Imposter syndrome, also known as imposter phenomenon, involves some or all of the feelings below:
- you don’t deserve your success.
- you don’t have the skills or talent.
- that other people have it all together.
- that your achievements are due to luck.
There is some confusion in the workplace about Imposter Syndrome. You may have heard it to describe someone who is in a key position but appears to others to be incapable of performing well in it, perhaps because they lack the required knowledge and skills. In fact, this describes what Imposter Syndrome is not. Research suggests that the syndrome is more likely to affect very capable high-achievers.
Most leaders experience moments of doubt, and that’s normal. Although it is not a mental health condition, Imposter Syndrome is more than moments of doubt. It actually poses a barrier for people to achieve their full potential.
Who experiences Imposter Syndrome?
Each of these individuals is famous, and a leader in their own environments.
Beyond that, Albert Einstein, Penelope Cruz, Agatha Christie and Michelle Obama certainly seem to make a strange ‘like’ grouping. However, it may surprise you that each of them, albeit in different words and different ways, has confessed to feelings of self-doubt, fear and inadequacy.
Have you felt these emotions as a leader? If so, you are in good company!
Watch the following video on Imposter Syndrome:
Would you have thought these people would have experienced insecurities or felt like they didn’t deserve their success?
Why do you think high achievers are more likely to suffer from Imposter Syndrome?
What would you say to someone who you admired who confessed that they felt like a fraud?
Causes & Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
Some experts believe it is caused by internal factors such as personality traits, such as anxiety or neuroticism. Others look to external causes such as family experiences and discriminatory environments.
Generally though, the emotions associated with the Syndrome are internalised within the individual, rather than shared with others.
EXTRA PRACTICE
Watch the video and listen to industry professionals about the impact of Imposter Syndrome in their professional lives.
The Imposter Cycle
The Imposter Cycle describes a pattern of behaviour commonly experienced by individuals, especially those who move into new roles or contexts.
VIDEO
After watching the video, write down and share your ideas about the following aspects:
- the relationships between perfectionism and imposter syndrome.
- how family relationships may contribute to identities that could have negative implications for competencies.
- how unrealistic aspirations or expectations may contribute to feelings of anxiety or failure.
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