Imposter Syndrome: Your Flawed Self-Perception Limits Career Success

Download Complete Article on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Despite a mountain of evidence that demonstrates we are skilled and capable—positive work reviews, promotions, awards, pats on the back—imposter syndrome leads us to doubt our abilities, attribute our successes to luck or chance, and make us feel it’s only a matter of time before we’re discovered as frauds.

Imposter syndrome is common. Early research on this topic estimated that 70 percent of people feel like fakes at some point. First observed as a phenomenon in high-achieving women, imposter syndrome has since been identified in both women and men. Subsequent research has revealed higher incidence (or at least more admissions about feeling this way) in younger workers, minorities, individuals working in fields where they have previously been excluded, and some medical professionals. 

Imposter syndrome is not the same as a lack of self-confidence. This psychological pattern has become a popular topic recently leading to confusion on its meaning. It is not synonymous with the lack of confidence or self-doubt caused by genuine limitations. Instead, it’s an incorrect assessment of ones’ abilities compared to peers.

Imposter syndrome holds some people back. Many people who fall prey to imposter syndrome are successful at work, despite their self-perceived fraudulence, but they are unable to fully enjoy their success. For some, constantly feeling like intellectual frauds can hamper job performance, job and career satisfaction, and career progress. It can cause workaholism and perfectionism, and it ultimately leads to job burnout. Still others react with avoidance tactics by sparingly highlighting their accomplishments, and ducking salary negotiations, new assignments or promotional opportunities, which keeps them from achieving to their potential. 

How can we confront imposter syndrome? While many people achieve success despite authenticity doubts, knowing how to overcome these feelings could help them internalize accomplishments and feel more satisfaction and less stress at work. Organizations can and should help employees by being aware of the signs of imposter syndrome and the current business trends that are thought to exacerbate it. Interventions can help employees achieve fair pay and promotions, develop greater job satisfaction and commitment, helping them to be strong performers long term.