Slaying Your Imposter

Ever feel like someone’s just walked in, crashed the party and stolen your mojo?

They’ve made you start questioning our value, your knowledge, and your capability, leaving you believing that everyone else has it all figured out and that you’re a fake – a phony!

I promise you – they don’t and you’re not!

Everyone is experiencing their own doubts, even if they don’t look like it.

Cue spooky Hollywood voiceover…

“IMPOSTER SYNDROME”

Mwah ha ha ha…!!!

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome tends to grow its roots in family and societal expectations.

It’s that nagging feeling of being a fraud – despite evidence to the contrary – and was discovered by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the ’70s.

And in the UK, our beautifully layered cultural nuances and ‘stiff-upper-lip’, has created fertile ground for Imposter Syndrome to flourish!

‘Imposter syndrome is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external, objective ways. This condition often results in people feeling like “a fraud” or “a phony” and doubting their abilities.’

Here’s the thing…

Over 70% of us experience Imposter Syndrome at work!

It’s exhausting.

And as we move through our careers, the likelihood of encountering internal doubt increases. The more responsibilities we take on, the more we might question if we truly deserve to be where we are.

And when you’re in HR and spinning enough plates to impress even Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer, it’s important to be able to look your imposter in the eye and challenge the power it has over you!

Instead of succumbing to fear, it’s time to find comfort in the fact that you’re not alone and break free.

So, fear not, my lovely friends, for I’m on a mission to take you from frightened to fabulous!

The Many Faces of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome comes in various disguises, each with its own set of doubts and fears.

Meet

Perfectionism, the overachiever who sets impossibly high standards.

Then there’s the

Over Achiever, always seeking more qualifications to feel validated.

The

Natural, terrified of being exposed and burying their talents better than a squirrel hiding its nuts (snigger…#notsorry)

…and lastly the

Soloist who refuses to ask for help, fearing exposure.

Do any of these feel familiar?

Do you downplay your achievements, attributing success to luck?
Do you constantly seek validation from others?
Do you have persistent thoughts of inadequacy and the reluctance to take credit for your accomplishments?

Raise your hand if you answered yes to any of these…

#WORD

“Comparison is the thief of joy!”

(Theodore Roosevelt)

Triggers of Imposter Syndrome

Whether you’re a first-time manager, returning to work after a career break, or making a significant career shift, these moments really can, and do, amplify self-doubt.

And oh boy, my own Imposter has been seriously triggered during multiple career transitions, promotions, industry moves, and, of course, in setting up my own business!

My own fear of failure, fear of success (yes, that’s a thing!), and incessant comparison have all added fuel to the fire (and held me back) – but I have learned to recognise, talk to, and challenge it – and now I can laugh at it tell it to ‘do-one’!

“F*ck off Roy!”

IYKYK

The solution isn’t to shut down the critic. It won’t work; the voice will return no matter how hard you try to suppress it. The best intervention may be to respond to its grievances from a detached perspective—almost as if you were another person.

(Ethan Kross)

Caring About Imposter Syndrome Matters

Imposter Syndrome can make you fizzle rather than sizzle.

It limits your ability to learn and be genuinely curious and fosters a fear of judgment in being wrong or less than.

And it leaves an emotional toll that can hold you back professionally.

In fact, it’s a total b*stard; especially when workplace competition is fierce and it’s crucial that you are clear about the value and impact you bring to the table.

Take the 3 Minute Impostor Syndrome Test from IDRlabs

“You must learn to strengthen your sage and weaken your Saboteurs”

(Shirzad Chamine)

Don’t Let Imposter Syndrome Rob You of Your Sparkle

It’s time to give yourself permission to trust in yourself and show your brilliance!

Let your light shine and squash your scepticism.

Embrace your geekery, be curious and share your vulnerability.

You’re not where you are by luck!

No, no, no!

You’re a dynamic, dazzling HR professional, contributing your unique magic to the workplace every day…

And I salute you!

My 7 Tips for Reframing Your Imposter

1) Acknowledge it: Don’t ignore your Imposter, but equally don’t let it define you. Recognise its presence, and instead of hiding in shame, laugh it off! Picture Imposter as a grumpy toddler throwing a tantrum or a greasy old man in a string vest – kind of pathetic, right?

2) Talk it Out: Don’t bottle up your worries. Confide in trusted friends, mentors, or even your therapist (hey, no judgment!). Talking it out helps you gain perspective and realise you’re completely normal.

3) Slay the need for Perfection: Newsflash: mistakes are not failures; they’re stepping stones to success! Embrace continuous learning, celebrate small wins, and remember, progress over perfection… always.

4) Embrace Curiosity: Don’t let Imposter silence your inner detective. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and be curious. Remember, the “silly” question you have – well there’s probably 10 others thinking it too.

5) Vulnerability is Your Superpower: Sharing your struggles fosters connection and trust, both with yourself and your team. Be open, be brave, and remember, vulnerability is not weakness – it’s strength in disguise.

6) Celebrate Victories (Big & Small): Track your achievements, no matter how seemingly insignificant they feel. Give yourself a mental high five – because recognising your progress reduces your Imposter’s power and fuels confidence.

7) You’re Not Alone: Remember, the HR community is here for you! Seek support from colleagues, join online forums and networks (shameless prod for the HR GEEK Squad), and remember, initiatives from Mind and Mindful Employer are creating safe spaces for open conversations.

Unleash The Beast

Now’s the time to slay your Imposter Syndrome and unleash the brilliance that lies within you!

See for yourself how leading with confidence, embracing the unknown, and championing authenticity will not only silence (or at least turn the volume down on) your inner critic but inspire others to do the same.

Know your worth and shine your light in full technicolour.

Unleash the real, raw, epically brilliant and amazing human that you are!

I believe you are awesome – it’s time for you to start believing it too!

We cover Imposter Syndrome in our Find Your Awesome HRBP training.