How to Recognise and Overcome Imposter Syndrome

I have been in many meetings, surrounded by talented and experienced colleagues. I've worked hard to get into the room, but instead of feeling proud, I’ve been bothered by a single thought: “What if I’m not as capable as they think I am?”.

It’s happened to me in coaching sessions, mentoring calls and even 1:1’s. “What if this is the day that I get found out”. My experience? A fluke. My past success? Overrated. 

I’ve been convinced that it’s only a matter of time before someone exposes me as a fraud. 

Sound familiar? 

This is the voice of imposter syndrome—a persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite clear evidence of competence and success. It’s an insidious phenomenon that affects people across all industries, from students to CEOs. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to silence that inner critic for good.

I’ve encountered Imposter Syndrome in others, through management and coaching, and have found some practical steps that have helped. 

Let’s dive into what imposter syndrome is, how to identify it, and some practical strategies to overcome it.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Coined in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, imposter syndrome refers to the internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It is not a clinical diagnosis but a psychological pattern, often linked to perfectionism, fear of failure, or comparisons with others.

Imposter syndrome manifests in various ways, including:

• Persistent self-doubt: Questioning your skills and accomplishments, even when evidence shows otherwise.
• Fear of exposure: Worrying that others will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think.
• Attributing success to external factors: Believing your achievements are due to luck, timing, or others’ help rather than your own effort or talent.
• Overworking: Feeling the need to over-prepare or overdeliver to compensate for perceived inadequacies.
• Downplaying achievements: Dismissing accomplishments as insignificant or undeserved.

Who Experiences Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate.

It affects individuals regardless of gender, age, or background, although studies suggest that women and minority groups may experience it more frequently due to societal expectations and pressures.

High achievers, perfectionists, and those stepping into new roles or industries are often vulnerable. 

For instance, a newly appointed manager might feel unprepared for leadership, or a successful engineer might believe their success is a fluke.

Even accomplished names like Michelle Obama and Halla Tómosdóttir, The President of Iceland have admitted to feeling like imposters at times.

How to Identify Imposter Syndrome

Recognising the signs of imposter syndrome is the first step towards overcoming it. Ask yourself:

• Do you often doubt your abilities, despite positive feedback?
• Do you fear being “exposed” as a fraud?
• Do you attribute success to luck or external factors?
• Do you set unrealistically high standards for yourself?
• Do you feel unworthy of your accomplishments?

If you answered yes to several of these, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome.

The good news is that it’s manageable with the right strategies.