The images of backstabbing and competitiveness among women in the workplace are pervasive. Be prepared to handle the conflicts and competition that may arise, and come out of them with a powerful network of allies.

Don't triangle. There is a tendency among women to think of confrontation as a dirty word. If you are having a problem with your co-worker or boss, don't complain to a third person (i.e., create a triangle). Instead, go directly to her. Setting a no-gossip policy for yourself will give you a good reputation around the office.

Confront problems as they arise. If you let them fester, you are more likely to triangle, feel resentful, and gossip. Keep your conversation focused on the work issue (don't air petty grievances, like how she didn't invite you to lunch last week). Emphasize how much you both have to gain by being each other's allies. Even if you've gotten into a bad pattern of non-communication, you can lead in with something like, "I know I haven't brought these things up with you in the past, but I wanted to set a better standard for how we communicate. Here's what's on my mind."

Don't divulge too much personal information. Through high school and college you've probably grown accustomed to the "bare all" model of female friendships. And information sharing can be a powerful way of integrating yourself into a social group. But don't be too eager to fit in at work. Even if it seems you have a lot in common with your female co-workers, keep in mind that it takes time to figure out which people to trust, and for people to trust you. Don't divulge anything you wouldn't want your boss to know!

You can be friendly without being friends. The workday can feel like a drag without office camaraderie, but there needs to be parameters. A few signs that your office friendship is teetering on unprofessional: You spend more time socializing than working; the emotional energy you spend worrying about your office friendships has started to distract you from doing your job; you constantly feel hurt or offended by your female co-workers.

Don't assume women of a different generation are "out of touch." With such a variety of age groups in the workplace, it's essential to maximize what you can learn from all your female colleagues. Reach out to them, and take an active part in trying to bridge the generational divide--it's much to your benefit. One effective strategy to foster camaraderie with an older co-worker is to help her do her job to the best of her ability. If your boss is a woman, make sure she knows it's your priority to make her look good.

Build the New Girls' Network by bringing the next woman along. When you're in a pinch and need someone to do a favor, who are you going to reach out to? Certainly not someone more senior-level than you! Also, the referrals and job openings you hear about will come largely from your peer group. This is why it's important to reach out to women laterally, and to start building your network now. If you create a culture where women assist each other in advancing to higher positions, think about the impact you could have together.