Running a business can be difficult, and only some have the passion and drive to succeed. But often, even seasoned professionals can feel self-doubt as to whether or not they have what it takes. We can often feel we’re not the best person for the job or even that we have fallen into a role we’re ill-prepared for. This is the phenomenon known as Imposter Syndrome.
If you have ever felt that you don’t have the skills, experience or knowledge to handle the tasks in your role, this guide can help. We have broken down imposter syndrome, why you might be feeling it and what advice and tips can help you combat this negative mindset.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a relentless and unforgiving internal feeling that ignores whatever success and experience you may have in favour of feelings of worthlessness. It is a phenomenon that ignores accomplishments and makes you experience self-doubt, even in areas you typically excel at or usually feel confident in.
However, although it is named a syndrome, it cannot be diagnosed as a mental illness. Anyone can experience feelings of imposter syndrome, which is why your team members may come to you and express these emotions. Understanding what imposter syndrome is and how it makes a person feel and act are the first steps you can take to combat these negative feelings within your business.
Imposter Syndrome Characteristics
If you’re not sure if it is imposter syndrome you are experiencing, there are a few common characteristics you should look out for:
- Self-doubt
- Overachieving
- Setting unrealistic goals and expectations
- Inability to realistically assess your skills
- Attributing success to other factors
- Fear of falling short
- Sabotaging success
- Berating own performance
5 Types of Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is the general feeling of not being capable or perhaps even out of depth in a role. But the full scope of this syndrome is complex, and there are five different types of imposter syndrome a person can experience. Learn about these five different types of imposter syndrome today to help you and your team overcome these feelings.
1. The Perfectionist
Some people experience imposter syndrome if they are a perfectionist. The two go hand in hand as any feelings of not being perfect can quickly spiral. This results in feeling out of your depth and unable to achieve the levels of perfection thought possible. The perfectionist imposter syndrome manifests when you believe you have not reached the quality levels you think others would expect of you or that you would expect of yourself.
2. The Expert
For others, success in their role is measured by expertise. This could mean they are an expert in one area but as soon as other tasks or avenues for development are introduced, they are no longer as knowledgeable as they could be. Instead of embracing this time for learning to grow their skillsets and knowledge, they are hindered by imposter syndrome as they no longer feel at the top of their game.
3. The Natural Genius
Imposter syndrome can manifest itself in people who are not naturally able to succeed in a task. For example, if a job isn’t done right the first time, this team member may feel it is hopeless for them to succeed. They often feel like they will never get the job done right, even after only one attempt, and have self-doubt about whether they are in the right role.
4. The Soloist
A large part of a team or role development benefits from outside help, expertise and training. After all, how can you be expected to learn and grow without your team’s and higher-ups’ support to offer advice and guidance? But some may experience imposter syndrome if they cannot learn and grow on their own competently. Being able to work and learn independently is a marker of success for some, and asking for help can make them feel like a failure.
5. The Superperson
This imposter syndrome is often felt by those in a team who feel they need to be the hardest working member of the business. They will feel they have to take on the most work and complete it to the highest standard because they are a ‘superperson’ who can do it all without issues. However, often this mentality can become too much to deal with. As soon as standards or timings slip for the superperson, they spiral into imposter syndrome.
Tips for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Dealing with your imposter syndrome can be difficult to manage, and it takes strength to ask yourself the difficult questions. You have to confront deeply ingrained beliefs about yourself and work to overcome feelings of inadequacy.
- Share your thoughts & feelings. Confronting imposter syndrome starts with sharing your feelings, which can be scary for those who feel they need to have their own emotions handled at all times. However, feelings or irrational beliefs manifest faster when not shared or spoken aloud. Often the incredibility of something is only made apparent once it is spoken aloud.
- Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Often the way we think about ourselves and the expectations we put on our shoulders is something we would never express about a colleague. So, it is a helpful exercise to project your feelings onto another member of the team and hold them to the standards you’re setting yourself. It will quickly become apparent how harsh and unfair your expectations are.
- Walk, don’t run. To battle imposter syndrome, take baby steps rather than expecting yourself to make leaps and bounds. Just because you have identified that you may experience imposter syndrome does not mean you can get over it immediately. Make smaller, more manageable and achievable steps to reach your goal.
- Question thoughts and processes. When feelings of inadequacy manifest in your day-to-day, take the time to question yourself. Are these thoughts founded on evidence? Is there any truth to them? It is probably fruitless if you can’t provide yourself with a sound explanation you would give to your team member.
What to Do if your Team Expresses they Feel Imposter Syndrome?
By now, you should have the tools and tips to challenge your own experiences of imposter syndrome. However, being able to help members of your team when they share their feelings of imposter syndrome with you is entirely different.
Firstly, you must ensure your team feels safe and comfortable coming to you and communicating these thoughts and feelings. Ensuring they can admit their vulnerabilities is the first step for many in overcoming feelings of inadequacy, as it is only then that they can be addressed. You should also ensure you celebrate your employees’ accomplishments privately or amongst the full team. No matter how small, give credit where it is due to inspire your employees and let them know their contributions are appreciated.
Finally, you should also ensure your team feels trusted and respected. By giving your team the power to make final decisions, without questioning and micromanaging the process, you’re allowing them to prove themselves and exercise all they have learnt. When your team makes successful decisions for themselves, you can teach others that their authority is legitimate and well-earned.
Acknowledging Imposter Syndrome
If you or your employees have experienced imposter syndrome, we hope you have found the tips and advice you need here to overcome it.
Remember, when running a successful business, you are not alone. You can look to colleagues and others in the industry to share thoughts, feelings and ideas. Better yet, a business mentor can help you unlock your business potential and coach you through believing in your abilities.
For more advice and information, please contact Chris Kenber today for a personalised approach.
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