Unveil what’s beneath the mask: Combatting imposter syndrome

A UK breakfast time show addressed the topic of imposter syndrome with the host asking a well-known comedian if he thought politicians experience it. I was intrigued that this was finally being spoken about on a show that reaches millions – because we need to talk about the repercussions of living with imposter syndrome.

Almost daily in my work as a life and career coach, I help professionals learn what it takes to boost their inner confidence and sense of self so they can let go of the burden of this mask they wear. In one talk I delivered to over 100 senior successful women, 100% of them raised their hand to show they’d experienced imposter syndrome. Yet, we hide behind the mask, fearing judgment, or feeling it is a weakness.

As someone who’s worked to understand and overcome this herself as a former young, stressed lawyer, it’s something I’ve learned we can all grow from and conquer. And so I help others do this. 

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a term coined in the late 1970s by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes.

Typically, with this experience, people do not feel good enough about themselves and their self-worth is low. When experiencing imposter syndrome, people feel like they’re wearing a mask and may be found out for not knowing everything. They feel out of place and self-doubt is high. It is not necessary to feel this way all the time – you may well experience it in certain situations, such as in board meetings, in a new role, with particular people, before having to speak publicly, with certain aspects of your work.

Even if you are objectively capable, with evidence you can succeed and have succeeded, imposter syndrome still raises its ugly head to hold you back. It’s a belief that any achievement is undeserved, despite there being objective evidence that you are capable and deserving. 

Why do we experience imposter syndrome?

It often stems from early life experiences, conditioning, or pressures to impress and do well in a socially acceptable way. These may lead to traits of perfectionism and high expectations of oneself. Later in life, factors like workplace culture, bias, or lack of representation also contribute to ongoing self-doubt. This self-doubt can hinder confidence, career progression, and well-being. If not addressed, stress increases and there is a bigger knock-on effect. 

For example, in a meeting, a person may hold back, worrying that what they say will sound silly. They may be self-deprecating and think or say “I know this may be stupid but….”  or “I'm probably wrong so I will not say what I think.”

What about the politicians?

Watching this segment of the show, I knew instantly that, yes, politicians experience imposter syndrome.

They are human. They do not know everything yet they have to convince the public – you and me – that they do. They must appear so self-assured that we hold onto every word they say, even if we do not like it.

The pressures on politicians are high. The role and the repercussions of getting things wrong are filled with such high value. When pressure is high, worry can be high too. Self-doubt creeps in and the cycle of negative mental, emotional and physical repercussions begins. Again. 

And….

It’s not just politicians. Lawyers, bankers, students, career-changers or returners. Anyone can find they’re experiencing imposter syndrome and high achievers are not exempt. Studies reveal that imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of background or career choice. I personally experienced it as a lawyer in my early career despite how far I had come. Well-known individuals including Tom Hanks and Michele Obama have also openly shared their experience of imposter syndrome.

Mitigating imposter syndrome

Mitigating imposter syndrome requires reframing negative self-talk, objectively recognising achievements, and fostering supportive environments. While this may be tricky in politics, everyone can benefit from taking steps to build self-belief authentically. 

You can limit the need for external validation by leaning into your strengths. You have a choice to take ownership of your confidence - confidence is not fixed. 

You may benefit from reflecting on your strengths and achievements with the evidence they have for this. For example, achievements - however big or small - in sports, academics, in a part-time job, in a hobby, in volunteering or in work. We can have a tendency to think success is all about big achievements or awards. 

Reframing how people think based on all the facts can help. Coaching can help with this, but it can be as simple as writing down your achievements. It’s important so that individuals do not miss out on opportunities or realising their own potential. For me, it’s also essential to educate the younger generations about this so they are not unnecessarily held back or suffer mental health consequences because of chronic self-doubt. 

Organisations can also help - and they should because the emotional tax and stress of imposter syndrome impacts focus, energy, accuracy and visibility. 

Organisations can normalise open conversations about confidence and capability. Managers and leaders can talk openly about their experiences and be more approachable, less judgmental. We ought to be encouraging this more, rather than leave the burden solely on the shoulders of those experiencing self-doubt.

Imposter syndrome is not a recognised medical condition but it can play havoc with your stress and self-confidence. This has negative repercussions so it is wise to understand it better and take active steps to mitigate it.

If you are ready to take that next step, get in touch with a professional today.