Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

What is Imposter Syndrome?

The pychological phenomenon; Imposter Syndrome is a feeling that you don’t deserve your job despite all of your accomplishments in the workplace and hold back from taking risks for fear of failure.

Here are some signs of Imposter Syndrome…

• You’re putting in 110% effort with everything – to the point of exhaustion. E.g you may stay late and/or go in early everyday.
• Beating yourself up for minor mistakes – you can’t “let the little things go” when it comes to yourself.
• You may fear being “found out” by your co-workers or boss, or have the feeling that you’re fooling people – you essentially feel like a fraud.
• You’re convinced your colleagues have it all together, but you do not.
• You’re unable to accept praise because you never think the work you do is good enough, even when everyone says you’re doing well.
• You believe that your job or career defines you.

How Imposter Syndrome can affect your productivity, career, relationships and even health?

• Individuals can end up folding when under the pressure as they are unsure of how to handle those feelings of being an imposter, rather than trying to find possible solutions.
• It can negatively impact careers as it can lead to procrastination by perhaps putting off assignments out of fear that they won’t be able to finish it to the necessary high standards. Or, instead they may over-produce or over-prepare – spending too much time on a task than is necessary – to prove that they are capable, which can lead to burnout and be counterproductive.
• Impostor syndrome can negatively impact relationships when a family member prioritizes career success over time with their families or children.

How can an individual overcome Imposter Syndrome?

• Try to embrace a ‘Why not me?’ or ‘Well, why can’t I?’ attitude – If physics allows it, then there’s no reason why you can’t do something.
• Individuals also need to take the initiative to place themselves in supportive environments, for example – mentorships can be beneficial.
• Pay attention to your negative thoughts. E.g assuming that your co-workers think you’re clueless – when this type of thought comes about, try to to recognise it as a thought, rather than a fact. Acknowledge that what you’re experiencing is just the impostor syndrome and that others experience it just like you do. Instead, make a self-affirming statement to yourself.
• Try making another list of all of the skills and accomplishments that make you uniquely qualified for your job, so it’s at the top of your mind.

Read the full available article at: NewViewPsychology

Reflection: Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? Does the symtoms match?

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