Imposter Syndrome

​Imposter Syndrome – The definition provided by Dr. Ruxandra Looft and Dawn Bratsch-Prince is that Imposters often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as a fraud.  The speakers also noted that one may experience this when he/she is going through a transition, new experience/environment or faced with a challenge.  I’d argue I suffer from this condition, constant doubting of my skills and abilities, on much more frequent occasions.
 
The 5 types of Imposterism:

1. The Perfectionist – When you can always do better and likely don’t accept mistakes
2. The Super Individual – When you do everything that comes your way, aka ‘Yes woman’, to prove you’re just as capable as your colleagues and you earned your title (this is the type I identify with most)
3. The Natural Genius – When you believe you should know everything, and get it right the first time
4. The Rugged Individualist – When you don’t ask for help because it may reveal you are not capable of the job at hand
5. The Expert – When you never know enough, and this may expose you as inexperienced

 
The 4 Strategies to overcome Imposterism:

1. Name the feeling
2. Know your values
3. Celebrate your successes
4. Understand the growth mindset – “Failure is an opportunity to grow”

 
What did I take away from the July LEAP session and what does this mean to me? 
I need to quit…

• Telling myself ‘I am lucky to be in the role I am in today’ and start believing I earned it (because I did). 
• Taking on more than I (likely any one person) can handle and accept that I can always do more, but what I am doing now is enough for now. In fact, limiting my work in progress will likely increase the quality of the work I do and the relationships I value.  Or better yet, ask for help. 
• Criticizing every decision I make, presentation I deliver or interaction I have with a prospective client and acknowledge that I can learn from that particular experience or just let it go (I could be applying more of Kevin Pokorny’s mindfulness technique in that case) 
• Discounting my accomplishments. Instead recognize the small wins and maybe even the big milestones…(for me, to include earning Partner and helping my organization grow by over 60% in 3 years)
• Justifying my value and start believing I am qualified, capable and worth what I am asking for.  And don’t forget to ask for what you want, no one will give you handouts.

 
I have fortunately surrounded myself with very supportive peers and business partners.  And they would likely agree I am more critical of myself than anyone could dare to be.  They have recognized that I am not a fraud, now it’s my turn. 
 
According to statistics, 70% of people have experienced Imposter Syndrome, and it was evident that many of us in the room that Friday afternoon have experienced Imposter Syndrome at some point throughout our careers. Hopefully we can start to acknowledge Imposter Syndrome for what it is, a fleeting feeling of doubt that does not define you.  We can be a part of the statistic, but let’s commit to overcome this pervasive disease. Thanks Dr. Looft and Dawn Bratsch-Prince for the words of encouragement.