Let’s talk about impostor syndrome
Impostor syndrome, that feeling of not knowing enough, being prepared enough, or being good enough for the role that you have. I can think of countless times that I felt it during my career, it is almost like a good friend that comes and visit me at regular intervals, especially when I start doing something new or reading about how others work or approach problems.
While reflecting on it with different coaches and mentors, I was many times told that my impostor syndrome is something that I have to accept. It is a natural state that I often find myself in because I tend to push myself in that uncomfortable zone of trying new things and taking upon me new responsibilities.
But is impostor syndrome really something that I just have to embrace and ”get over with”?
While reading ”Empowered”, the latest book by Marty Cagan and Chris Jones, I found a chapter where Marty and Chris give a new angle on the impostor syndrome which I found quite refreshing.
Their view is that impostor syndrome is not something that we should just acknowledge and forget. It is instead a natural reaction of your mind, that you have to notice and use to get more prepared.
The impostor syndrome is your mind telling you: you are not prepared enough, if you come unprepared you risk losing the trust of your team, stakeholders, or the people in the room with you. So make sure you do not ignore it, but act on it.
Reading it, was like getting a breath of fresh air. Going from ”be passive and accept” to ”acknowledge and act” is something that resonates with me much better. But what is it that you should do when the impostor syndrome starts tapping on your shoulders? I had the fortune of being able to ask Chris and Marty about how they act on the impostor syndrome, what is on their to-do when they feel like that.
The answer was a really clear and concrete list:
My direct question to Chris and Marty during a Q&A
Sit down and write what you feel unsure about. Putting in a written form, even if it is just for yourself, helps you see the flaws of your reasoning
Ask someone you trust to help you. Getting constructive criticism is the best way to prepare
Keep on reading: blogs, strategic insights, influencers in your industry can all give you the tools to improve your craft
This list is definitely something I will go back to every time I will struggle with feeling inadequate and hopefully can be a guidance for others being in the same position (I know there is many of us).
The goal is not to remove the feeling completely, but to be able to use it to my advantage, good luck to me!
