Shrugging off “Imposter Syndrome”

Women in all levels of business can experience “Impostor Syndrome” … the feeling that they don’t really belong there, that their “cred” is not valid, that they are not worthy.

 

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome is vital for the success of all women professionals – and those in leadership roles can, well, lead the way to show that we DO belong, period.

 

• People with impostor syndrome tend to bury themselves in work instead of taking on additional duties that can prove their abilities, according to research published in 2014.
• Psychologists first described the syndrome in 1978. Research from 2011 suggests that approximately 70 percent of people will experience at least one episode of impostor syndrome in their lives. It may be especially prevalent among women considered to be high-achievers.
• A female’s self-doubt can negatively impact her career when, as studies show, she pushes less often than her male counterpart for a raise or a promotion. Internal research by Hewlett-Packard found that women only apply for jobs for which they feel they are a 100% match; men apply even when they meet no more than 60% of the requirements.