Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

In one word: what does imposter syndrome mean to you? If words such as ‘fraud’, ‘unworthy’ or ‘fear’ come to mind, then you might not be alone.

On Thursday 11 August 2022, IPAA Victoria, in conjunction with the Young IPAA (YIPAA) Community of Practice (CoP), held the Overcoming Imposter Syndrome webinar to demystify and create a space for participants to normalise and discuss imposter syndrome.

Over 250 people joined online and listened to expert insights, tools and strategies shared by host and facilitator Will Babington, YIPAA Committee Member and General Manager, Strategy and Business Intelligence, City of Casey, and speaker James Gallacher from Yellow Box Careers.

What is imposter syndrome?

After sharing some personal anecdotes, James commented that at the centre of imposter syndrome are the “feelings, thoughts and barriers to success”. Most people will wrestle with imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. A classic example is during the first few weeks of starting a new job. It can range from a short-term experience to a lifelong feeling.

James summarised imposter syndrome as ‘feeling like a phoney. It’s as though at any moment you’re going to be found out as a fraud. It’s like you don’t belong where you are, or you only got there through luck. You can talk about barriers, you talk about devaluing your worth, you undermine your experience or expertise, feeling like you need to be a perfectionist in order to deliver satisfactory work’.

Despite the negative connotations, James pointed out that feelings of imposter syndrome can be a great strength because it means being conscious of your abilities and can indicate a willingness to improve.

The 60-minute event was developed to provide participants with a deep dive into imposter syndrome and was built around three key concepts:

1. Understanding imposter syndrome: What is it? Who suffers from it and why?

2. Understanding the Self: What are the triggers of imposter syndrome?

3. Practical personal tools: Ways to address competence and confidence issues that drive the feelings of imposter syndrome.

In one word, what is imposter syndrome to you?

Attendees were asked what imposter syndrome meant to them and common responses included ‘fake’, ‘fear’, 'fraud', ‘unworthy’, ‘lack of confidence', and 'inadequate’.

When do you feel most like an imposter?

Participants provided examples of when they most feel like an imposter, including when they are ‘attending interviews’, ‘being in front of experts’, ‘acting as an expert', ‘acting in my manager’s role’ and highlighting the difference in perception between ourselves compared to how others view us.

When do you feel least like an imposter?

The most common responses related to being among trusted and supportive friends and loved ones. Preparedness emerged as a common thread, and James indicated that being prepared is the key to feeling more confident and competent. He later summed it up well by stating that “failure doesn’t make you a fraud”.

Strategies to combat imposter syndrome

James offered five main strategies to build confidence and self-esteem:

1. Make a list of reasons why you’re qualified for a particular role or the role you’re in.

2. Visualise what success looks like.

3. Remind yourself you are good at what you do. Ask for LinkedIn recommendations and own your personal lived experience and brand.

4. Mentoring – it’s an opportunity to seek practical advice from a senior leader in an organisation, or build your confidence by mentoring another colleague.

5. Volunteering – it’s a great way of discovering your inner expert.

 For anyone who missed the webinar, we have put together a short highlight reel of the key takeaways of the event.

IPAA Victoria would like to formally thank our speakers who were willing to give up their time to explore imposter syndrome in an authentic, vulnerable and candid way. We will continue to focus on the theme of well-being given its ongoing relevance to those working in the public purpose sector.

We look forward to welcoming you to future events and programs.