Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
Imposter Syndrome: What It Is and How to Overcome It
In 1999 Star Wars — The Phantom Menace was in theaters, and Natalie Portman, the film’s co-star, was in a Harvard classroom trying to prove she belonged. When Natalie began her studies there in psychology, she felt as many people with Imposter Syndrome do: That she was not there because of her aptitude and ability, but there only because some twist of fate had carried her, undeservedly, on the winds of chance. The same thing happens to construction, engineering and environmental industry professionals.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
In 2015, when she graduated and gave the esteemed university’s commencement address, she still struggled with her doubts. She confessed in that address, “So I have to admit that today, even 12 years after graduation, I’m still insecure about my own worthiness. I have to remind myself today, “You are here for a reason.” Today, I feel much like I did when I came to Harvard Yard as a freshman in 1999. I felt like there had been some mistake — that I wasn’t smart enough to be in this company and that every time I opened my mouth I would have to prove I wasn’t just a dumb actress.”
Natalie’s experience is referred to as “Imposter Syndrome” and many of us in the construction, engineering and environmental industries experience it. We sit down in that first meeting at a new company, and listen to colleagues whose expertise is evident and unquestionable. We think, “Do I deserve to be here, or did I trick these people into thinking I do?” Worse, we may be burdened with anxiety, expecting that any day we’re going to be found out. The jig will be up, and we’ll soon be fired.
We are not alone. Not only has Natalie Portman suffered with Imposter Syndrome. The poet Maya Angelou, actress and comedian Tina Fey, and Chris Martin of the band Coldplay have too. Tojan Rahhal (Adjunct Professor in the Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering Department and the Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Missouri-Columbia in the College of Engineering) tells us, “Numerous CEOs, professors, and executives will tell you they have gone through Impostor Syndrome at different stages in their careers. Talk about it, form a peer network or group you can talk through your doubts with, because everyone deals with it.”
The Cost of Imposter Syndrome
Professionals who feel like they need to prove their worth will often over work. They put in long hours in the office, engage in ‘perfectionist’ behaviors, and take criticism from managers and colleagues poorly. Those who spend too long in this state burn out quickly. They feel dissatisfied with their performance, and though they may love the construction, engineering and environmental industries, they can become dissatisfied with their job. These professionals may be successful, but constantly feeling like they need to make up for their false sense of inadequacy can take all the joy out of their achievements. Eventually, the burden of this anxiety can manifest beyond the workplace and into someone’s physical health and emotional wellbeing.
If you experience Imposter Syndrome, what can you do? Here is some help:
- Understand that Imposter Syndrome puts you in the company of greatness. You are far from the only one who unnecessarily questions their worthiness. An estimated 70% of people experience “Imposter Phenomenon” according to this article in the Journal of Behavioral Science.
- Acknowledge your feelings of self-doubt, but don’t attach to them. Doubt is a natural and necessary part of a healthy psychology. Just make sure you are only having moments of doubt; not a life of one.
- Talk to trusted friends and advisors about your feelings. Simply speaking your doubts out loud may reveal their untruth and, sometimes, getting it off your chest is all you really need. Let the important people in your life reassure and remind you of your value — and believe them when they do.
- If these feelings of self-doubt and worry persist and negatively impact your life, consider seeking professional help. Many people have found relief from anxiety with psychotherapy.
Imposter Syndrome is real, and nearly everyone will experience it from time to time — even those who are every bit the ‘real deal.’ Whether you work as a construction manager, an engineer, or in the environmental sciences, remember this simple mantra given to us by Art Williams in his fantastic talk, “All you can do is all you can do. But all you can do is enough.”
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com