3 Places Imposter Syndrome Always Creeps In
And What To Do In Each Situation
Overcoming imposter syndrome is the first step to building expertise. It is also an ongoing internal battle that follows many of us throughout our careers. In leading the session, "From Imposter to Expert: Developing Professional Reputation & Credibility ", we survey all participants prior to the event, asking where and how imposter syndrome shows up.
Every answer always falls into at least one of these three quadrants:
1. The Misfit Quadrant
The easiest to identify, yet the hardest to bounce back from is "The Misfit Quadrant". These are the rooms, tables, conversations where imposter syndrome creeps in because these places were not meant for us. It is where our talents, perspectives, and abilities are not valued and will never influence the decision making in the room.
What To Do Here: (Hmm...can I say "run like hell" here?!) Set healthy boundaries in this scenario. Accept that these places are not now, and may never be, ready for you. Learn from the experience by recognizing the early red flags and committing to never putting yourself in these situations again, or at least not until you are better equipped to handle them.
We choose the rooms we enter. Walk through doorways where you are greeted with respect and appreciation.
2. The Learning Curve Quadrant
In the pre-event survey data , these responses are easily recognized because they contain words like "start", "new", and "prospecting". When we stretch beyond our comfort zone, we are forced to develop new skills, relationships, and mindset. The "unfamiliar" in these situations causes us to doubt how wildly capable and resources we truly are.
What To Do Here: Stay grounded in what you have already mastered, and stretch anyway. Think of this learning curve as an extension of your existing success. Keep what makes you feel confident nearby. Find a fellow learner on a parallel path and externalize the feelings of imposter syndrome.
When stretching beyond your comfort zone, you may feel like an imposter. You are not. You are simply growing into the professional you were meant to be.
3. The Sweet Spot Quadrant
Unfortunately, imposter syndrome can also infiltrate the work we love and are meant to do when we are "the only" in the room or conversation. We may doubt our authority at the table because we bring a unique perspective or background. Imposter syndrome can steal the courage to speak up, and thereby holding back the exact voice needed to make a stronger business decision.
What To Do Here: This solution is the most complex because of the number of players who shape the path forward: Allies, Leaders, and "The Only".
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The Challenge
Imposter syndrome is something we carry through every stage of our career. As we gain more learnings and experience, the internal dialogue that we are not qualified and fear everyone will figure it out, can actually get stronger and louder with each achievement.
When psychologists, Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imes, studied high achieving women and founded the "The Impostor Phenomenon" in 1978, I doubt they knew the "phenomenon" would become so prevalent it would evolve into a "syndrome".
Rather than internalizing that something is wrong with us, consider processing these emotions as part of a high achiever's professional journey. Use these feelings to set healthy boundaries and build supportive relationships. The next time you hear someone vocalize a battle with imposter syndrome (including yourself), refuse to accept the label.
You are not an imposter. Neither am I. We are humans---learning, growing, trying to find our unique place in this world & leave our legacy.
(Work that would never interest an imposter.)
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The three quadrants above are 75% of the "Experience Inventory Tool" developed to help individuals process & overcome imposter syndrome. I will be showcasing the tool, and providing insight on how to use it at next week's "ElevateHER Summit ".
Revenue cycle professional. Healthcare leader. Skilled leader, optimizing operations and teams for efficient processes and exceptional results, increasing patient satisfaction.
2 年Articles always seem to reach you when you need it the most, thank you. As I am currently in #2 the learning curve. Now I'm on to find another learner on this parallel path.
Product at Ibotta
2 年This is gold- reshaping the perspective that imposter syndrome is inevitable... It's growth! "Rather than internalizing that something is wrong with us, consider processing these emotions as part of a high achiever's professional journey."