Imposter Syndrome: How to recognise it & overcome it

What do Emma Watson, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, Daniel Radcliffe, Sheryl Sandberg, Chris Martin and Lady Gaga have in common? All have admitted to suffer from the Imposter Syndrome.

A term that was first coined in 1978 by eminent psychologists, the Imposter Syndrome refers the persistent fear of being ‘found out’. It is evident in high-achieving individuals who believe they got to where they are through sheer luck, unable to recognise and accept their accomplishments.

Despite evidence of their talents and competence, those exhibiting the syndrome remain convinced they don’t deserve the success they have achieved, which they attribute to being in the right place at the right time. Left unchecked, the Imposter Syndrome can severely impact our confidence and limit our career progression.

How to recognise it in yourself

Do you:

  • hold back from going for career enhancing stretch jobs for fear you won’t succeed?
  • think you should be an expert and so not ask for help in case it reveals a weakness
  • say “yes” when you want to say “no” and so take on more than you can manage?
  • feel uncomfortable about accepting praise and discount it?
  • not truly value your worth and find it difficult to negotiate salary conversations?

How to recognise it in others

  • Do you have friends, colleagues, team members who you know are rooted in their comfort zone and capable of much more than they think?
  • Can you see beyond their exam results and professional qualifications and what they have already done and see their potential for what more they can achieve?

We will look at practical ways that change limiting thought patterns and unhelpful behaviours to overcome the Imposter Syndrome so that those who suffer from it can confidently do what they need to do to have a successful, authentic career.

Your Trainer: Cara Moore

Cara is an Associate Certified Coach for the International Coach Federation (ICF) and is Voice At The Table’s Resident Expert on WorkLife Balance, Resilience, Limiting Beliefs and Time Management.
Cara is an expert in supporting women (and men) in making careers work. She does that by showing them how to develop a confident presence and navigate a successful career path, as well as how to manage competing demands of clients, colleagues, children and elder relatives. Cara has a professional background in chartered surveying and is a Cambridge graduate.