Act Like You Belong. Because You do.
Why is it so crucial to address Imposter Syndrome, actively combatting it and encouraging participation?
Because when individuals don’t feel valued or believe in their worth, organizations pay the price. The opportunity costs are significant: a lack of innovation, diminished inclusion, stunted talent and leadership cultivation, weakened collaboration, wasted time, and increased procrastination or lack of movement.
Over the weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to over 100 accomplished women about Imposter Syndrome, giving a talk entitled "Act Like You Belong, Because You Do."
At the beginning of the session, I asked everyone to close their eyes for a blind survey. Here are just three of the questions I posed:
How many of you have ever felt like you didn’t deserve your accomplishments or that you might be 'found out' as a fraud?
When facing a new challenge, do you often doubt your abilities, even when you have evidence of past successes?
Have you ever downplayed your achievements, attributing them to luck rather than your own skills and efforts?
Of the six total questions I asked, there wasn’t a single one that didn’t result in a room full of raised hands.
While my audience was full of women, this pattern of behavior can affect anyone—particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic identities, first-generation students, less-affluent backgrounds, or individuals navigating the complexities of age.
Consider this: while younger workers may commonly experience Imposter Syndrome, especially as it relates to managing, leading, or serving those from an older generation, it’s also important to recognize that Imposter Syndrome can affect older adults returning to school or re-entering the workforce. This psychological pattern knows no boundaries and can undermine confidence at any stage of life or career.
Imposter Syndrome can manifest in both obvious and subtle ways. The more recognizable signs include perfectionism, overworking, and the relentless need to prove oneself. However, it can also show up in less obvious ways, such as avoiding new opportunities, hesitating to share ideas in meetings, or dismissing compliments as 'no big deal.'
And unfortunately, there’s more.
Why is it so crucial to address Imposter Syndrome, actively combatting it and encouraging participation? Because when individuals don’t feel valued or believe in their worth, organizations pay the price. The opportunity costs are significant: a lack of innovation, diminished inclusion, stunted talent and leadership cultivation, weakened collaboration, wasted time, and increased procrastination or lack of movement.
As for our group of women who are ready to lead? We left our session not only feeling encouraged but equipped with strategies to stop the pattern and move forward with courage and confidence.
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Leilani Brown is the CEO of Giant Steps LLC, a company working at the intersection of strategy, culture, career, and education. We’re on a mission to help individuals move past self-doubt and step into their full potential. Let’s build a culture of confidence and resilience together!
To learn more about our customized workshops, visit giantstepsllc.com.
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