Episode 41: How the Imposter Syndrome may be affecting your work

According to psychology today, "people who struggle with imposter syndrome, believe that they are undeserving of their achievements. They feel that they aren't as competent or intelligent as others might think. They think people will discover the truth about them and this truth will be the opposite of what the people actually believe. Those with imposter syndrome are often well accomplished. They may even hold high office or have numerous academic degrees."

The imposter syndrome is a term coined by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance in the 1980s. 

In fact, at the very beginning of research on imposter syndrome, it was only associated with high achieving women. Research subsequently found that over 70% of us suffer with imposter syndrome at some point.  In fact, if you are a high achiever, the research suggests that you are 25 to 30% more likely to suffer from this imposture syndrome.

In this episode Michel discusses mindset, mentorship and other strategies to address the imposture syndrome. 

She shares the story of Paul, a senior IT engineer, who has very strong communicator skills and a great ability to deliver presentations. Paul is admired by his peers and clients but doesn't agree with their assessment of his abilities because he suffers from the imposter syndrome. 

Michel suggests that our ability to accurately assess ourselves will give us a better, more holistic view of our strengths, our talents alongside the areas that we need to improve.

When an organization has high achievers like Paul within it who have great skills and competencies and are held back by the imposter syndrome, it impacts Paul, it impacts his teammates and the organization.

Please go to UpSkillCommunity.com to review show notes and join a community of leaders investing in better understanding themselves so they can address the imposter syndrome in their work and lives.