What are the 5 types of imposter syndrome?
The 5 types of impostor syndrome #1: The Expert, #2: The Super Woman/Man, #3: The Perfectionist, #4: The Soloist, #5: The Natural genius
5 Strategies for Managing Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace
Impostor Syndrome can be one of the most difficult of personal challenges, but it is an important one to address. For anyone who has ever felt the nagging self-doubt of Impostor Syndrome, it can be overwhelming – when it is rarely talked about, it can be difficult to even know where to start. Fortunately, there are practical, actionable steps that you can take to address Impostor Syndrome and gain control over your self-doubt and your career. Here are 5 strategies for managing Impostor Syndrome in the workplace.
1.) Own Your Accomplishments
The first step in managing Impostor Syndrome is to own your accomplishments. This means recognizing and acknowledging the successes that you’ve achieved, no matter how small. This can involve acknowledging the small wins like staying on top of a project, completing a challenge, or organizing an event. It can also involve giving yourself credit for bigger successes, like promotions or giving presentations. When you start to recognize the successes you make, you can start to understand that they weren’t flukes – they are the result of hard work, dedication and skill.
2.)Set Realistic Goals
Once you’ve begun to recognize your accomplishments, setting realistic goals can help push you towards success. Trying to do too much too soon can be overwhelming, which can make Impostor Syndrome even worse. Breaking goals down into smaller pieces makes them more attainable and lessens the intensity of overwhelm. You can set long-term goals to focus on the big picture, but also make sure to set smaller, achievable goals that you can work towards. This can help you to feel that you are making progress towards your larger goals, which will help you to build the confidence you need to succeed.
3.) Participate in Self-Development Activities
Self-development activities can be a great way to manage Impostor Syndrome in the workplace. You can participate in activities that target different aspects of your life, such as your career path, your relationships, your health and wellness, or your communication skills. You can attend seminars and workshops, or even just read articles or watch TED talks that help you learn more about topics related to success. When you start to open yourself up to learning and development, it can help you to believe in your own worth and capabilities, so you can start to reduce the fear of failure associated with Impostor Syndrome.
4.) Talk to a Mentor or Coach
Another great strategy for managing Impostor Syndrome in the workplace is to talk to a mentor or coach. Talking to someone who is experienced and knowledgeable on the subject can help to provide you with valuable insight and outside perspective on how to tackle Impostor Syndrome. It can also be helpful to talk to someone in the same situation as you, as they may be able to understand and relate to your feelings in a way that your friends and family may not. By talking to someone who can offer a different perspective, you can learn more about yourself, your capabilities, and the strategies that you can use to help manage and conquer your Impostor Syndrome.
5.) Celebrate Your Successes
Finally, it’s important to take the time to celebrate your successes. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can help to reinforce the idea that you are capable and deserving of success. You can take the time to recognize and appreciate the hard work that you put in, and reframe any setbacks as learning experiences. Celebrating your successes can also help to boost your mood and energy, and can motivate you to push forward and continue to work towards your goals.
Next Steps
Now that we have covered the 5 Strategies for Managing Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace, the next steps that you can take to further your understanding and to start putting these strategies into practice can include:
- Make a plan – Put together an actionable plan with measurable goals and tasks that you can work towards.
- Do research and read up – Look into Impostor Syndrome further and read up on what other successful people have done to conquer their self-doubt.
- Find a support system – Reach out to people who have been through similar experiences, or find a mentor or coach who can help you to tackle your Impostor Syndrome.
- Practice what you learn – Put the strategies that you learn into practice and focus on developing your self-confidence and building your capabilities.
Resources
For further exploration and research, here are some resources and articles to start with:
- 3 Keys to Managing Impostor Syndrome (Psychology Today)
- 6 Strategies for Managing Impostor Syndrome (Harvard Business Review)
- 7 Things You Need to Know if You Suffer from Impostor Syndrome (Inc)
- How To Overcome Impostor Syndrome (Mind Body Green)