle them.

You don’t wait for your car to break down before you get a service. The same mindset applies here.

When You Wait Until Things Are Broken

Sometimes business owners wait too long, until the stress has already taken a toll, the team is burnt out, or decision fatigue has crept in. And yes, coaching can help them. But it often takes longer and feels heavier.

Starting coaching when things are steady or growing can feel lighter, more energising, and more proactive.

If you're still weighing up whether coaching is actually worth it, we dive into that in our article: Is Business Coaching Worth It? What NZ Business Owners Need to Know. It explores the real value coaching brings, beyond just results, and how business owners across New Zealand are using coaching to make better decisions, avoid burnout, and create sustainable growth.

Want to See What Business Coaching Looks Like?

If you're curious what coaching might help you with, whether you're in a good season or a messy one, check out this article: What Can a Business Coach Help Me With?. It breaks down the different ways coaching supports your business and your thinking.

Final Thoughts

Coaching isn’t just about getting you out of trouble. It’s about keeping you focused, clear, and moving, even when things are already going well.

Whether you're navigating change or riding momentum, coaching can help you stay intentional and in control.

If you want to explore what that could look like for you, book a discovery call with Sean. No pressure, no pitch, just a conversation to see if coaching could support where you're heading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is business coaching only for fixing problems?
No. It’s just as valuable for staying focused and intentional during growth or planning.

Should I work with a business coach even if things are going well?
Yes. In fact, that’s often the best time to get clarity and set direction.

How do I know if now is the right time to get a business coach?
If you’re making decisions, feeling stretched, or thinking about what’s next, it might be the perfect time.

What’s the benefit of coaching when my business is already performing well?
Not only will you get to work on your business with a fresh perspective, but so will your ambition about an even better future of your business be realized..

Isn’t business coaching expensive if I don’t have a big problem to solve?
A very large portion of the value comes not from fixing issues, but from accelerating focus, clarity, and leadership growth. Could your business and your satisfaction be even better than what you currently imagine it could be?