Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome Strikes!

Despite clear and overwhelming success, your direct report doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".

Despite external evidence of professional competence, people on your team experiencing imposter syndrome remain convinced that they do not deserve all they have achieved.

Leaders and managers can also face imposter syndrome, but developing strategies to help employees remove this particular obstacle can help build the confidence we need to overcome our own struggles.

So, How can leaders empower others to overcome imposter syndrome?

"Triple A" should always be Step 1

• 💛 (A) Acknowledge

• 💛 (A) Align

• 💛 (A) Assure

1.1 Acknowledge your employee's experience

- The imposter syndrome they are experiencing is real to them.

1.2 Align and show empathy for what they are experiencing

- If possible, share your own story so they feel connected and not alone. Leaders should be careful not to overshadow the employee.

1.3 Assure your employee that they are supported

- As managers, we are tasked to direct work and remove obstacles so our teams can be successful, whatever the obstacles happen to be.

"Recognition" should be a recurring Step 2

When leaders and people managers regularly take notice of positive actions and care enough to recognize your team's strengths and the positive impacts they have, your direct reports are more likely to build the confidence needed when imposter syndrome strikes!