How to Effectively Battle Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is becoming a major problem for the modern workforce. In order for employees to overcome this issue, employers need to come alongside them and give them the help and encouragement they need to feel secure in their job.
Imposter syndrome is defined as the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved. Unfortunately, this debilitating trend is taking control of the modern workforce and causing employees to have a lack of confidence and feelings of inadequacy. According to research from the International Journal of Behavioral Science, 70 percent of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. Managers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative’s imposter syndrome presents since the more these thoughts build up in employees’ minds, the more likely they are to unravel and severely hinder their own performance, productivity, and engagement overall.
Preventing imposter syndrome in the workplace is an all hands on deck battle. It requires time and effort from both managers and employees. For instance, employers can help their employees by encouraging them and creating a sense of belonging within the company. Here are four more tips for employers to effectively battle imposter syndrome in the workplace:
Create an environment that welcomes all ideas
One of the first steps in battling imposter syndrome is creating an environment where all ideas are welcome. If employees are placed in an environment where they can express themselves without judgment, they are less likely to believe their ideas aren’t good enough. Managers need to make it common practice to not immediately shoot down an idea, but instead, try and find some worth in every thought put forward. Shooting down an idea immediately will make an employee feel unworthy or incompetent. Instead, make it a company-wide policy that all ideas are welcome.
Ensure employees are in a supportive environment
In order for employees to overcome imposter syndrome, they need to feel supported, and set-up for success. It is also imperative for success that employees understand that they will not lose their job if they make a mistake. This type of environment leads to more innovation due to the sense of freedom that is fostered and willingness to try new things since employees feel secure in their position. One of the most common side effects that can arise from these feelings of insecurity is perfectionism. However, if your workforce feels supported by management, they will be less likely to struggle with perfectionism or crumble under pressure if minor mistakes are made.
Implement a continuing education program
If an employee is struggling with imposter syndrome they likely don’t feel smart or good enough to be in their position. An easy way to curb this feeling is by developing a continuing education program for your organization. The program doesn’t have to be extensive. It can start with monthly lunch and learns or peer-led think tanks to simply help update employees on trends in your industry or best practices that can help them grow and upskill. Providing opportunities for employees to continue to learn about the industries they work in will make them feel more prepared and capable to do their jobs, therefore, minimizing imposter syndrome and its effects.
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Offer encouragement to boost confidence
The final step to battle imposter syndrome is offering encouragement on a frequent basis. Imposter syndrome makes employees feel like they aren’t qualified, which can destroy confidence. Encouraging employees when they do good work will boost their confidence and make them feel more competent and capable. However, managers also need to be sure to encourage employees through their mistakes. Siting them down and walking through what they did wrong, while not forgetting to mention something they did right in the situation will help the employee learn from their mistakes rather than feel completely defeated and unqualified.
Also, managers shouldn’t be the only ones offering employees encouragement. Create a culture for the entire office where coworkers and peers encourage each other as well. Employees will also get a boost of confidence when their peers encourage them and tell them they are doing a good job.
Employees will never be able to beat imposter syndrome if their employers don’t step up and do their part. Taking time to encourage employees, creating a welcoming and supportive environment, and building continuing education opportunities across the organization will not only help employees win the battle against imposter syndrome but also build a stronger company culture overall. Implementing these four steps will help employees see their worth in the company and boost their confidence. Once employees beat imposter syndrome, you will begin to reap the benefits of a healthy and productive workforce.
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