When someone’s consistently late to work, you can guess they’re struggling with time management; when they’re always on edge, you can assume they’re under a lot of stress.
But what about when they’re constantly doubting their success, even when they’re clearly excelling? That’s when you might suspect they’re battling imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where people can’t internalize their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud.”
It’s more common than you’d think and it can seriously hinder one’s productivity and professional growth.
How do you spot it? Here are eight subtle signs someone in your team might be secretly wrestling with imposter syndrome at work.
Trust me, understanding this could be key to nurturing a more confident and effective workforce in today’s digital age.
1) Constant self-doubt
Imposter syndrome is a master of deception.
Even when you’re smashing targets and receiving praise, it whispers in your ear that you’re not good enough, that your achievements are just flukes, and that sooner or later, everyone will see you for the fraud you believe you are.
It’s a relentless cycle of self-doubt that can drain your confidence and creativity.
Understanding this could be the first step in helping them break free from this unfounded fear and unlocking their full potential.
2) Overworking to compensate
I’ll never forget when I first started my own business.
I was so afraid of being seen as a fraud that I worked myself to the bone, trying to prove to everyone (but mainly to myself) that I deserved to be where I was.
I’d often be the first one in and the last one out, sacrificing weekends and holidays just to stay ahead.
It wasn’t until a mentor pointed out my destructive behavior that I realized I was overcompensating for my imposter syndrome.
If you notice someone in your team working excessive hours, rarely taking breaks and always going above and beyond, it might not just be dedication.
They could be secretly struggling with imposter syndrome, hoping that hard work will silence their inner critic.
3) Fear of failure
Did you know that people with imposter syndrome often have an intense fear of failure? It’s true.
They perceive failure as a reflection of their abilities, reinforcing their belief that they’re not good enough.
This fear can hold them back from taking on new challenges or stepping out of their comfort zone, stunting their professional growth.
The digital world is all about innovation and adaptability, and fear of failure can be a significant roadblock on the path to success.
4) Undervaluing expertise
Imposter syndrome has a knack for playing down skills and expertise.
You can have a decade of experience in your field, a shelf full of awards, and a whole team looking up to you, but still feel like you’ve somehow tricked everyone into believing you’re competent.
If you notice a team member who consistently undervalues their expertise, brushes off compliments, or downplays their experience, it’s possible they’re grappling with imposter syndrome.
Recognizing this can help you provide the right support and reassurance they need to truly own their accomplishments.
5) Perfectionism
I used to think that perfectionism was just about striving for the best.
It wasn’t until I faced my own imposter syndrome that I realized it often stems from a fear of making mistakes and being exposed as a fraud.
I remember obsessing over every detail, spending hours tweaking a proposal until it was “perfect,” only to be crippled by anxiety when it was time to present it.
A person who’s never satisfied with their work and keeps revising, even when the task is complete, might be dealing with imposter syndrome.
It’s not just about setting high standards; it’s about an inner fear that anything less than perfect will reveal their perceived inadequacy.
6) Reluctance to ask for help
You’d think someone struggling with imposter syndrome would constantly seek reassurance or guidance, right?
Well, not always.
In fact, they often avoid asking for help out of fear it’ll expose their perceived incompetence.
They’d rather struggle in silence or work extra hours to figure things out on their own than risk revealing that they don’t have all the answers.
If you notice a colleague who’s hesitant to seek assistance or collaborate on tasks, they might be secretly wrestling with imposter syndrome.
7) Discomfort with praise
We all like a pat on the back, a job well done, a compliment for our hard work.
However, for those battling imposter syndrome, praise can be uncomfortable and even anxiety-inducing.
They might dismiss their success as luck or attribute it to external factors, unable to accept that they’ve genuinely earned their achievements.
It’s all about understanding these subtle signs to foster a more supportive and empowering workplace environment.
8) Feeling like a fraud
At the heart of imposter syndrome lies a deep-seated fear of being unmasked, of people discovering that you’re a fraud.
This fear can be so overpowering that it overshadows accomplishments and fuels self-doubt.
If someone in your workplace constantly feels like they’re deceiving others, despite their proven skills and successes, they may be dealing with imposter syndrome.
Recognizing this is crucial, as it can guide us to create more inclusive and psychologically safe environments where everyone can thrive.
Concluding thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s essential to remember that imposter syndrome isn’t about lacking skills or competence.
On the contrary, it often affects highly successful individuals who simply can’t internalize their accomplishments.
If you’ve recognized some of these signs in a colleague or even in yourself, remember, you’re not alone.
Imposter syndrome is common, but it doesn’t have to define your professional journey.
Realizing you’re more than capable, that your achievements are well-deserved and that you are not a fraud, is the first step towards overcoming this psychological hurdle.
Perhaps, in this understanding, we can all find a way to navigate the complexities of the human mind and foster a more supportive and understanding work environment.
After all, as the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “What I am is good enough if I would only be it openly.”
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