Have you heard of “imposter syndrome”? Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in the workplace where individuals persistently doubt their abilities despite evidence of success. It affects people across all levels of an organization, but it’s especially common among high-achieving individuals who struggle with feelings of inadequacy and fear being “found out.” Surprisingly widespread, this topic resonated deeply at last month’s Convenience-Store Women’s event, held by CSP and Leading NOW.
How can I effectively combat Imposter Syndrome in my workplace?
The first step in addressing imposter syndrome is understanding its key characteristics. These often include self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of failure, attributing success to luck and overworking to “prove” worth. For example, you might feel underqualified during performance reviews, hesitate to accept recognition or second-guess your readiness for a new role—even when your track record shows you’re more than capable. These feelings often stem from workplace culture, high expectations, new responsibilities or identity factors, all of which can perpetuate the cycle of self-doubt.
To break free from imposter syndrome, try the following mindset shifts, practical techniques and workplace strategies:
Mindset Shifts to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
• Reframe Your Inner Narrative
Instead of attributing success to luck or external factors, practice acknowledging your skills and preparation. For instance, replace “I got lucky” with “My hard work and expertise made this possible.”
• Recognize It’s Not Just You
Remember that many successful people experience Imposter Syndrome. Knowing that even renowned leaders or accomplished colleagues have felt the same can normalize these feelings and help you move past them.
• Separate Feelings from Facts
Acknowledge feelings of inadequacy but focus on measurable achievements. For example, if you’re doubting your performance on a project, review data or feedback that highlights your contributions.
Practical Techniques to Combat Imposter Syndrome
• Catalog Your Successes
Keep a running list of your achievements, positive feedback, and milestones. When self-doubt creeps in, revisit this record to remind yourself of your capabilities. Several executives I know keep an email folder labeled “Wins,” where they save compliments and project successes.
• Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Turn to trusted colleagues or mentors for constructive feedback. Their external perspective can highlight strengths you might overlook. For example, a mentor could point out how your leadership improved team outcomes, even if you were focusing only on what didn’t go perfectly.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset
Mistakes are part of growth. Instead of seeing them as evidence of inadequacy, use them as learning opportunities. Celebrate progress and effort, like mastering a new tool or overcoming a challenge, rather than waiting for the “perfect” outcome.
Workplace Strategies to Support Yourself
• Set Realistic Goals
Break big projects into smaller, achievable steps to avoid overwhelm. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. For example, when preparing a high-stakes presentation, focus first on organizing your key points, then refining your slides, and finally rehearsing delivery.
• Engage in Continuous Learning
Invest in professional development to bolster your skills and confidence. Whether it’s attending a workshop or shadowing a colleague, remind yourself that growth is a lifelong process.
• Leverage Your Network
Build relationships with supportive peers who can offer encouragement and fresh perspectives. A strong network can help ground you during moments of self-doubt—for instance, a colleague might remind you of past successes when you’re feeling uncertain about a new challenge.
A Long-Term Solution: Redefine Success for You!
Ultimately, overcoming Imposter Syndrome requires redefining what success means on your own terms. By embracing these mindset shifts, techniques, and strategies, you can combat feelings of inadequacy and confidently step into your full potential.
To Submit a Question
If you have a question for Julia, simply submit your question to Julia.lazzara@leadingnow.biz. While we can’t promise she will be able to answer all of the questions she receives, our goal is to provide you with the insights and advice you need to have a successful career.
Julia Lazzara is the president of Leading NOW, an organization shaping the future of workplace dynamics by advocating women’s advancement and engaging male allies to bring gender balance to leadership. Leading NOW is a founding partner and educational content provider for CSP’s C-Store Women’s Event (CSW). Reach her at julia.lazzara@leadingnow.biz.
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