Imposter syndrome is a big problem – here’s how to tackle it
Ever been overwhelmed by self-doubt at work? Fearful of being exposed as a fraud, inadequate, or a failure – despite evidence proving the opposite?
You are not alone.
Many of us occasionally experience a feeling of being an imposter at work – downplaying our abilities with a sense that we’re not quite good enough.
Starting a business from scratch or taking on the responsibility of running an organisation can be a bold move. With this level of responsibility, it’s understandable that many business leaders have a voice of self-doubt interrupting their decision-making from time to time.
But this negative internal talk can give rise to a heightened – and unreasonable – sense of fear that can hinder a company’s or team’s chances of progress and success.
In fact, our research has shown that one in five small business owners and three in 10 employees say that they suffer from imposter syndrome – an overwhelming experience of the fear of becoming exposed as a failure. It’s also the fear of being found out as a fake, despite a track record which shows that you’re successful and capable.
What’s more, our research has also shown that nearly half of business leaders who are impacted are convinced that someone else could run their business better.
This phenomenon doesn’t just manifest with negative thoughts – under-confidence looms large with imposter syndrome. Indeed, over half of small business owners affected admit that low self-esteem led them to feel like an imposter, with four in 10 comparing themselves with others and over one in four doubting their decisions.
So why do people suffer from imposter syndrome?
First and foremost, a lot of people believe that their success is more down to luck than ability. Ever had the thought that you are where you are by grace and good fortune, rather than your own doing and hard graft?
Imposter syndrome is also linked to culture. In the UK, for example, self-confidence can be perceived as being boastful and bad-mannered, so it’s no surprise that many are left questioning their abilities.
Developmentally, there’s a difference between men and women. More women tend to associate with imposter syndrome than men, who often look to stereotypes of men as strong role models where there’s no place for failure. But men who do suffer can have a heightened sense of failure.
Finally, as children we’re taught to downplay our abilities because it’s more respectable to fit in, rather than be different. For example, we often see at school that clever children are the ones who are teased or bullied.
Despite all this, there are ways to overcome imposter syndrome. We can challenge those negative thoughts and prove to ourselves that we are capable.
To take on those imposter feelings, think TRUE: talk, remind, use, and evaluate. Talk to a supportive friend, colleague or family member – don’t keep your fears to yourself. Remind yourself of your successes, document them, and be inspired by your achievements. Use evidence to dispute and diffuse your inner bully. And finally, evaluate how you’ve overcome imposter moments and share your learnings with others.
It’s important not to let self-doubt exacerbate our fear of failure, which may overwhelm us or crush our confidence. Understanding how to overcome fraudulent feelings and nurture a more confident self will go a long way towards bolstering confidence and performance.
So own your fears – use them as a positive, motivating force. Channel your fear into situations that daunt you and push yourself. Ask “what’s the worst that can happen?” and go for it, with a more resilient mindset – and a stronger business.
Main image credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Samsung.