Imposter Syndrome

Safety Professionals: our responsibilities are heavy and our impact is significant. Yet, despite whatever expertise we have, despite our work experience, despite our accreditations, despite it all, many of us at times grapple with self doubt and low confidence.

The term "imposter syndrome" was coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. Since its inception, imposter syndrome has become a widely studied and recognized concept in psychology, particularly as it relates to understanding self-perception and self-esteem. This phenomenon is generally characterized by feelings of inadequacy and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud when in reality, you're not. Recognizing and addressing imposter syndrome is important for both personal growth and professional success in our field. When we as individuals doubt our abilities and feel like frauds despite evidence of our accomplishments, it holds us back from reaching our full potential. In acknowledging and dealing with these feelings, we can develop greater confidence and effectiveness in our roles, which can only lead to more fulfilling careers and better outcomes for those we serve in the workplace.

Imposter syndrome is what creeps into our minds when we're conducting inspections, building procedures and policies, or advocating for worker safety in front of other organizational leaders who may be questioning why something can’t get done a certain way or why we need more support. The weight of the responsibility that we carry can sometimes (most times) feel super overwhelming. We may question our competence, compare ourselves to our peers, or downplay our achievements, all of which contribute to a cycle of self-doubt and insecurity.

It’s also what comes into our minds when we start comparing our professional lives to our personal lives. It happens to me often; I often look at my personal misgivings and failures outside of my professional life and think to myself, "Why can't I handle this as smoothly as I handle my work?". These thoughts and questions swirl around like a tornado sometimes, even when I know that I'm effective and well respected in this industry. These types of questions echo in our minds when imposter syndrome takes hold. It's a constant battle between our perceived shortcomings and the expectations we feel pressured to meet. We often blend everything together into one bowl. Like, if I’m so good at this, shouldn’t I be good at that”? The answer is a hard NO, and often times it’s this line of thinking that prevents us from moving forward or upward in our professional lives as well as our personal lives. This line of thinking will lead to opportunities missed, and chances never taken. When you get too comfortable in your imposter syndrome, you fail to see the value in bettering your career, moving on, and forging new pathways for yourself.

It's perfectly normal to have these thoughts; after all, nobody excels at everything in life. Acknowledging these feelings is important because it reminds us that we're human, with our own unique strengths and weaknesses. It's okay to have areas in life where we struggle or feel less confident, it’s okay to be a mess in some area of life while being amazing in another. Abraham Lincoln filed for bankruptcy in 1833 after a failed business venture. Fortunately, his creditors gave him 17 years to pay off his debts. He eventually paid off all of his debts, earned the nickname “Honest Abe” and became the 16th president of the United States in 1861. History considers him one of the more popular, successful, and certainly iconic of all U.S. Presidents. Lincoln never let his shortcomings stop him from excelling in his career. I'm sure along the way he struggled with as much self doubt as most of us often times do, but he recognized what was more important. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because he "lacked imagination"... let that one sit with you for a bit.

What's more important than focusing on our shortcomings is recognizing and embracing our professional acumen and strengths—the skills, knowledge, and experience that we bring to the table and recognizing our real value. Most of us have worked hard to attain our positions and contribute meaningfully to our field. So, while imposter syndrome may cast doubts, we need to also take pride in our accomplishments and the expertise we've developed along the way.

So, how do we push back against imposter syndrome and reclaim our confidence as safety professionals? The journey begins with self-awareness and self-compassion. We have to recognize that imposter syndrome is a common experience shared by many successful individuals, and it does not diminish our value or expertise. By acknowledging our feelings of inadequacy without judgment, we can start to challenge the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that fuel imposter syndrome.

As safety professionals, we have to cultivate a growth mindset—one that embraces challenges, learns from setbacks, and celebrates progress. Instead of striving for perfection, we should focus on continuous improvement and professional development. Whether through further education, skills training, or mentorship, investing in our growth empowers us to expand our knowledge and capabilities in our field. We should also face our fears of change or conflict head on, because it's in the discomfort that we grow.

Building a supportive network of colleagues and mentors can provide encouragement and perspective. By sharing our experiences and vulnerabilities with people we trust, we realize that we are not alone in our struggles with imposter syndrome. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who uplift and inspire us reinforces our sense of belonging and validates our contributions to not only the organizations where we work, but the industry as a whole.

Look, it’s essential to embrace the concept of authenticity in our careers. Authenticity involves aligning our actions with our values, being transparent about our strengths and limitations, and embracing our unique perspectives. When we operate authentically, we ooze confidence and integrity, inspiring trust and respect from our colleagues and the workers we are tasked with protecting alike.

Ultimately, overcoming imposter syndrome requires us to stand in our own power—to acknowledge our worth, embrace our expertise, and step into our roles with confidence and conviction. As safety professionals, we play an important role in protecting the health, safety, and well-being of workers in diverse industries and environments. By confronting imposter syndrome head-on and forcing through a mindset of resilience and self-assurance, we can fulfill our mission with clarity, purpose, and impact, ensuring that workers keep going home to the people who love them.

Impostor syndrome may present us with a big mountain to climb, but it’s definitely not insurmountable. By recognizing that it's there, nurturing self-awareness and self-compassion, working on a growth mindset, building a supportive network, embracing authenticity, standing in our own power, and most importantly being kind to ourselves, we can overcome imposter syndrome and thrive as confident and capable safety professionals.

#OHS #ImposterSyndrome #PersonalGrowth #ChangeManagement