Many people choose to wear a metaphorical mask to work. This is because they perceive (rightly or wrongly) that the organisation expects them to behave in a certain way. This can result in unnatural behaviour that places additional stress and strain on the individual or their relationships inside and outside of work, as they are behaving in a way that is unnatural to them.

If you wish to be promoted or are seeking to be positively recognised in the workplace, for example, you may behave/act in a specific way. This, however, can lead you to doubt your own ability and may introduce a sense of paranoia that one day you will be ‘found out’. You may end up feeling unworthy or undeserving of your success.

Kevin Ashley - founder and CEO of the learning management system, myAko - promotes a strong ethos of both physical and mental wellness throughout his company, ensuring that no employee ever feels the unnecessary stresses and strains of imposter syndrome. One of his reasons for being so passionate for employee wellness is that imposter syndrome is something he has experienced himself in the past.

Here, Kevin has shared his experience with imposter syndrome in the workplace; going into how to recognise and overcome it as an employee, as well as how to sensitively and effectively handle it as any employer.

Kevin’s Experience

Earlier in my life, I was promoted to a senior operational role in a major mobile telephone company. This role required me to manage a large group of customer-facing employees working in a major inbound and outbound contact centre; something I had never done before. I felt like an imposter and my initial thoughts were people will think he doesn’t know what he’s doing. They were, I admit, correct.

I just had to remind myself that the directors had placed me in this role because they realised I could do this. No one will place you into a business-critical role, to fail. I knew I had the necessary people management skills, as I had dealt with a lot of customers and suppliers in the past. I just had to be open with my team that I would be asking a lot of 'stupid' questions over the coming months, but would learn in time.

I was very fortunate to have such an understanding Customer Service Director, who listened and provided advice when I needed help, guidance, or just positive encouragement. No matter what level you are in an organization and what role you undertake, we all need positive reinforcement at times.

The Multiple Impacts of Imposer Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome can impact people in a number of ways. Not just self-doubt, but also feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, negative self-talk, or being negative with others.

In the past, I knew someone who became quite aggressive. I only learned later on, as I got to know her, that this was because she didn’t want anyone to know she had doubts. This was her defense mechanism; so that no one challenged her.

How to Help Yourself

What helped me, specifically, was being able to talk to people who I respected and trusted; who had the experience to want to help. I found it useful to document how I felt and why I believed I felt this way. Part of this, as previously mentioned, was around my lack of experience in my new role.

I wrote down all the important aspects of my role, then identified the areas I felt comfortable or strong, as well as the areas in which I did not feel confident and needed help. This allowed me to focus on the facts, rather than the emotions, and recognise I was good at certain aspects of the role, even though I was new to it. From here I prioritized my weak or uncertain areas and identified people I thought could help, fill this knowledge gap, and give me the help I needed to build my confidence.

Be sure to recognise that your emotions can play a big part in how you feel. It’s easy to think the worst when in reality, other people are feeling the complete opposite about you. How do you find out the facts? Seek feedback, especially constructive criticism, because no one is perfect.

What to Avoid

Don’t surround yourself with negative people or negativity. It’s sometimes hard to break this cycle, but I’ve found this very important in both business and life. Don’t listen to those you don’t respect, because often their advice is not constructive and can damage your confidence and self-belief.

Remember that everyone makes mistakes; if you are not making mistakes, then you are not learning and not maximising your potential. If that little devil inside of you is nagging away, go for a walk, read a book, or perhaps exercise in some way. I often find, after coming away from doubt for a short period of time, my perspective has changed significantly.