When Coaching Doesn’t Work (And How to Fix It)
Picture a basketball star—let’s call her Lisa—paired with a top coach to boost her game. The coach sets drills, asks probing questions, and maps a plan to dominate the court. But Lisa skips sessions, ignores the drills, and expects instant wins. Six months later, she’s frustrated, blaming the coach. Sound familiar? Coaching isn’t a magic wand—you can’t just wish for a slam dunk! Sometimes it flops, but there’s a way to turn it around. In part six of our Coaching for Champions series, we’ll explore why coaching doesn’t work—and how to fix it.
In our last post, we saw how timing and fit make coaching a game-changer. But what happens when it falls flat? Maybe you’ve tried coaching and felt it didn’t deliver, or you’re worried it won’t work for you. Coaching isn’t a cure-all—it needs commitment, alignment, and a solid foundation. Let’s unpack why it fails and how to get back on track, so you can score big in your business or life.
Why Coaching Doesn’t Work
Coaching can miss the mark for a few reasons:
Coachee Resistance: If you’re like Lisa, skipping action steps or holding back, coaching stalls. A 2020 study found engagement is the top predictor of coaching success (Journal of Applied Psychology, 2020).
Mismatched Expectations: Expecting quick fixes or a coach to “save” your business? Misaligned goals derail progress.
Unsustainable Business: If your business lacks market fit—20% fail in year one due to this, per Forbes (2023)—coaching can’t work miracles.
External Barriers: Personal crises or resource shortages can block progress, requiring other support.
Take Isiah Thomas, NBA legend with two championships. As a coach for the Indiana Pacers (2000–2003), he went 131–115 but won only one playoff series. His authoritarian style clashed with players, showing a mismatch in approach (Sporting News, 2003). Coaching requires both sides to sync, not clash.
How to Fix It
Don’t give up—here’s how to make coaching work:
Commit Fully: Show up like Kobe Bryant, who shot 250 pregame shots under coach J.J. Outlaw’s guidance, turning discipline into five NBA titles (ESPN, 2016). Dive in with heart, and act on insights.
Clarify Goals: Set clear, realistic expectations with your coach—growth, not magic. Align on what success looks like.
Assess Viability: Check your business’s foundation. If market fit’s off, pivot before coaching.
Seek Other Support: Personal struggles? 44% of coaches refer clients to therapists for emotional healing (PR Newswire, 2024). Coaching focuses on goals, not past wounds.
As ICF CEO Magdalena Nowicka Mook says, “Coaching is uniquely suited to support people navigating challenges like burnout” (PR Newswire, 2024). But it thrives when you’re all in. Kobe’s relentless commitment to Outlaw’s drills shows what happens when you lean in—championships follow.
A Faith-Fueled Perspective
As Christians, we’re called to persevere and discern when things don’t work. In John 20:16–18, Jesus called Mary Magdalene by name, shifting her perspective from grief to purpose as she recognized Him. Like Paul guiding Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12), a coach helps you see new paths, but you must be open. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously.” Coaching fails when you hold back, but thrives when you dive in with heart, trusting God’s guidance through others. It’s about aligning with His purpose and taking bold steps.
Your Next Step
Coaching isn’t a cure-all, but with commitment and alignment, it can unlock breakthroughs. Coaching fails when you hold back, but thrives when you dive in with heart. So, here’s our challenge: ever hit a wall with coaching or growth? How did you push through? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear! Check our companion guides for more details on stories like Kobe’s or Thomas’ to dive deeper.
Next up in Coaching for Champions, we’ll share real stories of coaching wins to inspire your journey. Stay tuned—it’s gonna spark some big dreams!
