Imposter Syndrome at Work: How to Spot It and What to Do About It
Despite outward success, many professionals feel like they’re one step away from being “found out.” They downplay achievements, over-prepare for meetings or avoid speaking up, fearing they don’t really belong.
This experience has a name: Imposter Syndrome. And it’s far more common than you might think.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome (or more accurately imposter phenomenon) is a persistent belief that your success is undeserved - that you’ve somehow fooled others into thinking you're competent. It’s not simply low confidence; it’s the internal narrative that you’re a fraud, even when evidence says otherwise.
Common signs include:
Attributing success to luck or timing
Fear of being “exposed” as not good enough
Reluctance to share opinions or ideas
Setting unreasonably high standards for yourself
Feeling guilty about success or recognition
Who Experiences It?
While often associated with women or early-career professionals, imposter syndrome affects people across sexes and genders, sectors and seniority levels. In fact, it’s frequently reported among high performers, senior leaders and those in transition, particularly when stepping into new roles or operating under scrutiny.
The Impact on Your Career
Left unchecked, imposter syndrome can lead to underperformance, missed opportunities and even burnout. You may:
Overwork to compensate for feeling “not enough”
Avoid challenges for fear of failure
Struggle to enjoy or sustain success
Limit your influence due to self-doubt
It’s not just exhausting, it’s career-limiting.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news? Imposter syndrome isn’t a fixed trait. It’s a pattern - and patterns can change.
Here are three starting points:
1. Recognise the Voice
Learn to spot when your internal critic is running the show. Awareness is the first step to shifting it.
2. Reframe the Narrative
Instead of focusing on what you lack, reflect on how your strengths and values have shaped your path.
3. Don’t Go It Alone
Coaching provides a confidential space to explore these patterns, build lasting confidence, and lead with greater authenticity.
Explore Coaching for Imposter Syndrome
If you recognise yourself in this, you're not alone - and you don’t need to keep operating under pressure to prove yourself.
Through Imposter Syndrome Coaching, I help professionals understand the roots of self-doubt, shift unhelpful thinking, and show up with greater clarity and confidence.
The coaching is practical, psychologically grounded, and tailored to your context, whether you’re a leader, specialist or in transition.
Book a Free Consultation
Curious about how coaching could support you? Book a free 30-minute consultation to explore what’s holding you back, and what’s possible instead.