Dealing with the Imposter Syndrome

October 18, 2018

I’ve worked with a number of C-suite executives– high-ranking executives often considered the most powerful and influential members of an organization. On one occasion, I was working with a company president preparing to do his first live webcast to his organization of over 200,000 employees. About one hour before showtime, everything was set including lights and cameras, then he panicked.“Walk with me,” said the president. I could tell his demeanor had shifted from calm to hyper.
We began walking down the hall and he confided in me that he was very nervous.
“What if I bomb?” he exclaimed.

I then reassured him that he was a great presenter and he knew more about this subject than anyone in this organization. We had practiced the presentation and he was ready. Once he calmed down, we went back into the room and he did a fabulous job.

We’ve all experienced the imposter syndrome at one time or another. I remember when I got my first communications management job at 25 years old. My predecessor had left the job months before, so I was on my own. I couldn’t believe they put me in charge of three departments—public relations, volunteer coordination and the organization’s call center. Many of the employees had been there for years and were twice my age. I initially felt overwhelmed and thought that I had gotten in over my head. In addition, the voice in my head started saying things like, “Who said you could be a Director?” “Why do you think you are that good?”

The fear was paralyzing, and I worried that one day I would be found out. Quite frankly, I didn’t even know where to start. So, I took a deep breath and started going through every file in the office. I worked long hours getting up to speed. I also sent an “SOS” to my previous boss for some much-needed one-on-one coaching. I eventually gained the confidence necessary to be successful in the job and stayed for three years.

It surprised me to hear poet and author Maya Angelou share that she had written 11 books, but each time she feared that she would be found out. Despite winning three Grammys and being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, she still questioned her talent and success.

As we step out of our comfort zone, it’s not uncommon to feel this level of fear. In 1978 psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes named the fear “The Impostor Syndrome.” They described it as a feeling of “phoniness in people who believe that they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement.” It is estimated that 70% of people experience these impostor feelings at some point in their lives.

So now that we know what it’s called, how do we manage it?
Know your Talents—We often are convinced that what comes naturally to us cannot possibly be valuable to the world. When we are good at something it leads us to discount its value.

Put your Thoughts in Perspective—By understanding and acknowledging your imposter thoughts, you can more critically question them. Ask yourself, “Does that thought help or hinder me?” This way you can reframe your thoughts and think like non-imposters.

Share your thoughts with Trusted Friends or Mentors—In my case, my previous boss who was also a mentor reassured me that I could do the job and helped build my confidence during a time when I needed it.

Most people experience moments of doubt, but it’s important to not let that doubt control your actions. Remember you have talents, you are capable, and you belong.