How's Your IP? Checking In with Your Imposter Phenomenon

Ever find yourself doubting your abilities? You’re not alone. Self-doubt can creep in, even in our most successful moments, halting progress and leaving us questioning our worth. The good news is that Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is well-studied, and there are effective ways to address it. Let’s dive into how you can tackle IP and achieve your full potential!

Is It Really Imposter Phenomenon?

Back in the late 1970s, psychologists Rosemary Clance and Suzanne Imes coined the term “Imposter Syndrome.” However, it’s more accurately called Imposter Phenomenon (IP) because it’s not classified as a psychological disorder. The truth is, that our own minds can often be our biggest barriers to success. Researchers have found that IP is linked to heightened anxiety and depression, making it crucial to regularly check in on our self-perception and the negative self-talk that may have been ingrained in us from a young age.

Where Do I Start?

A great first step is to assess where you stand. The Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS, 1985) is a well-known tool, but there are also many accessible online quizzes that you and your team can take, such as this validated psychological test . These tools can help you identify persistent patterns of self-doubt and the habits that might be silently undermining your success. Some key signs of IP include:

Feeling like a fraud
Fear of being ‘found out’
Difficulty owning and maintaining your achievements

Why Should I Care?

IP can trigger anxiety by activating the brain’s ‘fight or flight’ response, leading to reduced performance at work. It’s vital to adopt coping strategies that can help you manage these thoughts effectively. It’s also important to note that IP doesn’t affect everyone equally; minority groups in the workplace may experience it more intensely and might lack adequate support systems.

Strategies to Combat IP

While you might not be able to eliminate IP entirely, you can learn to manage it. We recommend steering clear of the old “Fake it till you make it” approach, which can add another layer of self-doubt. Instead, why not experiment with these strategies for a week? Track when and where these thoughts occur, and try one of these three techniques to see which works best for you:

1. Reframing

- Write the Opposite: Counter negative thoughts by writing their exact opposites.
- Objective Reality: Evaluate if perceived failures can be seen as successes and if fears can be reinterpreted as wins.

2. BFF Technique

- Best Friend Perspective: Reflect on how a best friend who cares about you would view the situation.

3. Releasing Perfectionism & Comparisons

- - Ideal vs. Good Enough: Set realistic expectations for being ‘good enough’ in any scenario.
  - Comparison Analysis: Identify and discard unrealistic or harmful comparisons.

Weekly Journal Practice

Notebook or Digital Notes: Keep track of instances of fear, self-doubt, or negative self-talk.
Identify Patterns: Note where, when, and why these thoughts arise.

Looking for More Support?

At AchieveUnite, we offer the Leading Through Complexity program, designed to help leaders and teams navigate challenges like Imposter Phenomenon with confidence. This program equips you with the tools to enhance leadership skills, foster high-performing teams, and thrive in complexity. Interested in learning more? Click here to explore our program

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