How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Try these three techniques to keep self-doubt in check.
Angel was working as Human Resources administrator for a city agency when we started working together. Her goal was to move out of her middle management position and into a leadership role. She wanted to move away from recruiting and impact city programs on a broader level. When her department was tasked with creating a new diversity and inclusion initiative, Angel offered to put together her department’s presentation on behalf of her boss. He happily agreed.
Angel’s presentation was not only shown to senior executives at different agencies city-wide but was also so well received that the city decided to use Angel’s work in public advertising to promote the initiative. Angel’s boss proudly gave her full credit and openly complimented her to anyone who would listen.
In other words, Angel definitely, without a doubt, nailed this presentation. When she told me about it, I was thrilled for her. But as soon as I started celebrating her accomplishment, Angel cut me off, “Oh it was nothing. I threw the presentation together really fast. It actually should have been better.” She started poking holes in her success. Her conditioned response was to discredit her efforts and not allow herself to enjoy her achievement. That’s because Angel doesn’t believe…
