Imposter syndrome and how to deal with it at work

Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that can affect many people in the workplace, even highly competent and professionally successful professionals.

What is impostor syndrome?

Impostor syndrome is recognized as a psychological disorder that affects people in various areas of activity.

In a professional context, the syndrome usually affects people who are highly qualified for their positions but have difficulty recognizing this.

Therefore, these professionals who have impostor syndrome do not recognize themselves as deserving of their professional and often even personal achievements.

Since they do not believe that such an achievement was the result of their effort or ability, but rather of other factors, such as help from other people or even luck.

That's why those who suffer from impostor syndrome live in a constant mix of feelings, such as insecurity, low self-esteem, perfectionism, feelings of inferiority and apprehension about believing they are a fraud in the face of their achievements.

Furthermore, the main symptoms that indicate impostor syndrome are:

Self-depreciation

Which is triggered by being so self-demanding and by an incessant search to please everyone;

Feeling of not belonging

Because they think they never deserve to be where they are, even leading to separation from groups;

Procrastination

THE procrastination In this case, it is due to perfectionism, since the professional lives in fear of being criticized, he creates the habit of postponing tasks;

Self-sabotage

Triggered by insecurity, they create mechanisms that allow them to escape from experiences that they do not feel comfortable being part of or carrying out.

Ingratitude and the impostor syndrome

This happens because people don't believe they can be good at something. People who suffer from impostor syndrome have difficulty accepting that other people see their qualities, which is why they can't accept a compliment.

Self-criticism

In this case, in excess, as the syndrome leads the person to criticize and punish everything they do, completely losing the ability to use mistakes as a learning experience.

Fear of exposure

This fear arises due to fear of judgment; the person suffering from the syndrome always seeks to avoid exposure and going unnoticed.

Comparison

It is one of the main symptoms of those who suffer from impostor syndrome, as it is practically a rule that the person only sees the good qualities of others and never their own. And this puts them in a constant search for a perfection that does not exist.

Causes of impostor syndrome

There can be many causes that lead to the development of impostor syndrome, such as family upbringing, past experiences and social pressures.

All of this can be related to and contribute to trauma and the formation of a self-critical and perfectionist individual marked by insecurity and excessive demands.

And all of this, combined with a predisposed tendency towards self-sabotage in the individual, can cause impostor syndrome.

How to deal with impostor syndrome?

If you have identified some of these symptoms or have even identified that you suffer from the syndrome, we have some practical tips that can help you deal with it.

List positive things about yourself, such as skills and accomplishments, even if they are small they have value;
Seek feedback from people you like and respect, this way you will know that they will be sincere and will help you see your efforts;
Avoid comparisons with other people;
Seek to accept, assume and use your mistakes as a way of learning and not as a failure;
Learn to receive compliments, every achievement is worth a lot;
Don't be shy about asking for advice and help, this will only help your development.

Imposter syndrome in the workplace

As incredible as it may seem, impostor syndrome usually affects people who are very competent in what they undertake to do.

And this can have a huge negative impact on the work environment, as the insecurity transmitted to coworkers can lead to demotivation across an entire team.

Therefore, be aware of the main disadvantages that impostor syndrome can cause at work:

Loss of opportunities

A leadership position and new challenges result in increased responsibilities.

And people who suffer from this syndrome avoid facing these situations for fear of not being able to meet the team's expectations, and consequently miss out on opportunities.

Overload

If you suffer from impostor syndrome, you probably have difficulty saying no to things that are requested.

And this often creates an overload, since you need to show that you will be able to do everything that is asked of you, otherwise you will be seen as incapable.

This way, priorities are left aside as you are willing to do even what you know you won't have time to deliver.

Low productivity

With difficulty organizing tasks due to overload, professionals with the syndrome find themselves with an accumulation of tasks and, as a result, will have low productivity.

Constant dissatisfaction

Due to perfectionism, the professional is never satisfied with his achievements.

And you always have the feeling that you could have done more or better.

Mental exhaustion

In certain cases, when impostor syndrome is not diagnosed and treated correctly, it can develop into a more serious condition.

In other words, if the syndrome is not treated properly, it can lead to mental exhaustion and even depression.

Professional help

Therefore, if you have identified some of the symptoms and are having difficulty dealing with them, it is always important to seek help from a professional.

Some companies already have professionals who can help diagnose and treat impostor syndrome.

So be sure to seek help if you notice any of the symptoms before they get worse.

Conclusion

As we can see, it is very important that impostor syndrome is diagnosed and treated carefully, as it can have negative impacts on professional and personal life.

Therefore, if you identify the characteristics and symptoms, be sure to seek specialized care and do not self-sabotage your mental health.

Always remember that a good professional seeks to be in constant evolution and development, so value your achievements!

Given that

I am a member of the O Administrador team and I produce content about career, personal finance, financial education, productivity, and professional development. My goal is to share clear and practical information to help readers with their day-to-day decisions.

April 23, 2023

Career