A certain level of self-doubt is good. It can push us to work harder. But when it manifests as imposter syndrome — that nagging voice in the back of your head, clouding your mind with doubt and insecurity — it can backfire. If you’ve recently been promoted or found the job of your dreams but find yourself overtaken by imposter syndrome, there are a few ways to dial down the self-criticism and grow in your career.
- Acknowledge that it is normal to feel nervous especially when you’re new, or a minority among a group of people that look, behave, or have very different experiences than you. But remember, you won’t be in the minority of newcomers forever.
- Don’t harbor a fear of failing. Push your fear aside and focus your nervous energy on learning and adding value to your new role.
- Be sincere to yourself and others. If you are clear about who you are and what you stand for, you are less likely to try to fit into a mold that wasn’t designed for you in the first place.
- Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. No one does. But you’re here because of your strengths. Capitalize on those.
- Find an ally. Still feeling like an imposter even after practicing the above tips? Try and find yourself an ally or group of allies to be your support system.
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Once I was in a large auditorium filled with marketing and sales professionals who were gathered to attend a training program on the fundamentals of the coffee business. I was a brand manager in a company I had just joined. During the training, someone asked, “What’s the difference between soluble coffee and roast and ground coffee?”
