MISSION CRITICAL FOR DEFENCE:
THE DOUBLE WHAMMY OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME
I was walking into a radio studio when I felt overwhelmed by imposter syndrome. This most recent bout of imposter syndrome was combined with learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable! Apparently, I have a voice for radio. My talented BFBS Creative colleagues have encouraged me to step into the podcast studio – something I never thought I would do! My imposter syndrome surged uncontrolled. Yet, my self doubt dissipated because brilliant, capable and compassionate experts, who I trust completely, are supporting me.
Over 30 years of service across the Army, Defence and beyond, I have been routinely crippled and paralysed by imposter syndrome; worse still I worked hard to hide it. At times, as Commanding Officer of The Black Watch and 3 SCOTS, I felt a fraud; particularly as my leadership team were amazingly capable!
The double whammy is it impacts individual and organisation. Performance, productivity and innovation suffer. Leaders, workplace culture and behaviours help promote or purge imposter syndrome. Read on for top tips to deal with imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome?
Extremely common: estimated 70-82% of people affected.
Some evidence that people from under represented communities experience imposter syndrome at higher rates
Not an official diagnosis, but serious form of pervasive self doubt
Feelings of self doubt activates “Imposter Cycle”; switching between over preparation and procrastination
Risk of overworking to meet unrealistically high standards you set yourself
Microaggressions enhance negative impact when imposter syndrome rages.
Increased risk of burnout, lower performance and less job satisfaction
Tactics/ Tips to deal with imposter syndrome
Be aware of Imposter Syndrome – believe you can control it; you can!
Use objective evidence – keep messages/ notes of praise to counter imposter feelings
Record successes – list achievements. Take time to re read them when doubt develops
Complete creative activities – release endorphins and enhance your sense of wellbeing
Remember nothing compares to you: You are uniquely special. Ban comparison; it is the thief of joy (Theodore Roosevelt)
Remind yourself perfection is the enemy of excellence.
Surround yourself with “human radiators” (rather than “drains”)
Talk about it with trusted friends/ colleagues
Find what works for you – reset “that little voice in your head” and beat negative self talk. Some people find controlling emotions helps
Be prepared to try different things to interrupt imposter syndrome cycle
What can we do, as leaders, to help reduce imposter syndrome in others?
Remember you can help hugely when interacting with someone experiencing imposter syndrome
Be empathetic to others; particularly if they are doing something for the first time
Create conditions (psychological safety) where people can be honest and share their vulnerabilities
Recognise where the expertise is and truly value their input (regardless of rank/ grade)
Remember to praise good work and success; not doing so has corrosive effect on self confidence. It can also grind down faith in people’s ability to achieve.
Imposter syndrome festers and flourishes when leaders fail to focus on how their people feel.
Maya Angelou nails it with her quotation, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. For those who think this is not relevant to military people; here is what Field Marshal Montgomery said, “The first duty of a leader is optimism. How does your subordinate feel after meeting with you? Does he (or she) feel uplifted? If not, you are not a leader.”
To burnish or banish imposter syndrome – that is the question! The choice is yours. Hopefully these techniques and tips will help you make the right choice for you and your organisation.
Blog written by Lindsay MacDuff (He/Him), Head of Inclusion at BFBS Creative
