Are you an imposter?

I feel like a fraud. I’ve made it this far, but I keep feeling that any minute now I’m going to be found out.

One of the most common concerns of coachees is the feeling that they aren’t up to their role. As early as 1978 this was identified as ‘imposter syndrome’ by Drs. Clance and Imes in a detailed psychological study.

Are you a fraud?

As a coach I have noticed that, in various ways, this feeling lies at heart of many of my coaching conversations. Whether it is true that seven out of ten adults experience it is difficult to be sure, but the prevalence in high achievers is notable.

There has been some research in the area which highlights how high achievers tend towards this syndrome. I am wary of trying to neatly define people into set categories, but the work by Valerie Young* researching high achieving women does identify some of the sub-groups. You may be one or several of these personalities.

High Achievers

Building upon decades of research, Valerie Young was able to identify five subgroups this syndrome often falls into. I have worked with people who have elements of all five, though perfectionists have been most common.

Perfectionists tend to micromanage, and find delegation difficult. Equally, this desire for perfection means that success is rarely satisfying, as the perfectionist will dwell on what could and should have been better. One of my coachees spoke quite openly about how she often undermined herself by unpicking any success.

Like perfectionists, the ‘super’ woman or man is addicted to their work and handles validation from others badly. The sense of needing to prove themselves means they tend to work longer hours and eschew all personal interests, to compensate.

The third personality is naturally gifted and has succeeded at school and in their early career, without really needing to try. Yet when they first encounter something which requires hard working and perseverance, they find it incredibly difficult to adjust. Anger and deep frustration tend to exhibit themselves.

The fourth personality is more often male, in my experience, and believes that to ask for advice or help would be to reveal their weakness. These are often the most reluctant to seek coaching or mentoring and believe that they can sort things out on their own. I think the recent generational shift in men’s willingness to open up about their feelings and mental health has helped reduce the prevalence of the person who ‘doesn’t need anyone’s help.’

The fifth personality is someone who measures their own capability solely by how much they know. They fear that, because there is always more they could know, there is a risk of being exposed and this inhibits their work and career. One coachee spoke about how they only apply for jobs where they meet every educational qualification listed in the job description.

Triumph and Disaster ?

Quite often, a coachee comes to me about other issues, when their sense of being a fraud or imposter is the underlying problem. Working with them to recognise the actual problem; to realise it is common; and to then identify the behaviours driving usually results in really positive outcomes.

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

Rudyard Kipling in his poem If, spoke of treating triumph and disaster as imposters. Getting that balance right is the starting point.

*Valerie Young. The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It.

I have coached or mentored several senior business leaders on this issue and would be pleased to see if I can help you. Go to ‘How I coach’ for more about my approach and my contact details.