If you have ever doubted that you deserve your success, you are not alone. This mental state is known as impostor syndrome. However, calling it a “syndrome” implies that it is something that affects a small number of people. That is not the case because an estimated 70 percent of people have it.
Our tips below can help you and your employees overcome impostor syndrome and own your success in the workplace.
What Is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome involves consistent self-doubting feelings like failure or inadequacy at work despite clear evidence of workplace success. Many people who have experienced this say that they feel like an “impostor” because they are undeserving of their accomplishments and position in their company and are afraid to be “found out” as a fraud by their peers.
People experience impostor syndrome because, if they see themselves as highly-skilled, they believe that others are just as competent. Because they are on the same level as others, they feel that they do not deserve their accomplishments. However, anyone at any skill level can experience these feelings.
Common Feelings of Impostor Syndrome
If you have had these thoughts or feelings in the past or present, you have likely experienced impostor syndrome:
- Placing enormous pressure on yourself to not fail at your task
- Being hard on yourself whenever you do fail
- Thinking that you are undeserving of the praise you receive
- Attributing your successes to luck, not your talents
- Believing that your work must be perfect all the time
- Never allowing yourself to enjoy downtime
- Constantly gaining more skills and knowledge about your field because you “don’t know enough”
Tips for Overcoming Impostor Syndrome at Work
One of the main reasons impostor syndrome remains an unknown phenomenon is pluralistic ignorance. Because people don’t express their self-doubting feelings to others, everyone believes they are the only one who experiences them. Thankfully, it is possible to address your own impostor feelings as well as help employees with their impostor syndrome. Follow these tips to overcome self-doubt:
- Talk about your feelings: Discovering that other people in your workplace feel the same way you do can help you feel relieved that you’re not alone.
- Recognize the feelings for what they are: Your thoughts are not evidence of failure. They are just expressions of self-doubt which everyone experiences.
- Use positive feedback as evidence: When you achieve success at work, remind yourself it’s because of your skills and talents, not a stroke of luck.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: It’s okay to fail because being perfect is unattainable. Use these times as experiences to grow from.
- Make a list of your skills: List reasons why you are just as qualified as your peers.
RSI Will Provide Expert Recruiting for Your Business
Although people with impostor syndrome may feel insecure, they are often highly qualified for the positions they hold. From the planning process to hiring a candidate, Reaction Search International will match highly qualified candidates to your jobs. Our extensive knowledge about your industry means that we understand your business needs and will bring you only the best talent. Submit a job order form on our website or give us a call at 800-832-8268.