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[Mary T]

I have used three different career coaches over the last four or five years. Each proved invaluable to me at that point in my career. I believe strongly in the work that coaches are capable of doing. By far the best career coach was one I had when I was an executive director and well on my way to severe burnout. My coach really helped me to get focused on what was important on the job and in my life (and where my job was in my overall life). Good coaches are expensive, but I found each experience a valuable investment in me and in helping me get to the next significant level in my life. For others in the nonprofit world, I think they are a true asset that more of us should consider using.

[Arthur T.]

I am actually interested in coaching from another perspective.

My company is an information-technology company and I was formerly a chief information officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although I like my work, I really want to get closer to doing work that "matters." Some of my friends have indicated that I should consider coaching as a way to balance my  work! I may consider it.

I was wondering what you consider to be the attributes that make a coach successful -- what type of personality traits, etc.?

[Patricia]

I have never personally used a coach, but my previous executive director did. After only a few meetings it was evident that the coach was helping him change his relationship with our board -- he was far more positive, and used far fewer "victim-like" references to describe his interactions with the board.

I am in the middle of a career change, and would like to talk to a coach now that I'm nearly done with my master's degree. It's true that friends and family, while I know they have my best interests at heart, have a preconceived idea of what I should be. Also, they aren't likely to want to hear about my limitations, which I can't very well improve without a plan.

It would be nteresting to find out more about career coaches -- where they are, and how one goes about making a connection with one.

[Sylvette DiMartino]

Mary,

I am interested in speaking with a career coach and wonder where you are located and if you can recommend someone. I'm in New York City.

[Cindy]

Sylvette,

I am also in New York City and have been working with a coach for about four years. I can't say enough about her and her team that I have worked with. I would be happy to share what I know.  E-mail me if you are interested.

[Cindy]

I've had a coach for about four years and can't say enough of how valuable it has been for me to have. Someone mentioned how lonely it is at the top . . .  and that about sums it up when you deal with the many complex and sometimes "overchallenging" issues that CEOs have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

There is a great quote that was shared with me -- "leadership is your ability to hide your panic." When you are faced with declining revenues, mergers, and wondering where payroll is going to come from, a coach can really help you keep your business in persepctive, focus on doing the right thing for the organization and then help you let go knowing that you've done it. And after all of this is said and done, to find some humor and remember your mission.

Are they worth it?  Absolutely!

[N. Bernard]

I hope that I am not coming in this discussion too late.  I am interested in a career coach and would love some recommendations. I am in New York. Thank you.

[Marijane Miller]

I was a one-year staff member for the planning of the Philadelphia Leadership conference in Philadelphia several years ago. I am currently a teacher and would like to consult with a career coach in the Philadelphia area. If you have contacts to share, I would appreciate the leg up.

Thank you.