Unmasking Impostor Syndrome: How to Recognize, Address and Overcome it

“I have written eleven books, but each time I think, Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out." - Maya Angelou

Recently, I started a new project (more to come on that ??). I was in a meeting where I was one of two women in a room full of men. I knew I was more than qualified (why they invited me) to be in the room and I was not feeling confident, like I lacked something. Let’s unpack this - what happens when you're not feeling confident, or your mind tells you that you lack something to be in the room when you are more than competent and or qualified??

In this scenario, we can say I was experiencing impostor syndrome — the feeling of being a fraud or an imposter in a given situation — this is something that many people experience, but few talk about. A recent analysis of 62 studies on impostor syndrome suggested that a variable proportion of individuals up to 82% have reported experiencing ideations consistent with this phenomenon at some point in their lives.?

Another study shows a significant majority of leaders, encompassing diverse backgrounds and professions, approximately 70%, have experienced feelings of impostorism, to some degree, during the course of their careers.

Want the good news?! It can be addressed! The key is to understand why impostor syndrome occurs, how it manifests, and what steps you can take to overcome it.

Why Impostor Syndrome Occurs

• Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which leaders either fail to internalize their successes or attribute it to external factors.? These feelings arise from the belief that they are not qualified for their position, or they have deceived others about their abilities.
• Impostor phenomenon is a common experience, but people who experience impostor syndrome may feel that their struggles are unique to them and that they are the only ones who are not living up to their own or others' expectations. It is important to understand that the experience of impostor syndrome is not uncommon and that many successful people have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Ultra-competitive environments can also lay the groundwork for impostor syndrome. In highly competitive environments, individuals may constantly compare themselves to their peers and feel as though they are not measuring up.?

• Impostor syndrome may be influenced by certain personality traits. Specifically, traits such as low self-efficacy, perfectionism, and neuroticism have been identified as significant contributors.?

How Impostor Syndrome Shows Up

• Not fully acknowledging your successes; crediting luck or other external reasons for any success.
• Feeling like you have to be perfect all the time so you over-prepare or overcompensate to avoid being ‘found out’.
• Being overly critical of your own work or performance; comparing yourself unfavorably to others and feeling like you don't measure up.
• Constantly seeking validation or approval from others because you’re feeling like you're constantly ‘winging it’ or you don't know what you're doing.
• Difficulty accepting compliments or praise.
• Feeling like you don’t belong or fit in.?

Steps to Overcome it

Practicing self-compassion is a powerful tool in overcoming impostor syndrome. It involves treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and support that you would offer to a close friend. This can counteract the negative self-talk that often accompanies impostor syndrome. Self-compassion has been linked to greater emotional well-being, coping with life challenges, and lower levels of anxiety and depression.

• Getting support via a professional or a coach to help enable you to attain insight into your beliefs and, consequently, embrace a more realistic and positive self-concept. By understanding and accepting all aspects of the self, individuals can become more confident and less likely to engage in selective self-presentation driven by impostor feelings.?
• Build a support network. A supportive network can provide a sense of belonging, thus mitigating the sense of isolation and disconnection that often accompanies impostor syndrome. Such networks can serve as a sounding board, offering feedback, guidance, and encouragement, which can be instrumental in challenging negative self-talk and reframing beliefs about one's abilities and accomplishments.?

Impostor syndrome comes in all shapes and forms, and I hope that the insights shared above have shed some light on it for you. Remember - impostor syndrome is not limited to those who are just starting out but can affect anyone at any stage of their career. Per the quote above, even after 11 books, Maya Angelou still questioned herself!. It is important to recognize that even the most successful people can struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, and the trick is to be self-compassionate, build a support network, and seek support and guidance when these feelings arise.

Let’s hear from you - have you experienced impostor syndrome? What has worked for yoU?

Dr. Rubina F. Malik is a scholar, strategic advisor, and a global learning and development expert. As a champion of mentoring, career sponsorship and leadership development, she helps organizations and individuals enhance the engagement, retention, and promotion of diverse candidates. Competitive edge-driving organizations from start-ups to Fortune 500 global brands depend on her support and expertise to propel programs such as mentoring, career sponsorship and leadership development.?www.rubinafmalik.com