Your client struggles with imposter syndrome at work. How can you help them reframe negative self-talk?

To help a client with imposter syndrome, guide them to focus on their strengths and achievements, celebrating even small wins. Encourage them to challenge negative thoughts by questioning their accuracy and replacing them with more realistic views. Remind them that self-doubt is common and doesn't reflect their true abilities. Lastly, help them see mistakes as opportunities for growth, not failures.

I'd get curious as to whether this is something the client has experienced elsewhere, in other roles / organizations. If this is a new development, I'd inquire as to what's going on situationally. Is there an overbearing manager, or co-worker who's affecting the client (e.g., I've seen a very talented introverted senior exec feel diminished every time she got around an extraverted co-worker); or perhaps something that's occurred in their personal life. If this is a familiar experience for the client—which it almost always is—it suggests the presence of an inferiority complex. I've written on this in other posts, but the most effective thing to do is to name it and dialogue with it.

O primeiro passo é identificar e reconhecer em si a síndrome do impostor. Compreender o quanto está prejudicando a si mesmo é o primeiro passo para querer entender a causa raiz. Nosso papel é ampliar essa vis?o, apontando nos exemplos práticos o quanto ele (a) foi bem sucedido (a) e n?o se reconhece. Explorar sua trajetória, identificar os potenciais e talentos e acompanhá-lo nessa trajetória refor?ando a cren?a de que ele (a) n?o é uma farsa.

Imposter Syndrome often takes root in early workplace experiences, especially under poor management that left you feeling undervalued or unsupported. These moments can stick with you creating a narrative that you’re never quite enough. To help reframe this start by identifying those experiences and acknowledge how they’ve shaped your self-talk. Then actively reconstruct those memories by focusing on your resilience and growth since then. If a past manager’s criticism of being late made you feel unworthy you may have since developed the habit of being punctual, showing that you’ve learned and grown from that experience. You don’t need to keep punishing yourself with those old criticisms or let them define you now.

To help your client combat imposter syndrome, guide them in reframing their negative self-talk. Encourage them to challenge and reframe their internal dialogue by focusing on their achievements, strengths, and the positive feedback they receive. Suggest keeping a success journal to document their accomplishments and positive affirmations. Help them recognize that feeling like an imposter is a common experience and emphasize that their skills and contributions are valuable. This shift in perspective can build their self-confidence and reduce the impact of imposter syndrome on their work performance.

Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for reframing negative self-talk. Encourage your client to start each day by affirming their skills, strengths, and achievements. This practice shifts their focus from doubt to confidence. Tailor these affirmations to address specific areas where they feel most like an imposter, reinforcing their competence and genuine value in those aspects. Over time, this can help change their internal narrative, fostering a more positive and self-assured mindset.

I would help clients challenge and reframe negative self-talk. For example, turning “I’m not qualified” into “I bring unique skills that are valuable.” Having a list of affirmations based on daily achievements is important, the achievement can be as little as "i cleared my inbox today" or "i am grateful that i submitted my project 1 day before the deadline"

Leveraging feedback from colleagues can be an effective strategy to counter imposter syndrome. Encourage your client to seek honest feedback from peers and supervisors, as others often see our strengths more clearly than we do. This external validation provides a more objective perspective on their skills and contributions, helping to dismantle the self-imposed imposter narrative. Regularly receiving constructive feedback can reinforce their sense of competence and reassure them of their value in the workplace.

Imposter Syndrome often arises from uncertainty in your role. Start by identifying areas where you feel unclear and actively seek peer feedback to fill those gaps. I know sometimes I wouldn't even know what questions I should be asking. I'd simply approach a colleagues and ask "I'd like to learn more about [specific area] but, I’m not even sure what questions I should be asking. Can you help me get started?" This openness helped gain clarity where I had doubts and also helped build trust. Doing something similar can show yourself that you have commitment to growth, helping to dismantle the imposter narrative. If you're always learning and growing you're never an imposter.

Conducting a comprehensive skills assessment can help your client see their value more clearly. By identifying their strengths and areas for improvement, they can gain a balanced view of their professional profile. This exercise highlights that, despite imperfections, they possess a unique set of skills contributing to their success. Recognizing this can boost their confidence and reinforce their understanding of their own value in the workplace.

Encourage your client to confront their negative thoughts directly. When they experience imposter syndrome, prompt them to ask if there is real evidence supporting these feelings. Often, they will find that the evidence points to their competence rather than the fraud they fear. This cognitive-behavioral approach can gradually shift their mindset towards a more realistic and positive self-view, helping them overcome feelings of inadequacy and build self-confidence.

Negative thoughts often feel true because we don’t actively challenge them. Treat these thoughts as opportunities for problem solving rather than accepting them at face value. When self-doubt arises, have them ask, 'What can I start working on or learning right now to counter this feeling?' This approach shifts the use of these thoughts from a tool to beat ourselves up with into a list of things to work on for growth. By consistently challenging and responding to these doubts with action, you will build evidence of your competence and start to dismantle the imposter narrative.

I would work on self-talk, negative thought patterns, and address core beliefs to start shifting thoughts and beliefs to benefit the client (aka apply the principles of neuroplasticity). I would ask the client to reframe and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs by looking for evidence in the contrary and consider other options. We’re wired to looks for the negative but with consistent practice and support, we can change our default to positive or neutral thinking. Our thoughts, beliefs & stories we tell ourselves are powerful and profoundly shape how we feel and relate to ourselves and others. A coach is instrumental in helping to guide the client through this worthwhile but challenging process.

Visualization techniques can be highly beneficial for combating imposter syndrome. Encourage your client to mentally picture themselves succeeding in their role, completing tasks with confidence and competence. This mental rehearsal not only enhances performance but also helps internalize a successful self-image, counteracting the imposter narrative. By regularly visualizing success, they can build a stronger, more positive self-perception that aligns with their true capabilities.