Imposter syndrome is a common feeling that is more widespread than most people realise. Imposter syndrome is when you believe you are not good enough or you worry about your inadequacies,
According to a survey by YouGov, a staggering 66% of British people have admitted to finding it difficult to accept praise from others. Imposter syndrome can happen in any walk of life, but it is prevalent within the workplace. Some people with imposter syndrome will try to overcompensate by becoming overbearing or they might do the opposite and shrink into a shell.
Signs of Imposter Syndrome
You might not be aware you have imposter syndrome but these are some of the most common signs:
- Feeling that you are not good enough for your job, even though you have worked hard to get where you are.
- When your manager or colleagues praise you, you don’t believe the compliments.
- You hold yourself to standards that no one could achieve.
- You feel you need to constantly prove yourself, which might mean you even belittle others (most common with managers)
- Failing to grow by turning down opportunities to progress within the company.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Unfortunately, it is not easy to overcome imposter syndrome. However, there are some steps you can take to try and combat or at least, reduce these feelings.
Track Success
Take note of all your achievements, no matter how small. It might be as simple as getting a good customer review or figuring out how to work a system. You’ll be surprised at how much you have achieved within a week, without realising it.
Remember Compliments
Compliments can be few and far between in the workplace, so if you do receive them, make sure you take notes and reflect on them.
Ask for Feedback
It is worth sharing your thoughts and feelings with your manager or a close colleague as they may be able to reassure you or in the case of a manager, provide any additional training you might need. Asking for feedback can help to put your mind at ease while also allowing you to voice your feelings.
Upskill
If there are any specific gaps in your skills that you are especially concerned about, it is worth investing in some training courses. Learning can boost your confidence and help you feel more secure in your job.
Accept Opportunities
It can be easy to stay in your comfort zone, but as they say, there is no growth in a comfort zone! Learn to say yes to new opportunities, especially if it’s something that’s completely out of the box for you. The more you do this, the more your confidence will grow.
It is important to differentiate between imposter syndrome and feeling like you just can’t do or are not enjoying the job. At Inspired CVs, we can help you kick start a career move with our professional CVs, available in traditional and graphic formats. To find out more, contact us today or order your CV directly.
