Imposter Syndrome
Written by: Tom Paine, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Imposter Syndrome is often triggered by new experiences. Starting a new job, getting promoted, trying something different for the first time.
These are typical trigger points for a condition that affects more people than you might think.
Take when you get promoted, it feels fantastic at the time. You get the recognition you’ve been searching for and you may even get a pay rise.
However, this experience can knock your confidence, suddenly. It can have a long-lasting negative effect. And this manifests by feeling like you shouldn’t be in the position that you’re in, you fear that someone is going to give you a tap on the shoulder at some point, saying: “we’ve made a mistake, can you return to your old position?”.
So, how does this unwanted situation happen?
Well, high performers can get anxious about their performance, just like anyone. And worrying what others think of them, is not uncommon either.
For example, these feelings come up when you’re invited into a new meeting full of very senior people, it can trigger feelings of imposter syndrome.
This is the opposite mindset to the one that got these people promoted in the first place.
I’ve coached several Directors this year who had lost their confidence. After being promoted, they’d become uncomfortable in their skin. Without warning, they started to keep their ideas to themselves. Because they were experiencing imposter syndrome, they feared giving their opinions.
They felt like they had to start again. Prove themselves again.
So why is this a problem?
Well, feeling like you shouldn’t be in certain meetings, because you are new, doesn’t stack up to the reality of the situation. It just doesn’t.
These high performers are in these highly paid positions because they hit targets and act as role models.
And because you now lack the confidence to behave proactively, this then affects your performance. It affects how others view your competency in your new position.
So how do I help to cure these feelings and get them back on the road to success?
Well, to start with, I discuss situations that flare up the feelings of being an imposter. The feeling of being a fraud in the role that you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Believe it or not, it’s a lot of speaking up in meetings. Contributing your ideas or strategy, instead of some of the things they are being spoon-fed.
Once again, this is not a quick fix, and recovery is dramatically improved after engaging with a coach. Talking through situations where imposter syndrome can manifest is the first step to identifying what to work on.
And this is a temporary state that can be changed by taking the right action. Reshaping your belief system around how to behave in your new post is also a critical step, and hiring a coach who can help you to navigate through this challenge could be the best move that you make.
Tom Paine, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Tom Paine is a Certified Life Coach, offering expertise in resilience, confidence growth, and relationship management. Professionally, Tom spent ten years working in the Recruitment sector. He built an excellent reputation as a specialist IT Consultant, eventually becoming a Business Manager, leading sales teams responsible for £8m annual turnover for global and SME organizations, relocating to London and Manchester. Tom’s sales team operated at 18 staff at its peak, ranging from Junior Consultants to Principals, Managers, and Team Leaders. Tom coaches people based on their needs, supporting them to overcome restrictions in their life. Tom's clients experience a renewed sense of confidence, well-being, and energy, enabling them to take control of their lives, to start living with happiness and fulfillment. He blends corporate experience, spirituality, and goal setting to fantastic effect.
