Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Empowering Yourself and Your Colleagues for Career Growth

Supporting Coworkers with Imposter Syndrome

Being a great leader or team player involves supporting and motivating your coworkers. However, sometimes even the most talented professionals may appear demotivated or intimidated by their own goals, dismissing your words of praise and shying away from challenging opportunities. Perhaps they work long hours, apologize excessively for minor errors, or simply avoid taking risks.

Such behaviors are commonly associated with imposter syndrome, which can affect anyone, regardless of their level of competence. As a supportive colleague or leader, it’s important to learn how to help your coworkers overcome imposter syndrome.

What is Imposter Syndrome all about?

In 1978, Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes first came up with the term “Imposter Syndrome”. It is a psychological phenomenon that can make you feel insecure preventing you from enjoying or feeling accomplished about your achievements. In essence, it creates self-doubt, inadequacy, and the notion that you are an imposter who does not deserve the position, salary, or praise you receive.

The feeling that you are not good enough can become intense, making you constantly worried that someone will soon find out that you are a fraud and do not belong. Imposter Syndrome is so prevalent in the workplace that studies show 70% of workers cope with it at least once in their careers. A more recent survey has reported the prevalence to be around 96%.

If you have a coworker who battles with Imposter Syndrome, you might identify behaviors such as unrealistic assessment of skills and inability to credit successes to personal efforts. You may also encounter excessive self-criticism, fear of failure, overworking, self-sabotaging behaviors, self-doubt, and reluctance towards career advancement opportunities.

It is possible that experiencing these symptoms would impair job performance, decrease job satisfaction, and increase the risk of Burnout. Understanding your coworkers’ feelings and helping them to cope is essential for both their professional and personal growth.

Understanding the Causes of Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is a common experience among individuals who are striving to succeed in their careers. It occurs when a person believes that their success is not deserved and that they will soon be exposed as a fraud. While it can result from various factors, there are two primary causes: internal and external.

One of the most significant internal sources is upbringing. As a child, if one received no praise or excessive praise, they may develop feelings of unworthiness. As an adult, this can manifest as a sense of undeservedness, leading to impostor syndrome.

On the other hand, external factors can be mitigated by leaders in the workplace. One of these factors is confidence gaps, where individuals have varying levels of confidence based on societal and lived experiences. Lack of inclusion in office culture can also contribute to impostor syndrome as it can give the impression that one does not belong. Additionally, individuals working in high-pressure industries can experience immense pressure to perform, and this can make them feel inadequate.

Feeling inadequate can lead to perceiving others as having more power and influence than they do. This perception can amplify the feelings of impostor syndrome, making it challenging to recognize one’s achievements.

Recognizing the causes of impostor syndrome is the first step to overcoming it. By understanding its sources, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their self-worth and confidence in their abilities.

Identifying Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace: 5 Variations

Dr. Lisa Johnson, an expert in imposter syndrome, has illustrated that this feeling can manifest in various forms:

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The Perfectionist: Striving to execute tasks with utmost perfection is the hallmark of this type. Inability to deliver without errors, even minor ones, can lead to extreme self-criticism.

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The Knowledgeable One: Instead of focusing on their skill set, the knowledgeable one seeks to prove their expertise in every field. Not knowing an obscure fact is synonymous with failure. 

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The Lone Wolf: The lone wolf feels compelled to handle tasks independently, and finds the idea of seeking help or coaching online shameful.  

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The Talented Genius: Setting up benchmarks that are almost impossible to attain is what defines this type. Achieving a task without any external help is a measure of competency, and struggling to enhance their skills undermines their self-worth. 

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The Superhero: The ‘Superhero’ believes they must be everything for everyone. They seek to play every role and are deeply disheartened and ashamed when they cannot please everyone.

Irrespective of the variation, all these personas share one thing in common – pervasive self-doubt regarding their performance. Self-doubt, in reasonable doses, can be a catalyst that fuels self-growth and affixes a learning curve. However, prolonged self-doubt in a coworker may negatively impact their well-being. Thus it is imperative to support them to overcome imposter syndrome.

7 STEPS TO HELP SOMEONE WITH IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Imposter syndrome is a common experience, and it can be challenging to know what to say to someone who is dealing with it. However, offering support can help them tackle these feelings and grow professionally. Here are seven steps you can take to help a friend or colleague with imposter syndrome:

1. Acknowledge their feelings: Let them know that feeling like a fraud is a normal experience and that many people struggle with it from time to time.

2. Listen actively: Give them your full attention and listen to what they are saying. Try to avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.

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3. Remind them of their achievements: Help them focus on their accomplishments and the strengths they bring to the table. Encourage them to celebrate their successes and be proud of what they have achieved.

4. Encourage them to seek feedback: Encourage them to seek feedback from others, including both positive and constructive feedback. This can help them identify areas where they can improve and build on their strengths.

5. Challenge their negative self-talk: Help them identify and challenge any negative self-talk that may be fueling their imposter syndrome. Encourage them to reframe negative thoughts in a positive light.

6. Offer support: Let them know that you are there to support them and that you believe in their abilities. Encourage them to reach out to you whenever they need help.

7. Encourage them to take risks: Encourage them to take on new challenges and step outside of their comfort zone. This can help them build confidence and overcome feelings of imposter syndrome.

By following these seven steps, you can help your friend or colleague combat their imposter syndrome and turn it into a force for professional development. Remember to be patient, supportive, and understanding, and offer encouragement whenever they need it.

Focus on Controllable Factors to Improve Your Career

When it comes to Career development, it’s important to understand that certain factors are beyond our control. However, there are some things we can do to improve our situation. For instance, one strategy you can try is helping yourself or someone else in your workplace identify what is controllable and what is not. By doing so, you can direct your energy and effort towards what truly matters.

One useful exercise to try is journaling. Encourage your colleague or yourself to jot down achievable goals that won’t lead to Burnout. This can help you identify what’s possible within your control, and what’s not. With this understanding, you can make informed decisions and the most out of your workday.

Embracing Growth by Recognizing the Limits of Your Own Knowledge

It’s natural to feel like you’re not always going to know the answers to everything, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s important to acknowledge that there’s always going to be more to learn. By recognizing our own knowledge gaps, we can develop a growth mindset and view any uncertainties or mistakes as opportunities to improve and learn.

This mindset prevents us from getting bogged down by feelings of frustration, especially when we don’t know the answer to something. As one expert puts it, “It’s about understanding that you don’t have all the answers and being okay with that.” This way, our focus can be on progress, and not solely on being perfect or all-knowing.

Developing Soft Skills to Boost Your Career

If you’re looking to improve your career and life, developing soft skills is a great place to start. Here are some tips to get you started:

Tip 1: Keep Track of Your Accomplishments

An effective way to counter imposter syndrome and boost confidence is by keeping track of your accomplishments. I asked my friend, Sarah, about this and she suggested more people should, “write a list of things they’re proud of and refer to it whenever they’re feeling unsure or unqualified.”

By doing this, you focus on your achievements and remind yourself of what you’re capable of. Make it a habit to celebrate your victories no matter how small they may seem. It’s a great way to boost your self-esteem and propel you forward.

Learning to take a break

In our fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts when things don’t go as planned. Instead of getting consumed by the negativity, it is important to take a step back and reframe your thinking, which can help you regain focus and help you work better. One way to do this is by taking a break when you need it

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times, and taking a break can help you gain a fresh perspective. Encourage a colleague who is feeling overwhelmed to take a timeout and find a quiet spot to take deep breaths. This can help them calm their mind and regain clarity.

When you return from your break, you may find it easier to approach challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and focus, which can help you achieve your goals and improve your career prospects.

Embrace New Experiences to Reframe Nervousness as Excitement

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is difficult, but it can lead to personal growth and professional development. When faced with a daunting challenge, it’s common to feel like one doesn’t have the necessary skills to succeed. However, reframing the way you view nervousness can diminish imposter syndrome symptoms and help you approach new experiences with a positive mindset.

Encourage yourself to see nerves as excitement about doing something new. By embracing new experiences with an open mind, you may discover hidden strengths and skills and learn valuable lessons that you wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Try to view every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow, and you may surprise yourself with just how capable you truly are.

Improve Your Career by Collaborating with Others

It’s important to realize that no single person has all the answers to everything. In order to succeed in your career, you need to learn to collaborate with others. Working with others not only brings fresh ideas and perspectives, but it also helps you develop professionally and feel better supported.

As John, a successful marketing manager, explains “I used to think I could handle everything myself, but once I started collaborating with my team, I saw a significant improvement in the quality of our work. It’s not just about dividing the workload, but about creating a collaborative effort where everyone’s skills and expertise are utilized to accomplish the team’s objectives.”

Donna, a software engineer, agrees, stating, “Collaboration plays a crucial role in producing quality results. It’s a learning opportunity, allowing me to challenge myself to be a better listener and communicator.” By working with others, you can not only improve your own skills, but also learn from your peers and develop a sense of camaraderie within the workplace.

Boost Your Career development by Practicing Confidence

One of the most important aspects of career development is self-belief. If you want to progress in your career, you need to have confidence in your abilities, talents, and achievements. Here are some tips to help you practice confidence:

1. Vocalize Your Achievements: Start every one-on-one meeting with your boss or colleague by sharing one thing you did that week that you’re proud of. This will help you recognize your achievements and give you the confidence to tackle bigger challenges.

2. Adopt a Power Pose: Your body language can have a big impact on your confidence levels. Strike a power pose like the Wonder Woman pose before a big meeting or presentation to feel more confident and in control.

3. Practice Positive Affirmations: Your thoughts and beliefs shape your reality. Practice positive affirmations like “I am capable and confident” to boost your self-belief and overcome any self-doubt.

Remember, confidence is a habit that you can develop with practice. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you’ll start to feel more confident in your abilities and achieve greater success in your career.

Tackle Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace with These Organizational Strategies

If you’re one of the many professionals struggling with imposter syndrome, you know how debilitating it can be. One-on-one support is helpful, but for lasting change, you need to take a company-wide approach. Fortunately, there are simple strategies you can use to create a supportive and empowering environment for your team.

Normalize the Conversation

It’s essential to educate every team member about the causes and common pitfalls of imposter syndrome. Encourage open and honest discussions about feelings of self-doubt, and provide practical methods to overcome them. By making this a normal conversation within the workplace, team members can feel more seen and heard, which often results in a more united and supportive environment.

Focus on the Individual

Avoid comparing employees with one another; instead, celebrate each worker’s unique skills and talents. When team members feel valued for their distinctive contributions, feelings of self-doubt often dissipate. This approach also helps build a culture of inclusion, where everyone is welcome and appreciated.

Establish an Open-Door Policy

Encourage teammates to come to you with concerns and struggles in a non-judgmental environment. When employees feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to be productive and satisfied with their work.

Take a Fail-Forward Approach

Reframing mistakes as opportunities for growth can also help curb imposter syndrome. Instead of treating errors as plummets, use them positively. This technique can help progress the team’s knowledge and experience levels, leading to more confidence and skill-building.

Offer Regular Performance Check-Ins

Providing regular assessments to every employee that includes constructive feedback is also essential. Doing so helps individual team members stay on track and receive guidance, which leads to greater confidence and feelings of support.

Demonstrate Confidence

By appreciating successes and pushing everyone’s capabilities with stretch goals, you can show your team that you trust and believe in them. It’s essential to give your team the room to grow and flourish while also challenging them in productive ways.

Be Transparent

It’s also important to establish clear criteria for all business decisions. And ensure everyone has equal access to resources and support so that every team member feels seen and valued.

Encourage Diverse Voices

Create a collaborative atmosphere where everyone can speak up by preventing interruptions, offering equal time to share ideas, and openly discussing mistakes. By championing inclusionary hiring practices, you can reduce imposter syndrome among existing minority staff members and ensure everyone feels valued and heard.

With these simple yet effective strategies in place, you can create a supportive workplace that cares about every individual’s growth and development.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Many people in the workforce struggle with self-doubt, even the highest achievers and perfectionists among them. It is natural to feel unaccomplished or out of place on occasion, but it is important to remember that each coworker brings a valuable contribution to the team simply by being who they are.

Through supporting and encouraging colleagues with imposter syndrome, they are more likely to recognize that their imperfections do not make them any less valuable to the team and may ultimately feel more connected to their role.

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