Today we're talking about Imposter Syndrome

When Ben and Claire ask what’s holding our advisees back, one common response we hear is feelings of relative professional inadequacy - or “imposter syndrome.”

These feelings are as common as they are harmful, especially in areas commonly regarded as "high achieving," like EA and other research-oriented communities. It can be hard to recognise our own skills and talents when we're surrounded by the knowledge that there's so much left to learn.

Imposter feelings are correlated with anxiety and depression, creating a self-defeating cycle. Self-worth becomes dependent on success. Success is generated through anxious over-perfectionism, until a feedback loop teaches us that the only way to succeed is by being too afraid to be less than perfect.

Talking with others frankly about the issue can help, and chances are that whoever you speak to will also have dealt with imposter syndrome or know someone who has, but awareness of the problem isn't the entire solution.

The silver lining about imposter syndrome's pervasiveness is that there are lots of ideas on how to combat it.

The most effective interventions are at the collective level. Under-represented majorities are more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome, which some sources relate to societal devaluation of their lived experiences. It’s important to reframe the issue to center what we can do to make spaces more welcoming, instead of constantly individualizing the problem. As employers and employees, we need to consciously and subconsciously prioritize and value diversity.

Relatedly, workplaces need to invest in employee mental health initiatives like counseling and therapy, as well as mentorship and upskilling opportunities. Employees who feel supported not only support your professional projects, but more importantly are able to grow as people.

On an individual level, mentoring, tutoring, and supporting others can help us recognise our own skills. Practised imperfection, like sharing unfinished drafts, can help too, and draws energy away from the cycle of anxiety that prevents action.

There are lots of EA-specific sources about this issue, and I encourage anyone who thinks they might benefit to reach out and talk about it!