Impostor Syndrome – Do You Have Self-Doubts?

The term "impostor," from the English word for fraud or con artist, generally refers to classic deceivers: big talkers with little substance behind them.

However, the so-called Impostor Syndrome or Impostor Phenomenon is quite the opposite. Those affected have "small talk and much behind it." Despite their outstanding achievements and frequent praise from colleagues, they are plagued by self-doubt. They fear that someone might uncover their perceived incompetence. As a result, they attribute their successes to external influences or sheer luck. The affected individuals truly believe they are deceiving those around them.

What Happens If I Get Caught?

The effect mostly pertains to the workplace, which is closely tied to performance thinking, but it can also spill over into private life. Thoughts like, “What happens if my partner realizes I’m not as great a person as they think?” are not uncommon.

Some scientists prefer to refer to it as an Impostor Self-Concept because the term syndrome immediately suggests a disease. In the globally recognized classification system for medical diagnoses, the ICD, the extreme form of self-doubt is currently not listed as a disease.

Psychological Problems

For those affected, it takes an enormous amount of energy. They believe that their peers regularly overestimate them and are constantly afraid of being exposed. This perpetual fear leads to chronic stress, which can result in insomnia, high blood pressure, or social isolation. Moreover, the supposed impostors work extremely hard out of fear of being unmasked.

They often neglect their families because they pour so much time into their jobs. This effort (surprisingly to the affected) is rewarded as they continue to climb the career ladder. However, they do not believe their professional successes are due to their own abilities. They have extreme self-doubts and try to compensate for them as much as possible.

Self-doubt is about one-third rooted in genetics and two-thirds determined by upbringing and environment. Whether these doubts develop into an Impostor Phenomenon depends on several factors. Possible causes include a combination of low self-confidence and a high need to do everything perfectly.

Measures Against Impostor Syndrome

As soon as the well-being, health, or personal development of those affected is impaired, it is high time to act. The first step is to become aware that a "false" self-perception exists. It already helps to think that you are not alone. Therefore, exchanging experiences in dedicated online forums can be a great help.

If the condition manifests as a disorder, such as depression or burnout, professional help through psychotherapy is urgently recommended. Coaching can also be effective and helpful.

The goal should be to build a realistic self-image, silence the inner critic, and allow oneself to make mistakes. It’s also important to stop relying on the judgment of others. This means working on self-esteem and self-confidence so that those affected can find their way out of this challenging situation.

Author:

Matthias Hettl is known as an international management consultant. He trains and coaches board members, executives, and leaders. He has also held a professorship in management and has extensive leadership expertise. He has experience as a supervisory board member, CEO, and internationally as a consultant for the United Nations. As a renowned management and leadership expert, he is a sought-after speaker.

For more information visit: Hettl Consult