Feeling like an imposter in the work place
01/12/2008, Author: Judy Bennet
Having a long journey to reach a client meeting recently I unusually (and pleasurably) caught an edition of ‘Woman’s hour’. Even more engaging was the fact that there was discussion around a topic close to my heart – Impostor’s Syndrome. If you’ve not come across this before (but the chances are you have), it’s…. the feeling at work that we’re going to be found out for being the ‘fraud’ that we are. We have a sense that, underneath it all, we’re really not good enough to be in this role, and that it’s only a matter of time before we’re found out.
The radio discussion focussed on whether these feelings are more common in women…but I’m not so sure. Having done a deal of coaching and leadership training in my time, it never surprises me that underneath a confident exterior there’s a person who is having a difficult time. They may be grappling with doubts and worries, feeling that surely someone will notice soon that they can’t really cut it. And what’s interesting is that these feelings don’t relate to how well someone is doing their job. In the face of lots of evidence that they are doing great, they just can’t feel it deep down inside.
So, how do you spot the Imposter’s Syndrome at work? Here are some clues:
• You feel a bit of a fraud. Somehow you don’t deserve the success/position that you have and that somehow the ‘wool has been pulled over other peoples eyes’. One day you might get found out!
• You have a hard time taking on board your success and accepting it was actually down to you. Even when things go well you tend to downplay it and find it hard to ‘feel’ successful.
• You seem to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to your own success. The Impostor Syndrome leads us to believe that we just ‘got lucky’ rather than our actions having real impact.
Many people I work with feel relieved to know that a) this is a recognised way of viewing the world and b) they are not alone!
People at all levels of organisations can feel like this. In addition, my experience is that when we embark on a leadership role for the first time, additional pressures and uncertainties that surround us can ‘feed’ the Impostor Syndrome just like putting MiracleGro on your lawn!
So what can you do about it? There are lots of techniques for recognising and tackling the unhelpful beliefs that are at the root of Impostor Syndrome. Getting some coaching with someone who is outside the situation can really help. However some simple thoughts are:
• Give yourself a break (not easy I know but really important as it is exhausting feeling worried all the time). If you are new in a role of course it’s going to take time and you don’t have to have all the answers.
• Recognise that you are not alone in this situation. The most confident of people can feel bad underneath. Try not to beat yourself up that you feel this way.
• Focus on the positives. When you get good feedback, allow yourself to feel good about it and don’t just dismiss it. If you don’t get much feedback, seek it out. Everybody deserves some praise.
• Act like a scientist. When you feel things haven’t gone well, review the evidence for this – how realistic is your view of the situation? Are you being too hard on yourself?
• Accept that there will be times when you feel anxious or concerned. List out your worries and park them. Give yourself a specific time to focus on them rather than letting them take over your life.
• Be clear about what success looks like before you embark on a task. Professional athletes clearly visualise what they are going to do and how they are going to do it. You can do this too. This can help put things in perspective and allow you to recognise when you have done something well.
I’d be interested to hear from anyone who recognises this at work in themself or others and how they have tackled it.
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Comments
I think imposter syndrome is rife and a lot of the stress generated at work has at its heart the fear of 'being found out' driving all kinds of unreasonable demands on others, political machinations and negative emotion. I don't get it personally of course. I was found out years ago!
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