Overcoming imposter syndrome in the workplace: A guide to confidence and success

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome (also known as perceived fraudulence) is a common phenomenon in which people can feel an overwhelming sense of self-doubt and inferiority despite their qualifications and accomplishments. It is highly prevalent in professional settings – more so than many think. Despite outward success, those experiencing it can often feel unworthy and fear being exposed as frauds. Interestingly, research has shown that imposter syndrome tends to be more prevalent in groups that have been historically marginalised in the workplace, such as women, with societal factors playing a significant role. When unrecognised, imposter syndrome can go on to have profoundly negative impacts on a person's mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Imposter syndrome can strike at any point or level in a person’s career, but it can feel especially disruptive for people in the early-to-mid stages of their career, where there is less experience in a given field. This disruption can impede career progression and hold people back from their own potential. In this article, we delve into the key characteristics of imposter syndrome in the workplace with strategies to overcome it and help you build confidence.

Imposter syndrome in the workplace

We have all felt at least a tinge of self-doubt at some point in our careers, or perhaps we have driven ourselves to burnout through perfectionism or the fear of being perceived as not good enough. It can become psychologically and physically overwhelming. However, people are not alone in these feelings, and there are many ways that imposter syndrome can manifest in the workplace. Some ways it can manifest are:

1. Self-doubt: Imposter syndrome often manifests as pervasive self-doubt among employees. Despite possessing the necessary skills and qualifications, individuals constantly question their competence and feel inferior to their peers. This self-doubt can obstruct their ability to take on new challenges and fully utilise their potential within the organisation.
2. Attributing success to luck: Individuals tend to attribute their achievements solely to luck or external factors rather than recognising their own capabilities and contributions. They may downplay their accomplishments, dismissing them as mere flukes or fortunate circumstances, which can undermine their confidence and sense of accomplishment.
3. Fear of failure: Employees afflicted by this phenomenon often harbour intense anxieties about making mistakes or falling short of expectations. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviours, causing individuals to shy away from challenging tasks or opportunities for growth out of fear of being exposed as incompetent or unworthy.
4. Perfectionism: Imposter syndrome often drives individuals towards perfectionism as they strive to prove their worth and conceal their perceived inadequacies. This relentless pursuit of flawlessness can result in overworking, burnout, and undue stress as individuals set unrealistically high standards for themselves. Despite achieving success by external standards, perfectionists may still feel unsatisfied and constantly seek validation, perpetuating a cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction.

Recognising these characteristics in yourself or your peers and providing space to talk about them can be immensely helpful in overcoming them.

How to overcome imposter syndrome

To effectively overcome imposter syndrome, individuals can employ various strategies to challenge negative thought patterns and build resilience:

1. Normalise these feelings: Recognising that imposter syndrome is a common experience among professionals can be empowering. Normalising these feelings helps individuals understand that they are not alone in grappling with self-doubt and insecurity. By acknowledging imposter syndrome as a shared phenomenon, individuals can begin dismantling the associated stigma and feel more comfortable seeking support.

   It is important to remember that people are not alone in these feelings, and we can never please everyone all the time - so we are just setting ourselves up for failure if that is one of our primary drivers. If we focus too much on ourselves and our negative thoughts, we miss opportunities to reach out and connect with others.

2. Challenge negative thoughts: Confronting and challenging negative thoughts is key. It involves objectively evaluating one's beliefs and reframing them in a more positive and realistic light. This process could involve keeping a journal of past accomplishments, positive feedback, and affirmations to counteract feelings of inadequacy. By focusing on evidence of competence and achievement, individuals can gradually shift their mindset and cultivate greater self-confidence.

   Never withdraw yourself because of negative thoughts. Put things in perspective when you can, back yourself, and remember the only cards you ever have to play are those that are in your hand at the time—do not hold back.

3. Set realistic goals: To set a steady pace of progress, it is important to break tasks down into manageable goals. Rather than fixating on unattainable standards of perfection, individuals should prioritise progress over perfectionism. Setting realistic and achievable goals allows people to track their accomplishments and celebrate incremental successes, reinforcing their sense of competence and self-worth.

   Accomplishment drives confidence. The more you can challenge yourself to accomplish, the more confident you will become. Try not focus on the idea that you don’t have any value to add; allow yourself the opportunities to progress and achieve. When in doubt, use your nerves to your advantage—channel that energy into your work and focus on what you can do. Your achievements will boost your confidence and can have the added benefit of inspiring those around you to feel more confident as well.

4. Seek support: Seeking support from mentors, colleagues, and supportive networks can provide valuable perspectives and encouragement that allow people to get out of their heads. Mentors can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide constructive feedback to help individuals navigate feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. Building a strong support system fosters a sense of belonging and validation, empowering individuals to confront imposter syndrome with confidence.

   Mentors are a crucial part of anyone’s professional development. These are trusted individuals and leaders from whom you can learn and challenge any fixed perceptions you may have. Mentors advocate for you, and through them, you can gain more opportunities and, most importantly, constructive feedback.

5. Practice self-compassion: Practicing self-compassion is essential for cultivating resilience and self-acceptance. Embracing self-care with compassion and understanding, particularly during moments of self-doubt and failure, helps individuals develop a more balanced and nurturing relationship with themselves. Many can find it easier to compliment others than themselves. By extending the same compassion and empathy they would give to a friend to themselves, people can learn to recognise their inherent worth and value beyond external validation.

   Self-doubt can cause a person to question their self-worth, expertise, and sense of belonging or acumen in their role. If you find yourself in a situation like that, be sure to tell yourself, ‘You are prepared, and you belong here.’ You are offering a perspective different from those in the room, and you have an important role to fill. You are not an imposter. On the contrary, you are there to contribute. My hope is that people around the world take ownership of their gifts, talents, experience and expertise and allow only the constructive messages to prevail. Take ownership of your future.