Ever felt like a complete fraud at work? Like someone is going to discover you are winging it and completely take you down in front of all your colleagues? Perhaps you’ve started a job in a new industry, moved up to a more senior role or are launching your own business. No matter how much experience you have and how many people are advocating for you, the feeling of being an imposter is very real.
Last month I launched a new women’s group coaching programme. I’d be dishonest not to acknowledge the negative thoughts coming and going in waves in the lead up. Despite hundreds of hours coaching groups and individuals’ feelings of doubt, self-criticism and insecurity washed over me.
The term imposter syndrome was first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes based on the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent, experience or qualifications. Basically if you can’t acknowledge and own your success, it applies to you.
Initially it was believed imposter syndrome only impacted professional women, however according to a review in the International Journal of Behavioural Science it is estimated that 70% of people in all types of occupations suffer from it at some point in their lives.
In her book ‘The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women’ psychologist Dr Valerie Young has identified five types of behaviours in people who tend to be more susceptible to imposter syndrome. They are those stuck in perfectionist traps, soloists who only feel successful if they achieve things on their own, experts who have to know everything before starting, superwomen/men who feel they need to over-achieve in every area of their lives and the natural genius type who are used to getting things right all the time. When they don’t, everything falls apart.
Two weeks ago, I heard Antonia Watson, CEO of ANZ in New Zealand refer to imposter syndrome in a talk on her leadership story. When I asked her about it directly, she admitted “Imposter syndrome is real. It’s a thing” noting instances where she had been asked to be part of international forums and was second guessing whether she would be a worthy participant alongside other CEOs/world leaders.
How refreshing to have such a senior leader within a New Zealand business being vulnerable and openly admitting to these feelings. Sharing these experiences leaves people feeling more connected and with the realisation that even those at the ‘top of their game’ are not always 100% sure of themselves.
How to tame your Imposter Syndrome
To start with, you could check out this test to see if you are suffering from impostor syndrome.
Observe chatter in your mind building your self-awareness muscles when you’re having a reaction, and take a minute to think about why. You hear a voice saying “Who are you to think you can do this?” Is this a helpful thought or is it holding me back?
Note when you’re in comparison mode. Learn from others but own your genius.
Reframe your thinking around constructive criticism, that it’s OK to ask for help, practice your skills and build on your confidence.
Share your feelings with a coach, mentor or colleague. They will bring a fresh perspective and help get you out of your head.
When you step into a new role or start your own business you will have known gaps. That’s ok, seek support and reflect on others who have confidence in you so why shouldn’t you?
Psychologist Ethan Kross suggests when your inner critic is super loud to try ‘distancing self-talk’ which broadens your horizon and gives perspective. As in “OK Bec let’s see, what do you need hear right now in order to move forward?”
A company can play a big role by providing a culture of belonging which builds confidence and lessens the feeling of being an imposter. Young says “The more people who look or sound like you, the more confident you feel. And conversely, the fewer people who look or sound like you, it can and does for many people impact their confidence.”
Seth Godin, the well-known author and teacher offers an interesting viewpoint, saying we often fall back on it as an excuse. He wrote in his blog “… imposter syndrome is a symptom that we are leading because leaders are doing something that’s never been done before and so of course you will feel like an imposter, because you are one!”
I believe we need to learn to live with imposter syndrome, dance with it a bit and acknowledge that it’s showing up for a reason. It reminds us that while we may be in unchartered territory, we can come at our challenge, as Godin suggests with the best intent, try our best and see what happens.
Rebecca Fleetwood is an Ignite coach who is passionate about helping her clients find
motivation and direction.
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