Imposter syndrome in the workplace
Imposter syndrome – that nagging feeling that you’re a fraud despite obvious evidence of your competence – can affect anyone, regardless of their success or experience. Imposter syndrome at work, imposter syndrome at school, imposter syndrome at home–it can be anywhere! That’s right. No matter how successful or confident or talented, no one’s exactly outside the influence of imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome isn’t a toothless feeling and can severely affect your professional life and relationships if you let it. A drop in job performance, stunted career growth, and deep-seated feelings of unworthiness are just a few of the negative consequences of giving into imposter syndrome.
Something interesting about imposter syndrome:
Not many people recognize it while it’s happening to them.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- The most common expressions of imposter in the workplace in relationships
- Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome.
If any or more of these expressions or thoughts pop up in your head more often than you’d like, you may be dealing with imposter syndrome. And, by identifying it you’ll be better equipped to overcome it.
Imposter syndrome new job
Old job or new? Doesn’t matter to imposter syndrome. It can rear its ugly head in the shape of the following thoughts/expressions:
In a New Job
- “They’ve made a mistake hiring me. I’m not qualified for this.”
- “Everyone else seems to know what they’re doing. I’m just pretending.”
- “I am not sure I belong here. I need to work twice as hard to prove that I belong.”
- Feeling overwhelmed by new responsibilities and doubting your ability to handle them.
- Hesitating to ask questions for fear of appearing incompetent.
- Overanalyzing every interaction with colleagues, looking for signs that they’ve “found you out.”
In a role you’ve held for a while
- “I’ve just been lucky so far. One day, I’ll make a big mistake and everyone will see that I’m not as good as I seem.”
- “My success is due to external factors, not my own abilities.”
- “I don’t deserve this promotion because “Person X” doesn’t think so.”
- A sinking feeling of incompetence every time you discover something you didn’t know in your field.
- Constantly comparing yourself to colleagues and feeling inadequate.
How to help someone with imposter syndrome
If you recognize these thoughts and feelings in someone you know, here are some strategies to help overcome imposter syndrome:
Listen without invalidation
No matter how much a person has achieved, they are never beyond the reach of imposter syndrome.
Don’t dismiss their doubt because you think it’s unreasonable. Instead, create a safe space for them to express their feelings.
Offer specific praise
Instead of general compliments, provide concrete examples of their skills and achievements.
Encourage realistic self-assessment
Help them see their abilities more objectively by discussing their strengths and areas for growth.
Promote a growth mindset
Encourage viewing challenges as opportunities for learning rather than cosmically-inspired setbacks.
Encourage professional help
If imposter syndrome is significantly impacting their life, suggest speaking with a therapist or counselor.
Therapist Henrico VA
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a process. It takes time and practice to shift deeply ingrained thought patterns.
Be patient with yourself and your colleagues as both of you work on these feelings. Be attentive enough to recognize expressions of imposter syndrome and feel confident in knowing what to do.
If you’ve tried things and you’re not sure how to move forward, let’s have a consultation and discuss what’s going on for you.
