Do you sometimes feel like a fraud?
Imposter syndrome is a common issue affecting many medical professionals, yet it isn’t openly discussed. Despite being highly skilled with years of experience, and even receiving many awards and recognition, doctors have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.
A previous client I worked with experienced imposter syndrome:
Lucy* is a highly capable and skilled doctor but lacks the confidence to apply for career opportunities. While most superiors were supportive, there was one manager blocking her progression by influencing the outcome of a consultant role she applied for. This left Lucy uncertain about her future in medicine. Self-doubt took hold and she felt she wasn’t deserving of a consultant role.
Lucy heard about my services and engaged my help to develop a plan to achieve her goals, several of which she accomplished within 6 months.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
In this article, we explore some key signs of imposter syndrome and how you can take back control.
6 key signs of imposter syndrome
You may relate to some of these behaviours if you have imposter syndrome:
- Unable to accept compliments or recognition from colleagues: Disbelief when awarded for achievements
- Focusing on what wasn’t done instead of successful outcomes: Overthinking mistakes or missed opportunities
- Procrastinating and not starting tasks because of lack of belief in oneself: Avoid speaking up in meetings
- Avoid trying new tasks due to fear of being exposed as a fraud: Perceived skillset does not match reality
- Focusing on doing something perfect so you’re not seen as being incompetent: Setting unrealistic high standards for yourself
- Doubt yourself when giving advice or analysing test results: Becoming overly dependent on others for decisions
6 tips for managing imposter syndrome at work
Here are some steps you can follow to get rid of self-doubt:
- When receiving positive feedback, say ‘thank you’: Accept you’ve earned the compliment – people are not just being nice
- Reframe your thinking: Acknowledge your progress. Focus on the positives. Practise talking about your achievements
- Set achievable and realistic goals: Break a larger task into smaller tasks. Participate in meetings -ask questions and share your opinions
- Read your CV to remind yourself of your accomplishments: You got to this point because you took risks to learn and develop new skills
- Focus on excellence instead of perfection: Ask your colleagues and peers for constructive feedback. Accept that making mistakes is part of the learning process
- Build your confidence by asking for clarification or seeking advice: Engage a mentor or coach. Learn to trust your own judgement
Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be debilitating. By recognising the key signs and following our tips, you can overcome feelings of self-doubt. Challenge negative thought patterns, celebrate your achievements and learn to accept compliments. Remember, you are highly capable and deserving of success.
If you’d like some help to work on taking control of imposter syndrome, I offer 1-on-1 confidential coaching focusing on implementing strategies that help you believe in yourself. Contact me at [email protected] for details.
Other ways I can help
Improve how you present yourself and what you want through:
- Individual coaching sessions for career paths, confidence building and interview preparation
- CV Overhaul
- LinkedIn audit
- Career Development Workshop (13.5 hours CPD)
If you’re interested in any of these services and want to know more, book a free Career Strategy Session