Tackling imposter syndrome

A feeling of being out of step with our sense of achievement and how others perceive it, can be an indicator of imposter syndrome. But it can also be a simple feature of being human. Sometimes we’re right to question our performance or achievements - and often that challenge can lead us to do better. So, how can we know whether imposter syndrome is an issue for us or whether we’re just being modest or realistic?

Two of the earliest researchers of imposter syndrome defined it as follows:

the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills

(Clance and Imes, 1978)

The nature of persistence is important – an occasional moment of self-doubt occurs to most of us without causing particular problems. So, it is important that we don’t pathologize what is otherwise a normal human experience.

So reflecting on whether this has been a consistent theme in your life or is simply a “now” problem can be helpful. Where this is a consistent feature of our lives, we might conclude that imposter syndrome is present. But does that matter? If this isn’t causing us a problem should we be bothered by it?

This is where understanding the impact of your imposter syndrome is important. Commonly those affected by imposter syndrome, experience things like:

1. lack of confidence

2. feeling stressed and anxious

3. being unable to switch off from work

4. feeling highly self-conscious (e.g. when speaking in meetings)

5. feeling distracted or unable to focus

6. playing safe

and this can lead to behaviours like:

• over-working/over-preparation

• failing to speak up in front of others

• being reluctant promote themselves

• being unwilling to take on more responsibility

• avoiding promotion or other opportunities

• poor performance at interviews

• reluctance to ask for help or advice

• behaving without authenticity

You can see that these outcomes can impact wellbeing, performance and job satisfaction.

What is your experience with these outcomes? If you are being impacted by these you might be interested in learning more solutions to tackle it. Our short video explains more about areas you might wish to focus on in our online programme, Beyond Doubt: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome.