Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

“I’m not good enough.” “They’ll figure out I don’t belong here.”  If these thoughts have ever echoed in your mind, you are not alone. Imposter Syndrome affects high-achieving individuals across industries.

What is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter Syndrome is the ongoing belief that you are a fraud, despite evidence of your skills and achievements. It’s not a recognised medical condition, but its emotional impact is real: anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout.

It often shows up as:

• Perfectionism: Believing that anything less than flawless is a failure.
• Discounting success: Attributing achievements to luck or timing.
• Fear of exposure: Worrying others will “find out” you are not qualified.
• Overworking: Striving to “prove” your worth through relentless effort.

Why It Happens — Especially at Work

The workplace can amplify imposter feelings, especially when:

• You are new to a role or transitioning careers.
• You belong to an underrepresented group and feel the pressure to “represent.”
• You work in high-stakes environments such as social work, healthcare, or leadership.
• You are among accomplished peers, sparking comparison.

Even within supportive teams, internal narratives can distort reality. The more you care, the more vulnerable you might feel.

Recognising the Signs

You may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome if:

• You hesitate to speak up in meetings, fearing you’ll sound “stupid.”
• You avoid applying for promotions or new opportunities.
• You feel as if you are “faking it” — despite years of experience.
• You tend to dismiss praise or feel uneasy accepting compliments.

Strategies for Overcoming It

Here’s how to move from self-doubt to self-trust:

1. Name It to Tame It

Acknowledge the feeling. Saying “I’m experiencing Imposter Syndrome” helps separate the emotion from your identity.

2. Track Your Wins

Keep a “confidence notebook” — emails of praise, project outcomes, testimonials. Review it when doubt creeps in.

3. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue

Replace “I don’t know enough” with “I’m learning and growing.”
Instead of “I got lucky,” try “I worked hard and earned this.”

4. Talk About It

Share your experience with trusted colleagues or mentors. You’ll likely find they’ve felt the same — and that solidarity is powerful.

5. Set Realistic Standards

Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Allow yourself to be human, make mistakes, and learn.

6. Celebrate Your Uniqueness

Your lived experience, perspective, and values are assets. You don’t need to be like everyone else to belong.

Conclusion

Imposter Syndrome thrives in silence. However, when we speak up, support one another, and challenge the myths of perfection, we create workplaces where authenticity is valued — and where everyone can thrive.

Remember, you are not an imposter. You are a work in progress — and that’s more than enough.

Action 

Write five affirmations and read them every morning and night 

References

Bravata, D. M., Watts, S. A., Keefer, A. L., et al. (2020). Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(4), 1252–1275. 

Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241–247. 

Garba, R., Coleman, C., & Kelley, T. (2024). The impostor phenomenon and mental health. In K. Cokley (Ed.), The impostor phenomenon: Psychological research, theory, and interventions, pp. 61–79. American Psychological Association. 

Gullifor, D. P., Gardner, W. L., Noghani, F., et al. (2023). The impostor phenomenon at work: A systematic evidence‐based review, conceptual development, and agenda for future research. Journal of Organisational Behaviour.