What is imposter syndrome?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Imposter syndrome is the feeling of self-doubt that individuals experience about their work accomplishments. They believe they don\u2019t deserve their jobs or success or that they can never meet others\u2019 expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, they feel like imposters or frauds at the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also known as imposter phenomenon or imposter experience, imposter syndrome at work is quite common. In fact, a systematic review<\/a> discovered that while the numbers vary, imposter syndrome affects as many as 82% of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the term \u201csyndrome\u201d, imposter syndrome is not a diagnosable disorder of any kind, according to Carolyn Herfurth<\/a>. Carolyn is a co-founder of Impostor Syndrome Institute, who we had the chance to speak to about the subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how Carolyn defines imposter syndrome:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s this belief that millions of people worldwide share \u2014 that they are not as talented, intelligent, capable, or qualified as others think they are. And, the fascinating thing about it, is that these feelings exist despite all the evidence of our accomplishments \u2014 diplomas, awards, business growth, promotion.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n While the term was first described in the late 70s by researchers Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes<\/a>, many studies conducted since then point to the fact that imposter syndrome is real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the American Psychological Association<\/a>, psychologists view imposter syndrome as a \u201cvery real and specific form of intellectual self-doubt<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, not everyone agrees with this view. For instance, authors Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey<\/a> argue that the loss of self-confidence women experience is not due to imposter syndrome but to the exclusion and bias they face at work.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though the authors focus on women in their study, it\u2019s important to note that both men and women experience imposter syndrome at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Women in Tech report<\/a> suggests that a lack of confidence is one of the biggest reasons women choose not to work in the tech sector, with male dominance in the industry cited as the top reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the debate over whether imposter syndrome is real continues, recognizing the indicators and signs is the first step toward overcoming these negative feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 4 pillars of imposter syndrome refer to the 4 traits that are typical for imposter syndrome. As described by Clare Josa<\/a>, keynote speaker, author of several books, and a global authority on imposter syndrome, these are the four traits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Struggling to identify these traits within yourself? The following section outlines easily recognizable signs of imposter syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 10 questions that can help you know if you have imposter syndrome<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you answered \u2018yes\u2019 to all or some of these questions, you probably have imposter syndrome at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still not sure if you suffer from the imposter phenomenon? Dr. Pauline Rose Clance created a test<\/a> that can help you find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While no individuals with imposter syndrome may feel the same way, the most common feelings can include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n It can feel like a toxic voice in your head, constantly telling you, “you’re a fraud,\u201d or \u201cyou don\u2019t deserve the praise.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even when people with imposter syndrome succeed at work, they feel like they faked their way to it and fear that it\u2019s just a matter of time before others at work realize it. This is also true of celebrities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, Emma Watson<\/a> said in a Vanity Fair interview: \u201cI\u2019m so wrong for this job because I\u2019m too serious; I\u2019m a pain in the ass; I\u2019m difficult; I don\u2019t fit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n People with imposter syndrome often experience deep self-hatred, anxiety, and loss of self-confidence, according to Christina Helena<\/a>, a TEDx speaker and public speaking coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When people treat these negative narratives as a fact, it can prevent them from taking up new challenges, moving forward, or living a life aligned with their values. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This brings us to the next question: what causes imposter syndrome?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked Carolyn Herfurth, who works on educating executives and employees worldwide on imposter syndrome, to tell us more about the main triggers for the imposter syndrome at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Carolyn bases her answers on the book by Valerie Young, another co-founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute, The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carolyn points out that one of the causes of the imposter syndrome are family messages and expectations \u2014 i.e. how different families have different expectations from their children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet\u2019s say that you\u2019re the kid who comes home with 4 As and one B on your report card. And your family\u2019s response is: \u2018What is that B doing there?\u2019 So, that might create the message that everything you do has to be perfect. And all the kid really wants is praise \u2014 because, for kids, praise is like oxygen.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Carolyn adds, other families may have different reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn another family, when you come home with straight As, your family may not even acknowledge that. It might be so because, for this family, success is defined as you growing up to be part of a family business. Or, just getting married and popping up grandkids. Or going into the military. It\u2019s always a little different.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Another cause is the confidence gap between genders \u2014 people who identify as men and people who identify as women (while sex refers to our biological differences, gender involves a broad spectrum \u2014 \u201chow a person identifies<\/em><\/a>\u201d). According to Carolyn, the lack of confidence tends to affect younger women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen they\u2019re in their 20s or 30s, women don\u2019t have as much confidence as men. They get a little more confident in their 40s and 50s, and by their 60s, women are like: \u2018We\u2019re more confident than men.\u2019 \u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Is your culture inclusive? That\u2019s another aspect to consider when talking about the main causes of the imposter experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Carolyn puts it, cultural identity (or lack of it) can influence one\u2019s sense of belonging at the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you walk into a room and nobody else looks like you or sounds like you, you\u2019re not going to feel the same sense of belonging as you might when you walk into a room where everybody does look and sound like you.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Carolyn highlights that diversity also refers to different age groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cValerie did a talk on Facebook. When she asked people: \u2018Have you ever felt underestimated because you were the youngest person in the room or the oldest person in the room\u2019, the thirty-year-olds raised their hands about feeling underestimated, as the oldest people in the room. So, it\u2019s all relative.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to learn the secrets of building a cohesive team? Check out this blog post for tips and insights on team management:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While imposter syndrome is common across industries, people working in specific industries, like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), are more likely to experience the phenomenon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carolyn elaborates that the pressure of having to keep up with technology developments in the field can trigger feelings of inadequacy or a lack of belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople in tech often feel like they have to keep up with all the latest technology developments \u2014 and that\u2019s impossible. People in fields like STEM might have a sense of that.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n According to Valerie Young\u2019s research, there are 5 types of imposter syndrome:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of imposter focuses on how<\/strong> <\/em>something is done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even a minor mistake \u2014 no matter the fact that the rest of the performance is impeccable \u2014 can make this imposter feel failure and shame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of us have come across Perfectionists, such as Aasha Foster, a PhD student at Columbia University. She shared her story in the American Psychological Association article we previously mentioned: <\/p>\n\n\n\n “I have certainly been accused of being a perfectionist and obsessing over details until I get nudged to finally let it go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite \u201cbending over backwards\u201d to ensure perfection, Aasha says she is never sure of the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike the Perfectionist, the Expert aims attention to what<\/strong> and how much they know<\/strong> or can do<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since Experts believe that they should know everything, when mistakes occur, even minor ones, they experience shame and failure. Despite working for years in their field and acquiring specialized skills, Experts feel they are incapable of handling their job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s see what the Expert feels like with this example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The executive director of a donor group that prioritizes animal welfare, Mikaela Saccoccio<\/a>, avoided speaking at events and writing blogs on her company\u2019s philanthropic work. She did so because she felt she would be \u201ctaking space away<\/em>\u201d from more experienced and knowledgeable animal advocates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The primary concern for Soloists is who<\/strong> performs tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They think that they should do everything on their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As an example, Valerie Young talks about the traits of a Soloist using Diane, a new project manager, in her book. As the first woman in her company to take on this role, Diane felt the pressure of being in a job mostly held by men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When faced with a tough project, Diane didn’t seek help, fearing it would make her seem incapable. This led her to overwork, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night. This harmed the project and, more importantly, her health, ultimately leading to her taking medical leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like Diane, Soloists believe that asking for help, tutoring, or coaching, clearly indicates failure that causes shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prioritize mental health at the workplace with our detailed guide. Explore your options, learn how to recognize the need and ask for this crucial break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Natural Genius, it\u2019s important to know how<\/strong> and when they’ll accomplish<\/strong> their goals. This type of imposter believes that finishing a task quickly is a sign of one\u2019s competence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, struggling to improve skills or failing to finish an assignment on the first try means failure for them, which further causes shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s explain this with an example. John did well in his previous role in his company and got promoted to a managerial position. But, when he attends the team meeting, he realizes that he has to learn complex skills to succeed at his new role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As learning the new skills took considerable time, John feels ashamed that he is not naturally adept in his new managerial role and that he is incompetent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Superhumans focus on how many roles they can juggle<\/strong> and be successful in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These roles usually include being:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, a Superhuman who is a brilliant project manager wants to excel at writing, public speaking, and marketing as well. Or, take the case of Lotta Sampson-Stone<\/a>, a single mother and a student who feels the pressure of being perfect at everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am quite critical of myself as a single parent. I am conscious of trying to portray myself online and to my family as the perfect mother and now at university, I also want to be a perfect student. It can be hard to juggle everything.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When Superhumans fail in some areas, they feel ashamed \u2014 because they believe they need to excel in all roles at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Try Clockify by CAKE.com today<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve seen that many employees feel like frauds at some point in their lives, the obvious question is \u2014 how to fight imposter syndrome at work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, in the following lines, we gathered some invaluable tips from experts on how to get over imposter syndrome at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Carolyn](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carolyn-Herfurth-a-co-founder-of-Impostor-Syndrome-Institute-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIs imposter syndrome real or fake?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the 4 P’s of imposter syndrome?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
How do I know I have imposter syndrome?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What does imposter syndrome feel like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What causes imposter syndrome? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cause #1: Family messages and expectations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCause #2: Confidence gaps between genders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCause #3: A lack of inclusivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Cause #4: Increased work pressure in specific industries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe 5 types of impostor syndrome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"5](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-Types-of-Impostors.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nImposter type #1: The Perfectionist <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Imposter type #2: The Expert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Imposter type #3: The Soloist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Imposter type #4: The Natural Genius<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Imposter type #5: The Superhuman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
8 expert tips for overcoming imposter syndrome at work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Expert tip #1: Recognize your emotions and make a list of accomplishments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Amy](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Amy-Clark-Founder-and-Executive-Coach-at-Growth-Minded-Leadership-Group.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Claire](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Claire-Randall-the-Human-Resources-Director-at-Heat-Pump-Source.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dr.-Gena-Cox-an-organizational-psychologist.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n