Case Study #1: How to Work With People Who May Have Imposter Syndrome

What do you do?

Leaders have a clear job. Care about others and help them use their natural talents.

You grow together, build trust with your group, and are proud of what you have achieved.

Well, not everybody feels the same way.

You may have worked with someone who doubted her/his work all the time. Does this sound familiar?

Daniel was a seasoned manager with an easy-going team. Yet, one colleague stood out.

Helen was a talented young professional. She had a witty intellect and an outstanding ability to solve the most difficult problems. One would say she was a rising star.

However, Helen saw the glass half empty. She was a strict perfectionist and rarely accepted any kind of praise. When applications for promotion were open, everyone applied except Helen. Daniel asked her why. She said: “I don’t deserve it. There are better people than me.”

No kind words worked. Daniel did not know what to do with her.

What would you do if you were in his shoes?

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Often unnoticed and underestimated

Helen enjoyed her work, but her negative acceptance of her performance earned her the nickname “Grumpy”. The team thought that she was just like that. But was she?

Picture from smurfsfanon

People sometimes doubt their work. It is a natural process of learning and getting better. But in Helen’s case, it seemed like she was never happy with her success and achievements. The shyness and doubts she experienced prevented her from accepting her abilities.

When this is the case, you should consider imposter syndrome as a reason.

In simple terms, imposter syndrome = you do not believe you are good enough. It is a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one's abilities or accomplishments.

You even feel like a phony and are afraid of being exposed. Helen felt inadequate. Some phrases help you identify such feelings:

• “That’s fine. Don’t thank me. It was not a big deal.”

• “I would not be the right fit for the role.”

• “She is more experienced than me.”

• “I don’t know if I can do this.”

• “I don’t deserve this.”

• “I was just lucky.”

• “I am useless.”

Does it sound familiar to you? Do you know anyone who speaks like that?

Highly successful people suffer from imposter syndrome as much as others. Research says that up to 70% of people have experienced imposter syndrome. The KPMG study goes even higher and says 75% of female executives across industries have experienced imposter syndrome in their careers.

Imposter syndrome is common. Leaders should be able to recognize it and work with it. Do not replace imposter syndrome with timidity or perfectionism. They could be different things.

A strategy that does not work

Daniel wanted to make Helen feel more confident by praising her. Did it work?