Did you know that even Albert Einstein described himself as the “involuntary swindler” and felt his work didn’t deserve as much attention. The Harvard behaviourial scientist, Arthur C. Brooks notes that as people enjoy more career success and increased responsibility they can become increasingly insecure in their own success as they feel they haven’t earned it. He also notes that those who are actually imposters, often feel that they are not (learn more about them in the HBR YouTube video below).
Research has since established that this imposter syndrome can be found across genders, race, age and occupations so if this is something you are feeling, you are certainly not unique.
We tend to be subject to “pluralistic ignorance”, which is a concept originated from the research of American psychologists Floyd Allport and Daniel Katz in 1931. This is where there are two different views in play, in this case, our feelings that we are not as competent or knowledgeable as what others seem to view us as.
This can lead us from not speaking up when we have the answer, or not applying for a role that we are well qualified for. We could also not perform as well in a job interview as we aren’t confident in our own abilities and experience. In extreme cases, we can sabotage a role we find ourselves in even if we are well qualified to do it.
It can be helpful to talk about these feelings with a coach or mentor, and to work through them to allow you to become more comfortable and confident in your role.
Learn more about Imposter Syndrome in this TED-Ed video.