Silencing the Inner Critic: Coping with Imposter Syndrome at Work
Do you ever feel like a fraud at work - like you don't really deserve your job and that it's only a matter of time before someone realises you don't actually know what you're doing? This feeling is known as imposter syndrome, and it's incredibly common. Even highly accomplished people struggle with these fraudulent feelings at times.
What Exactly is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome refers to an internal feeling of believing you're not as competent as others think or perceive you to be. You feel like you don't deserve your success, and you have a persistent fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’ or ‘imposter’. Rather than recognising your skills, accomplishments and qualifications, you attribute your achievements to luck or being in the right place at the right time.
According to personneltoday.com, A survey of 5,000 individuals by the training and apprenticeship provider Executive Development Network found that while imposter syndrome is common, with 50% of UK adults having been affected by it, some groups suffer significantly more than others. More than half of women (54%) feel they have experienced imposter syndrome, compared with just 38% of men.
Common Signs You May Have Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like a fraud and fearing you'll be ‘found out’.
Attributing your success to luck rather than your own abilities.
If you mess up, even if it’s small - you feel it’s the end of the world and you’ll get sacked.
Feeling anxious or depressed when you compare yourself to others.
Being unable to accept praise or positive feedback.
Being a perfectionist and setting impossibly high standards for yourself.
Having difficulties recognising your skills and abilities.
Imposter syndrome plagued me every time I started a new job. While most people begin new roles feeling excited to meet colleagues and learn processes, my first weeks were marked by the fear that I had embellished my skills in the interview. I dreaded the moment my employers would realise I wasn't as capable as I had conveyed. This resulted in me overworking and burning out during the probation period, striving to prove I deserved the job. My relentless inner critic fuelled feelings of fraudulence that hampered my potential. Once I’m at that point I am so burned out that I go into a phase of helplessness, feeling that I should leave before they find out the truth - but in reality I have progressed within my role and I would say I am talented and good enough to be working in this field.
How Imposter Syndrome Can Impact Your Career
This fraudulent feeling can hold you back from reaching your full potential at work. You may hesitate in taking on new challenges or opportunities because you feel unqualified. Or when you do take them on, you may work yourself excessively hard trying to prove yourself, leading to burnout. Self-doubt can be paralysing. Recognising imposter syndrome is an important first step in overcoming it.
Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
The good news is there are effective tactics you can use to battle imposter syndrome:
Identify triggers: Reflect on when these imposter feelings crop up. Is it around promotions, praise from your boss or taking on visible projects? Knowing common triggers can help you tackle feelings when they occur.
Look at evidence: Keep a file with positive feedback, praise for projects, and summaries of your skills and qualifications. Refer to it when you feel inadequate or like a fraud.
Talk to others: Speaking to colleagues, even peers you admire, can help you recognise most people grapple with feelings of self-doubt at times.
Recognise your expertise: Regardless of titles, have confidence in your skills and unique value, even if there are areas you still need to grow.
Celebrate even small wins: Note accomplishments in overcoming challenges rather than focusing only on what’s next. Progress builds confidence.
While it may not disappear overnight, understanding imposter syndrome and being intentional in battling it can help you recognise your own value. You deserve to be where you are in your career. Don't allow self-doubt to derail your potential.
References:
Imposter Syndrome - Dr. Sharon Elza Raju (https://www.defeatingepilepsy.org/living-with-epilepsy-series/imposter-syndrome/) [Accessed Jan 24]
Imposter Syndrome For Newly Graduated Students - UCONN (https://career.uconn.edu/blog/2022/04/18/imposter-syndrome-for-newly-graduated-students/) [Accessed Jan 24]
What is imposter syndrome? Definition, symptoms, and overcoming it - Amal Saymeh (https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-imposter-syndrome-and-how-to-avoid-it) [Accessed Jan 24]
