Abstract

The article addresses the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome that many women face in professional settings. It explores the psychological barriers that contribute to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, particularly in male-dominated industries. The article emphasizes the importance of building self-awareness and resilience to combat these feelings. It provides practical strategies for individuals to recognize their achievements, seek mentorship, and cultivate supportive networks. By fostering discussions around imposter syndrome, WBIL aims to empower women to embrace their capabilities and pursue leadership roles with confidence.

The term “Imposter Syndrome” was first coined in 1978 by two women, Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes. Since then, a compilation of multiple studies over years has shown that Imposter Syndrome affects over two-thirds of Americans. Those in minority, specifically women, are more likely to experience symptoms of Imposter Syndrome. In a podcast series titledDitching Imposter Syndromewith Clare Josa, an author, leadership mentor, keynote speaker, and researcher of Imposter Syndrome, Imposter Syndrome gets defined as the “secret fear of being found out you’re not good enough despite external world evidence you’re doing really well” or “the secret fear of others judging us the way we judge ourselves”. Clare Josa also reveals some of her 2019 and 2022 research findings in her podcast series, sharing that 30% of female respondents have not applied or volunteered for opportunities to shine, 45% of those same female respondents have not applied for a promotion they knew they were qualified for, 51% were routinely downplaying their success saying that it was just a fluke, luck, or a team effort, and expected a “but” whenever praised, 61% said they were less likely to speak up about their great ideas or opinions and would back down if challenged on them, and finally 37% said they have not asked for a pay raise they know that they deserve within the last year. These numbers are staggering and defeating for women trying to make their way into any work field.

At the core of Imposter Syndrome is bias. ArticleImposter Syndrome for Women in Male Dominated Careers,written by Julia T Crawford, states that “According to hundreds of lab studies over the past forty years, 96% of women reported experiencing bias in the workplace”. Bias, and particularly unconscious bias, is common and it is prevalent. Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “I think unconscious bias is one of the hardest things to get at. My favorite example is the symphony orchestra. When I was growing up, there were no women in orchestra. Auditioners thought they could tell the difference between a woman playing and a man. Some intelligent person devised a simple solution: Drop a curtain between the auditioners and the people trying out. And, lo and behold, women began to get jobs in symphony orchestras”. It comes down to this: women are just as much, and in some cases more so, qualified as their male counterparts. Yet, unfortunately, there are biases placed in the world; stereotypes embedded in society that make it nearly impossible for women to prove themselves.

Imposter Syndrome is serious and dangerous. Although not considered a mental disorder and many people experience it at one point or another, it has been proven to have significant influences on human psyche and well-being. It can lead to depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and self-handicapping behaviors. Evident from the statistics previously mentioned, it is also clear that it gets in the way of women going for what they want and deserve, speaking up, landing promotions and/or raises, and receiving the praise that they have rightfully earned. Learning how to handle Imposter Syndrome and training yourself to do Imposter Syndrome coping habits is necessary for many women.

The first step is understanding what Imposter Syndrome is and accepting that you struggle with this.

The four P’s of having Imposter Syndrome are: Perfectionism, Procrastination, Project Paralysis, and People Pleasing.

If you feel like you struggle with any of these four scenarios, then it might be possible that Imposter Syndrome is affecting you. Second, it is vital to separate any predisposed thoughts or notions you have about Imposter Syndrome. There are many myths out there about Imposter Syndrome that it is incurable and only confident people can surpass it. Understanding that it is okay to feel underappreciated but learning to overcome that secret fear of not being good enough, with the right habits, will help. Third, be less critical of yourself. Remind yourself that you work hard, and you have earned what you deserve. Lastly, plan and create the future you want. When you have an idea of what you want your future to look like, if you work hard to get to that point then you can look back and see that you have put in the work to get to somewhere you planned on going.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, "Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture. Although cultural shifts are not easy to accomplish, women must begin empowering themselves to reject the stereotypes associated with Imposter Syndrome”. As women we are more susceptible to Imposter Syndrome, but this gives us more of the power to make a change. As we learn to challenge our inner Imposter Syndrome tendencies and as we self-promote ourselves, we can change the work culture for the better.

Sources

Crawford, J. T. (2021).Imposter Syndrome For Women In Male Dominated  Careers.Hastings.Women's Law Journal, 32(2), 26-75.

Paulise, L. (2023, February 14).Company Culture May Drive Imposter Syndrome. How Can

Managers Help?. Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2023/02/14/company-culture-may-drive-imposter-syndrome-how-can-managers-help/?sh=1864d2fe3697

Josa, C. (Host). (2023, June28).How to tell if your company is a secret breeding-ground for Imposter Syndrome.(No. 43) [Audio podcast episode]. InDitching Imposter Syndrome.https://player.captivate.fm/episode/08220d44-a9d7-4c14-a011-e5747a8f5d8b

Josa, C. (Host). (2023, June28).The Three Pillars For #BreakTheBias - IWD2022.(No. 20) [Audio podcast episode]. InDitching Imposter Syndrome.https://player.captivate.fm/episode/58dfa3cd-1de7-4b5a-a7d9-4cb3c0b4d437

Josa, C. (Host). (2023, June28). How To Ditch Imposter Syndrome In Five Simple Steps.(No. 16) [Audio podcast episode]. InDitching Imposter Syndrome.https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f49f41a2-e8d7-4d52-b920-4d6802a3d580