How to deal with imposter syndrome - make it work in your favour

The fear of “getting found out” is something most of us have experienced at some point or another. The term 'imposter syndrome' first came to light in 1978 and has been haunting the lives and careers of high achievers ever since.

What does imposter syndrome feel like?

You feel as though you've fooled everyone to get where you have got to. You might live in a state of fear that everyone will soon discover you are not qualified to be there (ofcourse, the reality is that you are). This concern often holds you back when opportunities present themselves, because you are worried you haven’t got what it takes.

There are many resources to speak of the origins of imposter syndrome. If you are experiencing it, they may be of interest. However, you may have just had enough.

I would like to address how you might be able to re-frame imposter syndrome to make it work in your favour. This could allow you to start taking those opportunities and have the confidence to know you deserve to be exactly where you are.

Enhances your interpersonal skills

This phrase is often used too freely – interpersonal skills are not a given and some people definitely need to work on them.

It would appear, however, they are a natural trait in people who experience imposter syndrome.

I think that this is because when you feel that you don’t belong, often there is a desire to prove yourself. 

In a study conducted at The Wharton School, in-training doctors who were suffering from imposter syndrome were found to have better listening skills, asked better questions and displayed more empathy towards their patients.

Developing your skills

Very often our 'lack of ability' is not based on fact but on a belief we have created.

In the same study, it was noted that there was no significant difference in skill between those who suffered from imposter syndrome and those who didn’t.

However, if you do perceive there is a skills gap, people (with imposter syndrome) tend to work harder in order to close that gap. It spurs you on to improve, side-stepping complacency. The net result could actually be enhanced performance.

Increased motivation

“Use fear as a tailwind, rather than a headwind.” - This is one of my favourite quotes and comes from the record producer and entrepreneur, Jimmy Iovine.

In this context, the fear of being found out can dramatically increase your motivation to succeed. Use it as the rocket fuel to propel you forward. Also, imposter syndrome is a clear sign that you are outside of your comfort zone - and what happens there? Growth.

Fear finds us when we face something truly important. Harness that and use it.

More inclined to prepare

If you are worried about not succeeding or being found out, it is possible that you are very good at preparation.

Assessing risks, anticipating what could go wrong and nailing your preparation in advance of a meeting or presentation. By identifying potential road bumps, you can more successfully strategise how to get around them in advance.

Seeking out support

If we are unsure about ourselves, we seek help and support.

Being clear on what you are not great at can help you to delegate. Whether you have a team or work alone, who is there in your network that can support you?

You are good at many things, but you can’t be good at everything.

External eyes are much better at seeing our blind spots. This could be a great opportunity to work with a mentor or coach. When the world’s top athletes win trophies, they don’t fire their coaches. They double down on their training. Be clear on the facts of what you can do best and bring in people to help elsewhere.

Ego-driven arrogance doesn’t usually elicit much warmth, support or respect from people. For those of us who sometimes feel the pinch that we might get found out for not being enough, consider that it is highly likely you operate from a place of openness, collaboration and solid preparation.
 
If that imposter feeling is stirring within, see if you can use it to your advantage. These areas I've outlined above are all huge benefits, and while it isn't a nice feeling, I do hope that this has provided some clarity as to how this 'desire for greatness' may be helping you to develop in other ways - even though it doesn't feel like it at the moment.