Is Imposter Syndrome a Threat to Your Workplace Success?

Is Imposter Syndrome a Threat to Your Workplace Success?

Successful relationships in business are dependent on good working relationships founded on mutual trust.

When people take on key roles they need to understand their responsibilities and the scope of the tasks they’re tasked with carrying out.

But what if, despite your achievements and the position you’ve reached, you don’t think you deserve it?

The Impact of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like a fraud at work and that, sooner or later, you’ll be found out.

“It is more common than you think,” explains Carri Nicholson, of CAN Do Business Solutions. “It is down to how you see the world and if you have an underlying sense of inferiority that expresses itself in you constantly questioning your self-worth”.

“Imposter Syndrome is not just about feeling an inner discomfort. It can also impede development and lead to failure”

Carri Nicholson, CAN Do Business Solutions

“You can end up avoiding situations where you believe you’re more likely to be vulnerable to exposure,” continues Carri.

“You can then end up underperforming at the very things you do best”.

The Value of Trust

Feeling like an imposter at work can impact on the individual and on relationships with others.

“Constant technological change and innovation requires many senior managers and directors to depend on others to supply the right kind of knowledge and expertise.”

“This is a trust issue and trust is more likely to be undermined if the senior person in the relationship feels uncomfortable with their status.”

“There’s a tendency for sufferers of Imposter Syndrome to try and retain too much control because they see delegation as a kind of weakness that could lead to others realising they’re not actually worthy of being in charge”

Carri Nicholson, CAN Do Business Solutions

The growth of knowledge-sharing in organisations requires greater levels of adaptability from senior members within the structure and can be a challenge to an older, strong-assertive leadership stereotype.

“People can end up hiding their fears,” Carri concludes. “Even the most successful of us can struggle with self-doubt”.

If you want the confidence to take the journey from ok to great, please contact CAN Do Business Solutions on 07443 399 088 or visit carrinicholson.com.