Do you feel like an Imposter?

The Imposter syndrome is something that I experienced early in my career. Having grown-up on a housing commission estate in a small country town in Australia, I felt very much out of my depth when my career trajectory led me to a job at one of the world's leading business schools in London.

Although I put on a brave face, I had a deep sense of anxiety that people would "find out" that I was not as good as they thought I was. I hadn't had the gilded upbringing and educational path as many of my colleagues, and I felt inadequate.

The imposter syndrome is a common experience that many people have, particularly in the workplace. It is characterized by a feeling of inadequacy, self-doubt, and fear of being exposed as a fraud. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression, making it important to overcome.

It took me many years to come to grips with my demons, but I started to realise that feeling an imposter was holding me back and that I should have the self-belief and courage to shrug the weight off my shoulders.

One of the first steps for me in overcoming imposter syndrome was recognizing that it is actually a pretty a common experience. I sat in on a lecture of the wonderful leadership Professor Rob Goffee who was explaining that many successful people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. This really helped to alleviate the feeling that I was alone in my experience and that everyone else was confident and self-assured.

I also came to understand that there were certain events or experiences that could trigger my anxiety. For many people these common triggers include starting a new job or project, receiving praise or recognition, or being in a high-pressure situation. By knowing my triggers, associated mostly with receiving praise or recognition for my work, I was able to take steps to prepare myself and manage my feelings.

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like you are never good enough and that your accomplishments are just luck. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can help to counteract this feeling.

From the time I was in my mid-30s I consciously started to take time to reflect on my accomplishments and give myself a bit more credit for all of the hard work that I had put in to get where I was in life.

Every now and then I would consciously gift myself a nice watch or tailored shirt - not because I desired to show-off but because it felt good to reward myself for all the hard work I was putting in to succeed.

Being kind to yourself is an important part of overcoming imposter syndrome. Acknowledge that it is natural to make mistakes and that it is okay to not be perfect. Practice self-compassion by talking to yourself as you would a good friend and reminding yourself that everyone makes mistakes.

One of the strategies that I adopted was the simple habit of talking to myself in the mirror in the morning and saying "You're Okay." Smiling at others can have a wondrous effect upon your mood. But how about smiling at yourself?

Negative self-talk is a common symptom of imposter syndrome. Challenge your negative thoughts by questioning the evidence and looking for alternative explanations. For example, instead of thinking "I'm not good enough for this job," you can reframe your thoughts to "I may not have all the skills for this job yet, but I am capable of learning." Once you accept this, then you can channel your energy into personal development and growth.

Talking to a friend or a mentor about your feelings of imposter syndrome can help you to gain perspective and alleviate anxiety. Seek out people who have experienced similar feelings and can offer encouragement and support.

I often speak about my own experience of imposter syndrome when working with students and managers, and by being vulnerable it gives people the courage to talk about their own feelings. Honesty and openness about your own experience is important, especially if your are in a position of leadership or authority.

Remember that no one knows everything and that we are all constantly learning. Embrace the learning process and view your mistakes as opportunities for growth. Recognize that every experience, whether it is a success or a failure, is a chance to learn something new.

Imposter syndrome is a common experience that can be managed and overcome. By recognizing your triggers, celebrating your successes, practicing self-compassion, challenging negative thoughts, seeking support, and embracing the learning process, you can develop the confidence and self-assurance to overcome and achieve your goals.

And of course if you really need someone to talk to about your feelings, then just drop me a line! I'm here to tell you that you're wonderful.