Sandra Patel-Stewart
1st February 2023
For ages now, I have wanted to write my thoughts on Imposter Syndrome, how it has affected me and how it makes me feel. One of my ‘new years resolutions’ is to be more open about my emotions and not lock them in, hoping to inspire others to express theirs and get it off their chest.
For me, imposter syndrome never goes away. It’s how I criticise myself, even though I am tough on myself about my leadership failures, which is the hallmark of Imposter Syndrome, wildly sweeping declarative insults that are patently untrue.
Imposter Syndrome feels uncomfortable and unpleasant, but that’s not the real problem. Anyone can put up with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity for a while. The real problems occur when Imposter Syndrome causes you to stop trying, to back off or to quit, and trust me, there have been times when I have wanted to hang in the towel because I doubted my ability.
Many leaders are perceived as competent, confident, and having direction. But what if that’s not the case? It turns out that feeling that you’re incapable and not equipped for your position is familiar, and I am not the only one who suffers.
According to the International Journal of Behavioral Science, over 70% of people reported feeling like an imposter at some point in their careers.
My advice?
Try channelling the anxiety for good — put it to use in your way and let it motivate you. I use these feelings to fuel my ambition for excellent work that makes a difference and reminds me that everyone needs to feel comfortable to do their best work.
Understand that you’ll never truly get over it, and that’s OK. It’s part of who you are. I think about my Imposter Syndrome constantly, but I also know I can’t let it hold me back.
Lean into your support group. I don’t know what I would do without my leadership team; they give me positive and critical feedback and praise when needed. We can be our own worst critics; sometimes you need that res-assurance to say, “well done, keep going” I am very grateful to them. Your support group can also be your network, like-minded others, familiar faces, and your family and friends.
My final, which I have only learned to do recently, is vulnerable and transparent. It builds trust immediately and creates psychological safety.
Instead of being fearful of making mistakes and taking on challenges at the office because you don’t want to make a mistake or fail, you should reframe failure and mistakes as learning opportunities. Acknowledge the fact that no success endures without loss: it is the mistakes and failures that create new opportunities that make you wiser and more competent. Failure has only one explanation: it shows you’re daring and stepping out of your comfort zone.
If any of my network ever wants to talk about imposter syndrome, my door is always open for a chat or coffee. Over the years, I have found this very hard to overcome, but I have found the above coping mechanisms helpful.