15.06.2023

SUCCESS TECHNIQUES: HOW TO DEAL WITH THE IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Imposter syndrome is a trap that many of us often fall into. It's an inner voice that tells us that our insecurities are because we're not good enough, and eventually, one day, everyone will understand that. He makes us believe that one failure is more important than all the successes.

It's an all-too-common phenomenon faced by professional athletes, scientists, experts at the top of their fields, and 75% of women in leadership positions, according to a recent study.

This strong level of doubt in our own abilities discourages us and hinders our ability to make authentic decisions. It disrupts our productivity and leads to burnout. Even worse, when we convince ourselves that we're not good enough and should just "fake it till we make it," we focus our energy on covering up our insecurities and waste the time we need to learn and we grow. This is bad news for businesses and individuals alike.

What exactly is imposter syndrome and what does it look like in practice?

Imposter syndrome was first identified and named by clinical psychologists Pauline Rose Clans and Susan Ames in 1978. Although not an official diagnosis, this phenomenon is widely recognized among mental health professionals as a very real form of self-doubt. his abilities. The syndrome is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, and it affects all kinds of people in a variety of situations.

Unfortunately, imposter syndrome is also something that most of us keep deep within us, making it hard to spot — especially in the workplace. However, there are some telltale signs. An example of this is the type of perfectionism where an employee is hesitant to share progress on a task or give feedback. Another warning sign that someone is deeply insecure is an unwillingness to share ideas, ask questions, or ask for help when needed. Many who suffer from imposter syndrome also have a fixed mindset, believing that a person's traits and talents are static. These people often think that if they work hard at something, it means they are not naturally good at it and it is okay to give up. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can prevent people from realizing their full potential. However, it's important to note that it doesn't have to go that far.

Every leader always cares about his team. Supporting our employees through their toughest struggles and during their greatest successes is the most important thing a leader can do. It is his job to ensure their growth if they have sunk into self-doubt. Here are three key strategies that will allow you to overcome imposter syndrome:

Normalize errors and fluctuations

The idea that your success is somehow due to luck and that you are not really as competent as your peers is a thought that creeps into most people's minds. Sometimes this coincides with certain challenges, such as difficulty learning a new skill or making a mistake. It can also occur against the background of success. Remind yourself regularly that many people (even Olympic gold medalists) experience these feelings of self-doubt. It is also useful to emphasize that pursuing ambitious goals goes hand in hand with making mistakes. When things go wrong, we have a choice. One option is to adopt a growth mindset—to learn from the situation and move forward with new knowledge. The other option is to let this stumbling block stop us completely.

Promote a culture of psychological safety

The mindset needed to maintain a happy and high-performing team is only possible when people feel psychologically safe in the workplace. When employees are afraid to be authentic, give honest feedback, and make mistakes, they won't be willing to take risks, learn new skills, or solve problems. To allow their employees to be vulnerable, take risks, and grow, a leader must support and protect them as needed. This means giving them the support they need to learn, grow and be themselves.

Celebrate successes and achievements regularly

Both at home and at work, people love to celebrate. We believe in scoring victories, be they big or small, at the earliest opportunity. There will always be challenges and setbacks to overcome, which makes counting even the small successes so important. Whether that means mentioning a job well done during a team meeting, meeting one-on-one with an outstanding employee who deserves praise, we know from experience how important it is for people to be recognized for their successes. This helps them gain the confidence they need to continue to develop over time.

Imposter syndrome and a lack of psychological security can prevent even the most capable people from realizing their full potential. Since a leader must take care of his team, it is necessary that they have the opportunity not only to thrive at work, but also to develop. We know that empathetic and effective communication, as well as building a psychologically safe environment, is an important part of this.