Symptoms of imposter syndrome and practical strategies to combat them in the workplace.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience among high achievers, particularly for women in the entrepreneurial space. It’s that nagging feeling that you don’t belong, that your successes are flukes, and that you’re just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many successful people, from former first lady Michelle Obama, to Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, have expressed feeling like impostors. They typically describe feelings of having ended up in esteemed roles not because of merits or achievement, but because of some oversight on the part of important gatekeepers, or due to sheer luck. Despite their success, these individuals express difficulty internalizing their achievements and accomplishments and worry that they may be uncovered as frauds. Here’s a closer look at imposter syndrome and practical strategies to combat it in the workplace.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud," despite evident success and external validation. It's commonly experienced by high achievers who feel they do not deserve their success or that they are not as competent as others perceive them to be.
#1 - Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome
Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning your abilities and fearing failure.
Attributing Success to External Factors: Believing success is due to luck, timing, or other external reasons rather than your skills.
Overworking: Working excessively to cover up perceived inadequacies.
Fear of Failure: Avoiding new challenges or opportunities due to fear of failing.
Undervaluing Achievements: Minimizing or dismissing compliments and success.
Comparing to Others: Frequently comparing oneself to your peers.
#2 - Combating Imposter Syndrome
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize and accept that you are experiencing imposter syndrome. This awareness is the first step in addressing it.
Talk About It: Share your feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. Often, just discussing these feelings can help reduce their intensity.
Celebrate Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments and reflect on them regularly. This can help remind you of your skills and successes.
Avoid Perfectionism: Set realistic goals and understand that perfection is unattainable. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your qualifications and successes.
Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback from peers and supervisors can provide a more accurate picture of your abilities.
Professional Development: Engage in continuous learning and skill development to build confidence in your abilities.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and self-care routines can help manage stress and maintain a balanced perspective.
"The four "P's" of imposter syndrome are perfectionism, paralysis, people-pleasing, and procrastination" – Clare Josa, author of Ditching Imposter Syndrome
Tips for Managers
Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a workplace culture that encourages open communication and support.
Provide Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback and recognition to employees to help them see their value.
Mentorship Programs: Implement mentorship programs where experienced employees can guide and support others.
Combating imposter syndrome is an ongoing process, but with self-awareness and support, individuals can learn to recognize their worth and achievements.
At Surfside Social Media, we’re dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. By understanding and addressing imposter syndrome, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. Let’s rise above self-doubt and celebrate our achievements together! If you're looking to start a new business or have a current business and imposter syndrome is holding you back then contact us today! We are here with metric backed solutions to guide you each step of the way.
About the author:
Jessica Hosfeld is a Digital Marketing expert with over 15 years of Marketing experience. She is the founder of Surfside Social Media, a Florida based Digital Marketing Agency where she and her team will help transform your brand stories into sales! Let SSM tell your brand story. Contact us today!
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