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Many years ago, as a young human resources manager, I made the mistake of confiding in a colleague that I wanted to change careers and move into the field of management training. His response - "Who would hire you for that type of job?" The good news is that I spent the next sixteen years working as a training manager and found the experience extremely fulfilling. The bad news is that I picked the wrong person to talk to about my dreams.

You may be at a pivotal time in your life where you are considering a career change. Maybe you have outgrown your current job and or the organization. You may be thinking of moving into management for the first time or even starting your own business. These types of changes are challenging and require sufficient personal reflection and support from others. The purpose of this article is to keep you from making the mistake that I made and having people "rain on your parade."

The individuals who manage their careers best understand the value of maintaining a support network of colleagues to help them through major transitions. Fortunately for me, I quickly learned my lesson and decided to develop a positive network of individuals to help me explore future career goals. Not just anyone can qualify as a member of my support team. I learned that team members must have the three important characteristics:

1. Insightful, not Insecure -
   Select people who can see qualities in you that may not be obvious to others or even to you. These are people who are comfortable in their own skin. This inner confidence allows them to give to you without any expectation of reward.

2. Connected, not Competitive -
   You want people on your team who can introduce you to people who have navigated the waters you are about to enter. These people are relationship builders who are not concerned about losing out to you even in the smallest of ways.

3. Encouraging, not Envious -
   Even the most confident of us occasionally needs encouragement. This is most important when you are about to enter into unknown territory. Seek out people who are known to be encouragers. As the song says, "They will become the wind beneath your wings," as you leave your comfort zone

Be careful of the deadliest critic of all, your own internal critic. There are times, even when everyone is behind us, that we start to lose faith. Don't listen to that doubting voice, but do focus on all of your previous accomplishments. Review each of these successes in great detail. Revel in the richly deserved glory of the high points of your career and then hold your head high and embrace your new challenges with confidence.

Caveat! There is a price for not going after your dreams. If you give up on your dream, you will start to see your performance decrease in your current work. Your energy will drop. You will forever regret your decision.

As you move towards you new goal, you will do so with the understanding that your team of supporters is pulling for you. There is a certain kind of strength that comes from knowing that you are not alone in your quest. You have selected a group of people who are in your corner with your best interest at heart. Believe in the words of Alan Alda, "You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself."

I'm interested in your success. If I can answer any questions related to this article or if you have a comment about the article, please let me know at .

Recommended Reading: "Surviving a Career Armageddon"

Recommended Presentation: "Strategies for Managing Your Career in Perilous Times"

Copyright 2006, Mark J. Campbell. All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided you let me know where it is being printed, the copyright is not removed, and the following text accompanies each article:

"Mark Campbell partners with organizations for leadership development. For a complimentary subscription to his newsletter, "Management Challenges," go to www.mjcampbellassoc.com."

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