This week the subject of Imposter Syndrome has popped up in one-to-one sessions with colleagues, in an interview with a candidate and I managed to watch a whole webinar on the topic that affects many of us.
Interesting read Simon thanks for sharing. Everyone suffers at some point with Imposter Syndrome, once you acknowledge that you realise you’re not alone. My advice whilst coaching is, “to focus on the role and contribution to the organisation YOU make and the RESULTS YOU achieve. Recognise your self worth as a human being.” This has helped my mentorees and me to eliminate Imposter Syndrome from my world. Once you recognise your value and that your can’t control others thoughts it gets easier.
Great one, Simon, thanks for sharing. Time to time, I think that I attribute any success in my life to luck - incorrectly. This causes a massive lack of self-confidence. There were some conversations I had years ago that made me feel this way - which could be another topic about glass ceiling though :) However, I've been forcing myself to break that and manage the struggle of this syndrome since then. But I agree with James at this point 'It doesn’t seem like it’s something that ever will go away' but at least we should make it under control.
Very relatable and this is certainly familiar which I've perhaps experienced more than one of the five types listed during my career. I think overall the most debilitating aspect of the syndrome is comparing yourself to an arbitrary standard, and whilst in the technical realm I've never had the feeling I was an imposter, in regards to softskills or other non-technical aspects I certainly have. Whilst not especially a huge fan of Steve Jobs, in his 2011 "secret of life" interview with the Santa Clara Valley Historical Association he said "everything around you was created by people no smarter than you." [paraphrasing]. You could see that as trite or generic as an observation but its one of the few things he's said that really struck me. Not that you should seek or try to be better than someone who created something but that you too could do that or something like that. And once you understand that a potential outcome like that is within your grasp, the imposter in us can wither and die.
This certainly affects me, especially in situations involving external stakeholders and, when coupled with a degree of social anxiety, can leave me feeling like deadweight, to the conversation, the team and even the organisation as a whole.
Mental hygiene is hugely important, the tree analogy we've talked about is something that I intend to remind myself of before entering those situations that would otherwise cause imposter syndrome to set in.
Really enjoy seeing more about imposter syndrome. I most definitely fall in to the ‘superman’ & ‘expert’ bracket, always feeling like I don’t know enough for where I am in my career/life.
It doesn’t seem like it’s something that ever will go away having felt like this for the last 6 years (since starting in Tech), but I would most certainly say that speaking to others within the team about it has helped massively as I know lots of others now who feel the exact same. Thanks for sharing Simon 😁
Really enjoyed reading this, though I am wishing this was an open subject 20 (or more) years ago, it’s such a progressive topic. I also don’t believe it’s only a factor coming from that persons perspective or within. Fortunately, I work with leaders that encourage an environment where it’s ok to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand”. This is so important not only for those early in career where the demands of the workplace are somewhat new and overwhelming. If we just think of the multiple skills that tech companies ask for today the bar is set very high indeed. Yet sadly it’s all too easy to put someone off a rewarding career by also making them feel like an imposter. So pleased to see this being discussed and in the open. Thanks for sharing!
Good advice Simon. I find it also helps to build a network around you of honest people you trust who will never sugar coat things. They will help you see yourself differently when the doubt inevitably sets in. It’s often much easier to listen to others than it is ourselves and gives you an outside in perspective.
I also find business coaches are very good at helping people overcome this syndrome by helping them to focus on their smaller objectives along the way to their larger goals. This is helpful becuase once you achieve that seemingly impossible goal you can look back and mentally see all the hard work it took to get there.
Such a great article, I can really relate to this. Exactly as I have felt. Horrible feeling, not good enough, not technical
enough and I don’t want to be technical ! A feeling of being in the wrong space and role. Working in the current climate makes that even more difficult and enhances that feeling ten fold. I know I can add value and be an asset to the organisation however just struggling to find my place at the moment. I have spoken to several people internally and externally however as much as people tell you your good enough it doesn’t stop you questioning yourself. Nobody drives me harder or sets standards higher than myself. I am a perfectionist and like to be the ultimate professional and strive to achieve consistent value to the organisation.
Thanks for sharing Ian, and you know where I am if I can help.
I think the technology industry is particularly bad for this after learning the definition of "The Expert" type of syndrome. There is always so much more to learn in tech and you work with people more experienced in that narrow field.
Interesting read Simon thanks for sharing. Everyone suffers at some point with Imposter Syndrome, once you acknowledge that you realise you’re not alone. My advice whilst coaching is, “to focus on the role and contribution to the organisation YOU make and the RESULTS YOU achieve. Recognise your self worth as a human being.” This has helped my mentorees and me to eliminate Imposter Syndrome from my world. Once you recognise your value and that your can’t control others thoughts it gets easier.
https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/servicenow/2021/02/19/impostor-syndrome-in-the-c-suite/amp/ You published first!
Great one, Simon, thanks for sharing. Time to time, I think that I attribute any success in my life to luck - incorrectly. This causes a massive lack of self-confidence. There were some conversations I had years ago that made me feel this way - which could be another topic about glass ceiling though :) However, I've been forcing myself to break that and manage the struggle of this syndrome since then. But I agree with James at this point 'It doesn’t seem like it’s something that ever will go away' but at least we should make it under control.
Very relatable and this is certainly familiar which I've perhaps experienced more than one of the five types listed during my career. I think overall the most debilitating aspect of the syndrome is comparing yourself to an arbitrary standard, and whilst in the technical realm I've never had the feeling I was an imposter, in regards to softskills or other non-technical aspects I certainly have. Whilst not especially a huge fan of Steve Jobs, in his 2011 "secret of life" interview with the Santa Clara Valley Historical Association he said "everything around you was created by people no smarter than you." [paraphrasing]. You could see that as trite or generic as an observation but its one of the few things he's said that really struck me. Not that you should seek or try to be better than someone who created something but that you too could do that or something like that. And once you understand that a potential outcome like that is within your grasp, the imposter in us can wither and die.
This certainly affects me, especially in situations involving external stakeholders and, when coupled with a degree of social anxiety, can leave me feeling like deadweight, to the conversation, the team and even the organisation as a whole.
Mental hygiene is hugely important, the tree analogy we've talked about is something that I intend to remind myself of before entering those situations that would otherwise cause imposter syndrome to set in.
Thanks for sharing Simon, great article.
Really enjoy seeing more about imposter syndrome. I most definitely fall in to the ‘superman’ & ‘expert’ bracket, always feeling like I don’t know enough for where I am in my career/life.
It doesn’t seem like it’s something that ever will go away having felt like this for the last 6 years (since starting in Tech), but I would most certainly say that speaking to others within the team about it has helped massively as I know lots of others now who feel the exact same. Thanks for sharing Simon 😁
Really enjoyed reading this, though I am wishing this was an open subject 20 (or more) years ago, it’s such a progressive topic. I also don’t believe it’s only a factor coming from that persons perspective or within. Fortunately, I work with leaders that encourage an environment where it’s ok to say “I don’t know” or “I don’t understand”. This is so important not only for those early in career where the demands of the workplace are somewhat new and overwhelming. If we just think of the multiple skills that tech companies ask for today the bar is set very high indeed. Yet sadly it’s all too easy to put someone off a rewarding career by also making them feel like an imposter. So pleased to see this being discussed and in the open. Thanks for sharing!
Good advice Simon. I find it also helps to build a network around you of honest people you trust who will never sugar coat things. They will help you see yourself differently when the doubt inevitably sets in. It’s often much easier to listen to others than it is ourselves and gives you an outside in perspective.
I also find business coaches are very good at helping people overcome this syndrome by helping them to focus on their smaller objectives along the way to their larger goals. This is helpful becuase once you achieve that seemingly impossible goal you can look back and mentally see all the hard work it took to get there.
Agree Chris. It's important to have critical people around you, especially if you lead a large organisation.
Good to hear from you! We should catch up soon
Such a great article, I can really relate to this. Exactly as I have felt. Horrible feeling, not good enough, not technical
enough and I don’t want to be technical ! A feeling of being in the wrong space and role. Working in the current climate makes that even more difficult and enhances that feeling ten fold. I know I can add value and be an asset to the organisation however just struggling to find my place at the moment. I have spoken to several people internally and externally however as much as people tell you your good enough it doesn’t stop you questioning yourself. Nobody drives me harder or sets standards higher than myself. I am a perfectionist and like to be the ultimate professional and strive to achieve consistent value to the organisation.
Thanks for sharing Ian, and you know where I am if I can help.
I think the technology industry is particularly bad for this after learning the definition of "The Expert" type of syndrome. There is always so much more to learn in tech and you work with people more experienced in that narrow field.
Let's speak soon