What do you do if you're struggling with imposter syndrome in your consulting career?

The imposter syndrome often have roots in someone’s personal history and tend to play out in work, academic, and other high-pressure settings. Unaddressed, they can keep people from enjoying their successes and living life to its full potential. Typical symptoms are Lack of self confidence at work Sensitivity of small mistakes Fear of failing your team Burnout from working too hard Ways to deal with this at work Focus on the facts Acknowledge, validate, then let go Look for evidence Reframe your thoughts Seek a mentor

Dealing with imposter syndrome in consulting can be challenging, but remember, even seasoned professionals have felt this way at some point. First, acknowledge your achievements and expertise; they got you here for a reason! Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain perspective. Focus on continuous learning to bolster confidence. Embrace the learning curve; it's part of growth. And finally, remind yourself that perfection isn't attainable; strive for progress instead. You're not alone in this journey; many successful consultants have navigated similar feelings and thrived!

There is a significant difference between "normal" feelings that may look light imposter syndrome and those constant feelings which are a real problem: While the idea that we might not be good enough to reach a certain goal is common to a certain extent, there are people who always feel that way - no matter what. In this case, even good grades, exams, and even awards are not enough to prove the opposite to those affected. This is real imposter syndrome. The affected people often suffer from procrastination or perfectionism at the same time. Acknowleding you feelings is important in both cases, but there are different ways to deal with them, depending on whether you suffer from real imposter syndrome or from a milder form of self doubt.

Tracking successes will help you if you suffer from the common fear of not being good enough. A success journal is also a nice thing to do at the end of the day - for all people who tend to question themselves from time to time (basically for most of us). However, if you have real imposter syndrome, this may not be as effective. In this case, you have to find about the root cause of the problem in order to deal with it effectively: Where and when did you learn that you are not good enough? See #7 (What else to consider) for more information.

Attending Workshops or Training Programs: Participate in workshops, seminars, or training programs that offer insights into emerging trends, best practices, and innovative solutions in your field. These events provide valuable opportunities to network with peers, learn from industry experts, and gain practical knowledge that you can apply to your consulting projects.

You know more than someone else! If you are struggling with imposter syndrome, as well as seeking out a mentor, you can easily bolster your own confidence by passing on your knowledge to somebody else. If you've been consulting for a year, then you have infinitely more knowledge than someone just starting out. Adding to your network and forming a relationship with someone new to the area help to build your self-confidence.

Many people suffer from imposter syndrome – even famous ones like Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Helen Mirren, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Barbara Corcoran, Justice Sonia Sotomayor and countless others. All those smart successful people that we think have their “stuff” together are just better at hiding their feelings of insecurity than us. Maya Angelou doubted herself. “I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out,” she said. Albert Einstein described himself as an ‘involuntary swindler” who didn’t deserve the attention he received. Sheryl Sandberg felt she kept fooling people. So, if you’ve never had imposter syndrome, you’re in the minority. But the vast majority of us have had it or still do. So be it; we’re in good company.

If you suffer from real imposter syndrome, it is crucial to find ou where it comes from. Often the roots are in childhood. While it is quite obvious that a parent who repeatedly told us that we are a failure or stupid may be the reason for the fear of not being good enough, this does not necessarily have to be the case. Often it is much more subtle and not that obvious. You can try and find out by asking yourself questions: Whose voice do I hear if I think of the problem? What sensations do I get when I think of it? When did I feel them for the first time? What will happen if I fail? Who says/said that? When you know where the problem comes from it is much easier to understand you reactions and to develop self compassion.

Deepen your expertise in specific areas of consulting by focusing on niche markets or specialized services. Specialization allows you to differentiate yourself from competitors, attract clients seeking specialized expertise, and command higher fees. Invest time and resources in becoming a subject matter expert through research, case studies, and hands-on experience, and leverage your expertise to add value to your consulting engagements.

Always keep The Dunning-Kruger Effect graph in mind. If you're suffering from imposter syndrome because you're worried you don't know 'enough' about a particular subject, it means you're in the Valley of Despair. You know far more than if you were on Mount Stupid (people who think they know everything when they know very little - the phrase "a little learning is a dangerous thing" comes to mind). Be grateful that's not you!