Avoid imposter syndrome

● Many people who occupy senior positions believe their success is due to a series of lucky events rather than talent.

Although imposter syndrome can affect both men and women, Nazreen Sekao Pandor, a lawyer and the head of communications and stakeholder management at the Special Investigating Unit, says women are especially susceptible to it.

Psychologists say women who are perfectionists can hold themselves back from pursuing opportunities. “The effect is that they mentally ‘psyche’ themselves out of the game because it’s easier or even ‘safer’.”

Pandor has the following advice:

● Managers must help to develop a culture of exploration, in which the fear of failure is managed. “Employees must have a sense that the environment/culture of the company supports failure and they will be ‘protected’ and not blamed. This can be done by having risk-mitigation plans and policies.”

● Individuals need to stop self-sabotaging and being prisoners of their own minds.

● Companies need to encourage, promote and champion employees to share ideas.

● In a company in which women feel they are not heard, they can set up platforms or forums where they can network and share ideas by meeting regularly and strategising.