Overcoming imposter syndrome, finding ways to switch off and more

Hello and welcome to the latest issue of LinkedIn Insider UK, your biweekly dose of information and inspiration. I'm Yessi Bello-Perez , the community and segments lead at LinkedIn News UK and today we'll be looking at how to take a break from technology, as well as tips to overcome imposter syndrome, build confidence and create a better working environment for teams.?

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Here you'll find just some of the topics currently top of mind for members. Want to add your own perspective to the conversation? Please post from your profile about any of the prompts below for the opportunity to be featured by LinkedIn's Editorial team.?

Would you try a digital detox?

Taking time away from technology can help us relax, particularly on holiday, but its increasingly integral role in our personal lives can make it hard to fully switch off. With that in mind, would you ever try a digital detox? If so, how long would you take a break for??

Share your insights using #LinkedInInsiderUK #HolidayMode #VacationMode: What tips would you offer others thinking about taking a break from online life?

Top summer reads?

Summertime is the perfect time to check-in with yourself and consider your aims and ambitions. What's your favourite book to read during your time off to grow your professional skills?

Share your insights using #LinkedInInsiderUK #HolidayMode #VacationMode: Which is the best book for self-improvement?

We spoke with Cel Amade , a LinkedIn Top Voice and author, who shared her tips and advice for dealing with imposter syndrome and building confidence.

Q: What's your advice for overcoming imposter syndrome??

If you’ve ever felt like someone else will figure out that you don’t know what you’re doing – you are not alone! At some point in our lives, many people have experienced some level of imposter syndrome. The good news is imposter syndrome is not a personality trait, it's a learned behaviour that can be unlearned.

Here are two ways to dial down our imposter syndrome:?

1. Lower the volume of your inner critic: become aware of what your inner critic tells you, identify those sabotaging thoughts, discover why you think that way and why you repeat those thoughts. Choose a new response; decide what to say (and do) to reject those sabotaging thoughts next time your inner critic tries to talk you into believing them.
2. Raise the volume of your inner coach: celebrate the small wins, write down what you did well, what you learned from your past failures and share your achievements.?
3. Keep track of progress: list three ways you recently made progress in the last 12 months, list five ways you can continue making progress in the next 12 months and focus on enjoying the process of developing your skillset.
4. Stay focused on your results: if you consistently set unachievable goals, you might reinforce the belief that you arrived where you are by accident. So, focus on one result you want to achieve, understand the “why” linked to the outcome, add a “by when” date to achieve this outcome, write down the cost of doing nothing about it and get two qualified people to hold you accountable.

Q: Is it possible to build confidence? If so, what actionable steps can people take to do so?

Early in my career, I used to watch motivational videos to boost my confidence. I felt excited for a few days, but I could not sustain it long term. Oftentimes, we look for overnight confidence boosters instead of creating solid systems to develop and nurture our confidence over time.

Confidence is a skill that can be learned and reinforced by the way we communicate with ourselves and others. Here's how:

1. Set micro goals: divide your big dream into smaller, more manageable milestones. Break down the skills you need to develop to increase your proficiency.
2. Find accountability buddies: surround yourself with qualified people who can challenge, uplift and support you; and meet them once every two weeks for 45 minutes.
3. Keep a success folder: Keep track of positive feedback and testimonials. Note the common themes that emerge over time and embody them as your truth.
4. Reframe your questions: Instead of thinking about the worst-case scenario, whenever you take up a new challenge, ask yourself "what's the best that can happen?"

Q: Last but not least, what would you say to someone who is looking to become more vocal at work?

Whenever someone shies away from being vocal, there’s a really high chance that they feel intimidated by someone who is also in the room. To overcome this, build relationships and alliances at work, ask questions, seek a mentor, set your intention before meetings so that you know what you want to contribute beforehand, offer praise to open people up to active listening, acknowledge others' relevant contributions and challenge senior stakeholders respectfully.

We all have insightful information and professional experiences that others can learn from. In this section, we're inviting you to lean into this knowledge exchange so that you can connect with like-minded members, learn from each other and discuss different perspectives.?

In our previous issue, I asked you to share advice for anyone looking to overcome a "career comedown", a term coined by by LinkedIn member Stefanie Sword-Williams FRSA (she/her), to refer to dissatisfaction or disillusionment you might feel when you reach a career peak and realise it's no longer fulfilling. Lots of you shared your opinions and perspectives (thank you!), and I said I'd feature one of the top comments in the next issue. So, here it is:

This time round, I want to draw your attention to Nathan Dale 's post, which showcases how his employer is asking individuals to create their own manual on how best to work with them to foster effective working relationships:

Comment below: What other innovative methods can help people and teams work better together??

Join the conversation by posting in the comments or from your profile, and read insights from fellow members. We'll feature the best comments in our next issue.

Are you looking for your next long-read??

• Carol Stewart MSc, FIoL 's "Quietly Visible" newsletter offers inspiration and information to help introverted women thrive as leaders.
• In his weekly newsletter, Theo Smith covers neurodiversity through the workplace lens, offering hints and tips for employees and employers.?
• Abadesi Osunsade 's newsletter "The Hustle Crew Weekly" is a must-read for anyone interested in inclusivity.?
• If you're looking to learn more about the intersection between money and identity in the digital world, check out David Birch 's biweekly newsletter.?

Follow other LinkedIn News UK newsletters here:

• Get Hired UK – A fortnightly update dedicated to advice and insights on landing your next role and progressing in your career by LinkedIn News UK managing editor Siobhan Morrin.
• To stay up to date with the latest UK finance news and conversations, follow our biweekly Finance Wrap-UK newsletter by editor Manas Pratap Singh.
• Retail Wrap-Up UK – The latest retail news and insights from editor Aaron Toumazou.
• Tech Wrap-Up Europe – A digest of news, views and insights from the world of tech written by editor Sam Shead.

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