A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Welcome to the final page in this series taking an in-depth look at Imposter Syndrome. In this page, we will explore how Imposter Syndrome impacts in the workplace.
For the purposes of the series, we are describing imposter syndrome as a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, internalised fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite external evidence of their competence, those experiencing Imposter Syndrome remain convinced that they do not deserve their success or accolades. The key factor is the incongruity between the persons’ perceptions and those of an objective external observer. They may attribute their achievements to luck, timing, or deceiving others into thinking they are more intelligent and capable than they believe themselves to be. This can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and a reluctance to take on new challenges or opportunities.
The key issue is the incongruity between the individuals’ perception of their competence and worthiness versus that an objective external observer. Often this is driven by a limiting belief.
Is Imposter Syndrome Holding Back your Career?
Imposter Syndrome can manifest in various ways, often holding individuals back in their professional growth and personal well-being. Here are key indicators that Imposter Syndrome might be affecting your career
Perfectionism
High standards: setting unrealistically high standards and being overly critical of your performance can lead to constant dissatisfaction, fear of failure and fear of being caught out for not reaching your self-imposed unrealistically high standards.
Fear of failure: this can lead to avoiding those career building challenges or over-preparing to an excessive degree, ultimately hindering progress.
Comparison with others – especially when you’re not comparing like with like e.g. comparing yourself in a new role with those more experienced.
Highlighting differences: focusing on perceived gaps between yourself and others can reinforce the belief that you are less capable or deserving.
Family and Upbringing
Parental expectations: growing up with high parental expectations or critical feedback can instil a lifelong sense of never being good enough.
Labels and roles: being labelled as “the smart one” or “the talented one” can create pressure to constantly prove yourself, leading to self-doubt and paying a high price for any perceived failures.
Work Environment and Culture
Competitive environment: working in a high-pressure or competitive environment can magnify feelings of not measuring up.
Lack of support: absence of mentorship, recognition, and support can contribute to feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
Personality Traits
High achievers: naturally high achievers often set exceedingly high expectations and feel inadequate when they fall short.
Insecurity and anxiety: general anxiety, low self-esteem, and insecurity can predispose individuals to feeling like impostors.
How To Recognise Others Held Back By Imposter Syndrome
Recognising Imposter Syndrome in the colleagues around you can help create a more supportive workplace. Here are the key signs that someone might be struggling
Downplaying achievements: colleagues who frequently downplay their accomplishments or attribute them to luck rather than their skills and hard work.
Avoiding challenges: individuals who avoid taking on new challenges or responsibilities due to fear of failure.
Perfectionism: employees who set unrealistically high standards for themselves and are overly critical of their work.
Overworking: those who overwork themselves to prove their worth, often at the expense of their well-being.
Seeking constant validation: colleagues who seek frequent reassurance and validation from others about their performance and worth.
Ready to Break Free from Work-Based Imposter Syndrome?
If you recognise that Imposter Syndrome is holding you back, there are several strategies – as well as many others in this series of pages – to help you overcome it
Acknowledge your feelings: recognise that Imposter Syndrome is a common experience and that many successful people have felt the same way.
Reframe negative thoughts: challenge and reframe your negative self-talk.
Celebrate your achievements: take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Keep a success journal to remind yourself of your accomplishments – also good to have for progress reviews.
Seek support: talk to mentors, trusted peers, or a therapist about your feelings. Getting an outside perspective can help validate your experiences and provide reassurance.
Set realistic goals: make them achievable and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This can help build confidence and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Embrace lifelong learning: understand that no one knows everything and that continuous learning and growth are a routine part of working life. Allow yourself to be a beginner at new tasks.
The Negative Career Impacts Caused by Imposter Syndrome
Reduced job performance: individuals with Imposter Syndrome often doubt their abilities, leading to decreased productivity and efficiency. They may second-guess their decisions and avoid taking risks that could advance their careers.
Stunted career growth: fear of failure and being exposed as a fraud can prevent individuals from seeking promotions, applying for new roles, or taking on challenging projects that could lead to career advancement.
Increased burnout: constantly striving to prove their worth and avoid being exposed as an imposter can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Overworking to meet unrealistic standards can take a toll on mental and physical health.
Poor work-life balance: the need to over-prepare and work excessively to mask perceived inadequacies can disrupt work-life balance, leading to personal dissatisfaction and strained relationships.
Avoiding of networking opportunities: Imposter Syndrome sufferers may avoid networking or professional development opportunities due to fear of being judged or exposed as less competent. This can limit their professional growth and connections.
Underutilisation of skills and talents: self-doubt can cause individuals to underutilise their skills and talents, leading to missed opportunities to showcase their abilities and contribute meaningfully to their organisations.
Decreased job satisfaction: persistent feelings of inadequacy and fear can lead to decreased job satisfaction, as individuals may feel they are not living up to their potential or receiving recognition for their contributions.
Negative impact on team dynamics: Imposter Syndrome can affect team dynamics, as individuals may be reluctant to share ideas or contribute fully in team settings, fearing their input is not valuable.
Hindered leadership development: those experiencing Imposter Syndrome may shy away from leadership roles or responsibilities, believing they are not capable or deserving of such positions
Difficulty in accepting constructive feedback: individuals with Imposter Syndrome may struggle to accept constructive feedback, interpreting it as confirmation of their inadequacies rather than opportunities for growth and improvement.
How To Support Employees with Imposter Syndrome
Managers can play a crucial role in supporting employees experiencing Imposter Syndrome. Here are some effective strategies
Foster a supportive environment: create a culture that encourages open discussions about self-doubt and mental health. Normalise conversations about Imposter Syndrome.
Provide mentorship and coaching: pair employees with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and reassurance. Regular coaching sessions can help employees navigate their challenges.
Recognise and reward achievements: regularly acknowledge and reward employees’ accomplishments. This helps build their confidence and provides tangible evidence of their capabilities.
Encourage professional development: normalise skill development and continuous learning. Position development as an everyday activity rather than as a response to under-performance.
Promote work-life balance: encourage a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and reduce the stress that can exacerbate Imposter Syndrome.
Offer resources and support: provide access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or workshops on managing self-doubt and building confidence.
Conclusion
Imposter Syndrome can significantly impact individuals’ professional and personal lives, but recognising and addressing it can lead to profound improvements in well-being and performance. By understanding the signs of Imposter Syndrome, both in ourselves and others, we can take steps to overcome it and create a more supportive workplace. Whether through personal strategies or organisational initiatives, addressing Imposter Syndrome can help individuals break free from self-doubt and achieve their full potential. If you or someone you know is struggling with Imposter Syndrome, consider seeking professional support and implementing the strategies in this series to foster growth and confidence.
Be sure to read the rest of the series to explore Imposter Syndrome in depth and build your own toolbox to sustain your well-being for the long term. Here are the other articles in the series
1 – Imposter Syndrome Demystified: Unlock Your True Potential
2 -The Challenges of Imposter Syndrome
3 – Measuring and assessing Imposter Syndrome
4 – Imposter Syndrome or Competence?
5 – Imposter Syndrome as a Limiting Belief
6 – Self-Help Strategies for Imposter Syndrome
7 – 20 Solution Focused questions to ask yourself
8 – Imposter Syndrome as an Adaptive Survival Style
9 – Applying the model of neurological levels to Imposter Syndrome