xxxxxxxii) Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome involves

"...successful people...... believe that they haven't really earned their spots, and are at risk of being unmasked as frauds at any moment. Many people deliberately seek out easy tests where they can shine, rather than tackling harder material that isn't as comfortable..."

Megan McArdle, 2014

Linked with this is self handicapping = deliberately doing things that will hamper performance so that provides an excuse for not doing well, such as a student going to a movie rather than studying for the exam the following day. This can provide an excuse if he/she fails.

It is basically
"...that feeling that you're a fraud, that you are going to be found out..."
Hugh Kearn as quoted by Euan Black, 2022

Many people experience this feeling from time to time, including higher achievers who are more likely to take risks.

There is a contradiction, ie
"...The sufferer's belief that they are bad at their jobs and owe their position to good fortune. They tend to have a clear track record of success, but in their minds they elevate their mistakes above their achievements..."
Euan Black, 2022

This can be reinforced by advice like 'fake it till you make it'. This is bad advice as people should not pretend to do something they cannot and/or be someone they are not, and it encourages people to believe that the past success was built on faking it.

Be careful also of organisations that have a culture that punishes mistakes as this will increase the possibility of impostor syndrome occurring.

Some ways to handle the imposter syndrome include

- doing mind maintenance (like therapy and business coaching to build mental resilience to handle stressful situations)

- preparing thoroughly (never leave anything to chance; doing your home work; taking responsibility for your own development like training courses, reading, conversations with interesting people, etc)

- developing networks (like a professional support network; this includes
"...surrounding yourself with trustworthy people who know your work well..."
Heidi Winney as quoted by Euan Black, 2022

- eliminating comparisons (avoid comparing yourself with others)

- conducting conscious reflection (regularly revisiting your past achievements)

- embodying authenticity (it's okay to say 'I don't know')

The imposter syndrome is
"... The all-too-common feeling of inadequacy that makes you doubt your successes and achievements. It occurs outside the zone of comfort and triggers a fear of exclusion that motivates you to work harder than necessary to prove your worth..."
LeaderFactor, 2023e

If the underlying issues are personal, then therapy, etc might be appropriate. However, if your organisational culture is the basis for this syndrome, then it needs to be changed by

- rewarding acts of vulnerability so that people feel they can bring their full selves to work
- separating your identity from your title and your authority
- discouraged perfectionism
- feel comfortable when celebrating successes
- treating mistakes, failures. etc as learning experiences

NB
"...let humans be human to work without the fear of failure or fraud..."
LeaderFactor, 2023e