Jemma Shorrock, associate director of Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group), discusses women in professional settings and imposter syndrome
We’ve all felt it. That creeping doubt that makes us question our own abilities. We’re sitting at our desks, doing our jobs, when suddenly, it feels like there’s an imposter in the room. The unsettling part is that the imposter is us.
Imposter syndrome makes us wonder whether we truly belong, even in roles we’ve excelled in for years. It’s a silent battle, often unspoken, but ever-present. While men may not always voice it, women are increasingly opening up about their struggles. And, with academic research showing that women are more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome than men, it comes as no surprise that they are speaking out.
Career breaks
Because women have had to overcome more hurdles to reach leadership positions, imposter syndrome is usually more prevalent among them. Another factor is employment gaps. Many women take time off for maternity leave, and with that comes the lingering worry: if I step away for a year, will they think I’m no longer good at my job? Will someone else come in and do it better?
Of course, these worries can affect anyone who takes extended time off, whether due to illness or other circumstances. However, recent statistics from The Access Group indicate that women take 334% more sick leave for childcare than men, making them specifically vulnerable to these anxieties.
That’s not to say that these difficulties are exclusive to women. Men also experience imposter syndrome, though perhaps they are less vocal about it. That said, I’ve seen male colleagues express concerns and experience self-doubting episodes. Ultimately, we all face moments when we reflect on whether we’re good enough.
Confidence under siege
Imposter syndrome can trigger a domino effect. It normally begins with anxiety, leading you to overthink. The stress then piles on, affecting your sleep and appetite and, before you know it, the cycle deepens, leaving you in a mental and emotional rut. What once seemed manageable becomes overwhelming, and the toll it takes on your wellbeing can leave many in a bad position. It’s evident that this has a direct consequence on career progression.
A combination of lack of self-belief and societal pressures creates instances when we second-guess our own capabilities. Passing comments, past occurrences or certain factors in our lives can lodge themselves somewhere deep in our minds. These moments fuel feelings of uncertainty and shake our courage at times when we least expect it.
Confidence is another major challenge. Studies comparing equally qualified men and women have shown an interesting trend: while men were certain in their ability to perform the job, women questioned theirs. This disparity in self-assurance can be particularly pronounced in male-majority industries.
Hybrid & remote working
Before COVID, it appeared visibility was everything. You had to be physically present to show your commitment. Now, with remote working becoming the norm, there’s a new concern: if you’re not in the office, are you being overlooked? Are you missing out on promotions and career opportunities?
The truth is times have changed. We’re living in a digital world where much of what we do happens online. The focus has shifted from physical presence to tangible results. If you’re putting in the work and delivering quality, it shows in your merit – not your seat in the office.
Cheerleaders in the workplace
At Leaders Romans Group, we look at issues impacting on women as part of ongoing series of workshops, EmpowerHER. In a recent session, Because We’re Worth It, we discussed exactly this.
We learnt that having an individual to talk to about these experiences is vital. That’s where a good boss can really be a game-changer. We all tend to fall into the trap of focusing on processes, but it’s just as important to check in with people, asking how they’re doing and letting them know when they’re doing a good job. It’s that reassurance and boosting of self-esteem that makes all the difference. Encouraging your team to take on challenges, and promoting them vocally in meetings or discussions, can leave a lasting mark. We all need that cheerleader; someone who reminds us that we’re capable and pushes us to go further.
One thing we emphasise in our management programme is starting conversations with ‘How are you?’ rather than diving straight into an agenda. This helps ensure that team members aren’t struggling with issues like imposter syndrome, and if they are, it allows us to support them by talking things through.
Through EmpowerHER, we’ve established our own internal scheme to address imposter syndrome. This has proven incredibly valuable, especially with mentoring playing a key role. This demonstrates that sometimes, all it takes is having a person to listen to your concerns, and that can generate real value.
Small habits, big impact
Health and wellbeing are just as fundamental. At our most recent EmpowerHER event, we focused on essential pillars of health that are crucial for optimal functioning, including hydration, sleep and exercise. It’s clear that even introducing minor improvements in one or two of these areas can help ease the distress often linked to imposter syndrome.
Additionally, adopting tiny everyday habits can shift your mindset toward a more optimistic and confident outlook. One effective practice is to create a ‘praise folder’ ‘in your emails. Every time you receive positive feedback, pop it in the file. When imposter syndrome hits, it’s a simple way to combat self-doubt and reinforce the truth that you’re capable and succeeding, even when the inner critic speaks the loudest.
Whilst some of the solutions to overcoming imposter system seem logical and straightforward, it really does help to have a supportive working and home environment around you. Sharing your woes and goals allows you to overcome the thoughts or feelings that imposter syndrome can bring. Having that support network can often strengthen your perception and help put imposter syndrome to one side, to unleash your true potential.
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