fake it ’til you make it
So you’ve graduated, built up a killer resume, honed your skills and mastered your craft. You’ve absolutely rocked it at networking, selling yourself, and acing that job interview. You’ve started in your shiny new role, but then it hits you. The nagging voice in the back of your mind asks, “Do I even deserve to be here?”
Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon experienced by many people in the workplace, especially women. It’s the feeling of not being good enough, despite evidence to the contrary. This sense of inadequacy can be extremely pervasive and discouraging.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Women in the Workplace
The term “Imposter Syndrome” was first coined in the 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who found that many high-achieving women experienced this phenomenon, more often than men (although men also experience it).
One reason this issue affects women more is that society has greater expectations of women in terms of perfection. Women are often judged more harshly for their mistakes and failures than men, leading to a lack of confidence in their abilities. Moreover, women are underrepresented in many fields, which can make them feel like they do not belong or need to work harder to earn their place. These feelings can be compounded by stereotypes and bias in the workplace, resulting in women feeling undervalued and more inclined to doubt themselves.
Even the most successful women struggle with imposter syndrome. A study from KPMG found that 75 percent of women in executive roles report personally experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Whether you’re just getting started or are already at the top, imposter syndrome is bound to creep in at one point or another.
The Role of Shame and Worthiness in the Workplace
Shame and worthiness are two interconnected concepts that significantly impact individuals in the workplace. Shame is rooted in the fear of disconnection, the feeling of not being accepted or belonging, while worthiness is the belief that we are enough just as we are.
In the workplace, shame can arise from various sources. One common source is critical or non-constructive feedback from managers or colleagues, which can make employees feel judged or at risk of losing their jobs, leading to feelings of shame and vulnerability. Unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and failure to meet performance goals can also contribute to shame.
One of the major problems with shame is its negative impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job adequately. When employees operate from a place of shame, they become less confident and less willing to take risks. This, in turn, hampers innovation and creativity, leading to decreased productivity for the organization.
On the other hand, when individuals feel a sense of worthiness in the workplace, they are more engaged and productive. Believing that they are enough just as they are, they become more willing to take risks and share their ideas. Operating from a place of worthiness, they are more confident, autonomous, and better equipped to handle change.
A positive work environment and recognition greatly contribute to employees’ sense of worthiness. When employees feel supported and engaged by management and peers, they perceive their work as meaningful and take pride in their accomplishments. Feeling seen and valued enhances their sense of worthiness, leading to high morale and increased motivation.
the workplace as a “man’s world”
The history of women in the workplace is long and often challenging. Women began entering the workforce in the early 20th century, taking jobs in factories, mills, and other industries. During World War II, they played a pivotal role, taking over many jobs that men had vacated to fight in the war. However, after the war, many women left the workforce to return to more traditional roles as wives and mothers.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the women’s liberation movement reignited the push for gender equality in the workplace. Laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963 prohibited discrimination based on gender, providing legal protections. Despite these advancements, women still faced significant barriers, including being passed over for promotions, receiving lower pay than male counterparts, and exclusion from certain industries. Progress towards gender equality gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of second-wave feminism and more women entering management and executive roles.
However, the unfortunate truth is that the workplace was originally designed for men. Women’s participation rates in the workforce didn’t reach past 50% until the 1970s. This long-standing ideal of a successful career and the hard-working professional revolved around masculine traits. Even now, these ideals remain deeply entrenched in culture, making it challenging to eliminate them completely, even 50 years later.
Success is often tied to a narrow set of traits deemed masculine. Confidence, assertiveness, and competitiveness are frequently highlighted as key attributes necessary for workplace success. This creates a difficult environment for individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms.
When success is equated with masculine traits, women and non-binary individuals may find it challenging to succeed in male-dominated industries. They may be perceived as less competent or ambitious simply because they do not exhibit traits associated with traditional success. This contributes to self-doubt and a lack of confidence associated with imposter syndrome, perpetuating gender disparities in the workplace.
Today, women make up almost 47% of the US labor force, but they still face challenges in the workplace. They are more likely to work in low-paying and part-time jobs, and they often face sexual harassment and discrimination. However, there have been many positive developments as well. Women hold more leadership positions than ever before, and many companies are implementing policies and programs to support gender equality in the workplace.
Success is defined not by gendered traits, but by hard work, creativity, and a dedication to their personal and professional goals. Recognizing and valuing a diverse range of skills and strengths can create a more equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Overcoming the Hurdle: Strategies to Tackle Imposter Syndrome
People with imposter syndrome often feel like they’re faking their way through their jobs, not qualified, and that their success is due solely to luck or good timing. It can be difficult to shake off these feelings, but several strategies can help tackle them and the negative beliefs associated with imposter syndrome.
The first step is to acknowledge and talk about the difficult feelings with others. Identifying and recognizing thought patterns that lead to self-doubt is also important. This involves reframing negative thoughts into positive ones, setting achievable goals, and seeking feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors, or career advisors.
Additionally, building a network of colleagues and peers who understand the experience of imposter syndrome can provide the comfort and encouragement needed to overcome negative self-talk and continue striving for success in their respective fields.
However, the real work lies in dismantling negative thought patterns and beliefs from within. Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome is a process that takes time, but here are a few things to focus on:
- Recognize your successes and celebrate them. Write them down as reminders that you earned them.
- Embrace a growth mindset. Stay open to learning and growing, understanding that no one knows everything, and everyone is constantly learning.
- Talk to others about your feelings. Share your experiences with trusted colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals who can provide support and offer perspective.
- Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
With time, effort, and support, you can conquer imposter syndrome, gain confidence, and thrive in your career, regardless of obstacles and barriers. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your potential, and you’ll achieve more than you ever thought possible.
-w.w.
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