Many people get Imposter Syndrome at work, the feeling of doubt in what you have to offer your workplace, even if you have expertise and years of experience behind you. Here, we explore more about Imposter Syndrome, how to identify it and steps to take to get rid of it.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
On the reliable Wikipedia website, the definition of Impostor Syndrome, “is a psychological occurrence in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud.”
During my own career, I have had my own experience of Imposter Syndrome. And in my 25+ years in recruitment, I also hear about this from others and witness it from the interview perspective.
For me, the key times I have experienced Imposter Syndrome (and overcome it) are:
1. Stepping into my first Board member role
2. Attending an Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course
At the beginning of day #1, you introduce yourself to 30+ participants, and why you are attending the AICD course. It can be quite daunting with so many articulate, smart and accomplished people in the room, and as you listen to their introductions and think, “HOW am I going to follow that? How did I get here?”
3. Launching a new business, Gembridge
4. Transitioning to a new career as Fundraising Campaign Manager
Through all of these, I found that stepping out of my comfort zone was important for continual professional development and to expand skills and learning.
From my very own experience of Imposter Syndrome, here are a few thoughts and tips:
What value do you add?
For points 1 & 2 above of becoming a Board Director / Trustee and attending the AICD course, I learnt that everyone’s experience (including my own) can contribute in valuable ways by adding expertise, perspective, passion, voice, lived-experience, etc.
TIP #1 Remember the Why
The purpose of attending and showing up is to learn and develop a skill. What is the point of committing time and money towards further Professional Development if you know everything?
Mentors & Coffee.
Starting a new business or career is a learning curve. In asking for advice, I found people are generally open and willing to share, and they also genuinely want you to succeed. There are several mentors I check in with regularly, others annually and they are all very generous with their knowledge and sharing their own stories, mistakes, learnings and expertise. Knowing that others have trodden a similar path can make yours seem more achievable.
TIP #2 Remember people are innately helpful
ASK for advice, help and tips. SHARE your challenges. BOUNCE ideas off of others.
Leadership Coach.
Formally engage a coach to help you build confidence, understand your strengths and value, and help you grow into your own leadership style. Through sessions, they listen, guide you and share different approaches. Amongst others, I have engaged Jac Phillips, and Cassandra Hatton, plus listened to so many on podcasts on my way to work.
TIP #3 Engage professionals
There are plenty of books, articles and podcasts available, but like many things, the ROI is higher if you commit, plus invest your time and resources. You can engage a coach to meet with you individually to tailor sessions to your needs and current situations. They can provide relevant reading lists and guide you personally. Or, you could attend group sessions, or a combination of both. Alternatively, stream your favourites via podcasts including Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, Stephen Covey, Shane Hatton, etc.
Same, Same but Different.
Changing careers can be daunting. I transitioned from recruitment into fundraising (and moved back again). Although roles and industry sectors have differences, there can also be similarities. Your experience plus transferrable skills are valuable. For instance, in recruitment, I am finding gems (researching, searching, qualifying and interviewing candidates) and connecting people (introducing to clients and managing recruitment projects) and in fundraising I am finding gems (researching and prospecting donors) and connecting people (sharing impact and asking for significant support).
TIP #4 TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
If you are applying for a role, go through each dot point and think of an example of how you can demonstrate each point, either directly or within a different situation that you can apply the learnings.
Negative Talk.
It’s just not helpful from others, or your own negative self-talk. Focus on your value and what amazing skills and attributes you bring to the world. How would others describe you? What would your colleagues, network or manager say about you… most likely, “you’ve got this!” or “you have more experience than you give yourself credit for!” or “believe in yourself, you can do it!”
TIP #5 BE RESILIENT
Remember you will not be good at everything, and to learn from the wins as well as the failures. Reflecting on your proven success, and the encouraging and positive words that others say about you.
Do the work.
You can’t become an expert overnight, so put in the hard yards and get some rungs on the board, plus study, research, read, learn and upskill.
TIP #6 BE Prepared
“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”… some people can “wing it”, many can’t. If you are well-prepared, you will feel more confident and less like a fraud.
Some final thoughts about Imposter Syndrome:
Panel on Imposter Syndrome at recent FIA Conference, L to R: Steffi Chang, Sue Parkes, June Steward, Michelle Varcoe (me) & Karen McComiskey
Many people get Imposter Syndrome. Applying for jobs, during the interview process or when starting a new role, I hear people at all levels and gender express feeling self-doubt, out of their depth or fearful. Yes, it could be lack of confidence, nerves, fear of trying something new, transitioning into a new career or starting with a different organisation… Whatever you call it, it can be traits of Imposter Syndrome according to the definition.
Even confident CEO’s get nervous and feel they don’t know what they are doing all the time. (I’ve seen this first-hand in interviews.)
When I was younger, I thought everyone in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and older would know exactly what they were doing, or where they were going with career and life… I discovered this is simply not true.
No matter what career you hold now or in the future, there will be new information, tasks, projects, systems, software, challenges and opportunities. Life is a continual journey of learning and discovery.
It’s OK to be a little out of your comfort zone. Stretch yourself a little and lean into new challenges.
And an inspiring quote for good measure, one of my favourite movie quotes delivered by Matt Damon in We Bought a Zoo…
““You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you something great will come of it.” ”