Why, as an HR professional, I’m tired of hearing about “Imposter Syndrome”…
Photo by Roman Bozhko on Unsplash
Throughout my decade-long HR career, I’ve observed many of my friends and colleagues talk about imposter syndrome at work.
It’s usually around two areas:
1. They aren’t supposed to be in the positions they have or,
2. They aren’t supposed to have the money they earn.
I heard this all the time. From women. Who were literally crushing it at what they do.
So, let’s just stop there and recognize that these people are doing amazing things and are *still* referring to themselves as imposters in the workplace.
And so, if you think you have imposter syndrome – this probably applies to you too.
I think it comes down to how women have been socialized to think about themselves:
To constantly fuel themselves with self-doubt.
To not celebrate or own their strengths and their contributions.
To put their opinion of themselves in the hands of other people.
To expect nothing short of perfection in every area of their lives.
These are the impossible standards that women use to measure themselves against. And in their minds, anything short of perfection makes them an imposter.
But this isn’t true and it’s not the only way! Because you’re not an imposter at work. Never. Ever.
Unless you’ve literally stolen ANOTHER PERSON’S identity and you’re pretending to be them at work (so if that’s you – this post isn’t for you).
The decision tree for this is simple: Did I steal another person’s identity to get this job?
1. If yes, I might be an actual imposter.
2. If no, I am DEFINITELY NOT an imposter.
So, if you are *definitely not* an actual imposter -> this is what I want to offer you:
People *want* to work with YOU. They want you to show up and do your work. With your level of expertise and experience. Exactly as you are now.
That’s literally why they hired you, a human, to fill that position.
And because they know they hired a human – they don’t expect you to be perfect.
Your manager, your employer, your clients etc… they know that you’re a human.
Which means that you have strengths and weaknesses. Just like everyone else.
We all know that and you’re not fooling anyone.
But if you think the expectation of your job is that you be perfect all the time (or at all). You’re fooling yourself.
My advice is this:
Stop telling yourself this imposter syndrome story. Let go of expecting perfection of yourself.
And, instead of trying to be perfect and noticing all the ways you’re failing at it – spend your time and energy at work focused on doing your job imperfectly – and learning and growing along the way.
Be willing to show up as you are now. Don’t the opportunity for learning and growth prevent you from doing your work in the world.
Because it’s likely that you are already crushing it anyways.
hi there!
I’m Natasha Tekeste.
I work with women who want to shift their beliefs around money and wealth so they can leave the drama behind and focus on actually doing work that they love to do.
