Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace
Impostor syndrome is a phenomenon that is experienced by many individuals in the workplace. It is a feeling of inadequacy or dishonesty, in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and feels like a fraud, despite evidence of their competence. This impostor syndrome can affect people of all ages, gender, and profession.
The problem with impostor syndrome is the vast majority of people who experience it, do not realize that they have it. Instead of recognizing that their self-doubt is misplaced, they may attribute their achievements to good luck, the work of others, or just plain fakery. Individuals who suffer from impostor syndrome often feel like they are not deserving of their job, promotion, or accolades. They experience anxiety, depression, and stress at the workplace. If left unaddressed, it can take a toll on mental and physical health and may become a significant factor in one’s career.
Here are some tips to recognize and overcome impostor syndrome in the workplace:
Acknowledge and identify: The first step is to acknowledge that the feeling of inadequacy exists. Identifying the symptoms of impostor syndrome can help an individual to find out whether they are struggling or not. Symptoms may include self-doubt, anxiety and obsessing over previously completed work, feeling like an imposter, or fear of being found out. Contact with a mental health professional can help one to recognize the root cause of their impostor syndrome.
Celebrate your accomplishments: Stop and acknowledge your accomplishments. Write down your achievements, recognize your role in reaching the goals or projects. Taking time to appreciate your contribution will help to reevaluate perception of ‘being fraud’ to ‘contributing team member’.
Turn negative self-talk to positive affirmations: Impostor syndrome is usually perpetrated by negative self-talk, which involves a lot of terms such as ‘not good enough,’ ‘can’t handle it,’ ‘I’m a fraud.’ Flip that negative self-talk into a positive affirmation such as ‘I deserve to be here,’ ‘I have done this before, and I can do it again,’ ‘I am a valuable part of the team.’.
Find a mentor: Having a positive role model who you can talk to and who can support and encourage can help you develop self-confidence. A mentor can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and guide you with the right feedback, which can help you to assess your potential for growth.
The final word
Impostor syndrome is a common phenomenon around the globe. It happens to both freshers and seasoned employees in any company. It’s vital to be aware of the symptoms and ways to overcome it. With the help of counselling, therapy, or self-help tips, one can develop the right mindset to overcome it. Remember, impostor syndrome is not always healthy, and getting support can help achieve success in career or workplace environment.
