Ever felt like a fraud at work? You’re not alone. Seventy-five per cent of female executives across industries say they have experienced impostor syndrome in their careers (source: KPMG). So, what is it? And what can you do to overcome it? 

A quick intro to impostor syndrome 

Impostor syndrome has been defined as when an individual is unable to believe that they’ve earned what they’ve achieved – they’re a fraud. So, instead of success being earned from merit, hard work, and distinct capabilities, they think it’s the result of luck or good timing. It’s a concept that was first developed in the 70s during a study on high-achieving women. 

However, as the original research didn’t focus on people of colour, social biases or the workplace systems that drive discrimination and prejudice, the conversation is now starting to shift. Feeling nervous or a sense of self-doubt can be natural and normal and not necessarily a sign of impostor syndrome, especially when other factors are in play. 

Let’s look at the tech industry, for example. Research shows that over 50% of women leave the tech industry by age 35. Fifty-one per cent of them name company culture and lack of support as a contributing factor, while 52% say it’s lack of role models. 

Perhaps the way to overcome impostor syndrome is not by fixing individuals, but by creating a work environment that fosters and celebrates a variety of leadership styles and diverse identities and talents. 

How to overcome genuine impostor syndrome 

Systemic change aside, here are a few tips to help you overcome impostor syndrome in your workplace: 

1. Identify it – call it out 

Nerves are normal! But consistently intense feelings of self-doubt should be called out. Journaling and meditation are effective ways to develop self-awareness. The sooner you can identify the emotions you’re feeling, the more you can catch Impostor in the moment before it takes hold. 

2. Accept what you’re feeling 

A key strategy for developing emotional regulation and resilience is also accepting the feelings you’re feeling. Emotions are what make us human! It might be helpful to say, Right now, I am feeling … BECAUSE … 

e.g. Right now, I’m feeling scared that I will embarrass myself speaking at this event because it’s my first time and I’ll be one of ten females attending. There will be hundreds of more experienced people attending. I’m only three years into the industry and don’t have decades of expertise… I was invited to speak because I was the one who discovered…  Actually. I’m the reason this project succeeded. 

3. Make a list of your strengths 

If you find yourself creating a never-ending mental list of weaknesses, try writing an honest counter-list of your strengths and accomplishments, too. It’s important to balance your view so you don’t get pulled down by negativity. Consider asking a colleague for input: ‘What things do you think I excel at?’ 

4. Talk about it with a friend, colleague, or mentor 

As this discussion highlights, it’s with the power of community that we learn we don’t have to know it all and be all to everyone. We’re all learning and supporting each other, and any knowledge gaps are an opportunity for growth. Maybe your friend or mentor can poke holes in your internal monologue. Maybe they’ve shared a similar experience and can offer guidance for how they overcame it. Maybe just saying things out loud can help you recalibrate.