Associate with the Best

Surround yourself with people who believe in themselves, and they will accept your belief in your own success. If you surround yourself with people who are willing to settle for what they have, they will probably discourage you. They may even laugh at you. If you approached a female vice president of your corporation and told her you wanted to be a plant manager, I am certain she would not laugh. She would know that believing in yourself and your goal is the first ingredient in success.

You may think that you are surrounded by a certain type of person at work and can't change that, at least not in the short run. That is understandable, since none of us can completely control with whom we keep company. But we don't have to eat lunch with the same people we worked with all morning and will work with all afternoon. We don't have to engage in conversation that brings us down.

You may have to avoid certain people who make it difficult to keep a positive attitude. Sometimes, these people discourage everyone around them in an effort to unload and feel better themselves. Stay away from people who constantly complain about work conditions or management.

Laura is a sales manager who likes to say, "Hitch your wagon to a star," meaning that we should associate ourselves with and emulate those who are successful. There is nothing more conducive to your professional development than to have one or two women around whom you admire. If you do not find yourself in these circumstances, find someone you admire who works for another firm, or find a man you would like to be more like professionally. There are professional organizations in every city. Professional business women meet together by industry, by profession, and just meet together. Find some groups that apply, and join them. Then attend any and all meetings that you think are worth your time or you believe are helping you toward your career or personal goals. Get to know some women who are doing what you would like to do. I have heard that successful people leave clues. Try to pick up as many clues, and as much emotional support as you can.

As you begin to plan a career change and work your plan, do not discuss your ideas with anyone at work. For one thing, people talk, and you don't want your boss to hear anything you don't want her to know. For another thing, the people around you may well discourage you. They may still see accomplishment as beyond their reach, or they may be jealous of anyone who makes more money.