In the workplace…

When people discuss impostor syndrome, often they’re referring to experiences at work. Entering work is a big step in any adult’s life, and marks a separation from our education days – where mistakes and failure were part of the process – and the start of a new chapter wherein we present an established skillset to potential employers. With this transition comes a shift in mindset that suggests we somehow need to be perfect, or that the time for learning has ended – but this is not the case. People continue to learn and develop throughout their working lives, although the pressure to hide this often leads to impostor syndrome.

People who struggle with impostor syndrome in the workplace are often held back from asking for a pay rise or promotion, because they attribute their former successes to luck over their own merit or work ethic. They also frequently feel they must work harder than is comfortable in order to achieve the standard they assume is expected. The shame experienced around impostor syndrome can also negatively impact creativity.

It’s crucial to address feelings of impostor syndrome at work to avoid holding yourself and your ambitions back, and to protect your sense of self-worth and confidence.