Many of your colleagues and you yourself lack confidence from time to time. But sometimes a moment of self-doubt can turn into questioning your own achievements and feeling like a fraud. This painful condition is called the “fraud syndrome”; a temporary state of being that can cause real problems.
It’s normal to have an awkward confidence crisis, and even the most successful people may sometimes suffer from the impostor syndrome. The research published in the Journal of Behavioral Science estimates that about 70 percent of people in the United States experience some degree of Imposter syndrome.
But Imposter syndrome can create a barrier to being productive at work when you unconsciously act in a sneaky way that undermines your sense of well-being.
Imposter Syndrome
The term “fraud Syndrome” was coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline R. Clance and Suzanne A. Imesis, who realized that successful women often viewed their success as a matter of luck rather than talent. Since then, the phenomenon has been observed in both sexes.
The syndrome is characterized by feelings of inadequacy, a feeling that you do not measure up to your peers, that you do not deserve your position, and the fear of being caught as a fraud. These feelings can be persistent despite ample evidence that they are not based in reality. As you battle deep insecurities about your abilities, you can become highly qualified for your position, a high achiever, and an honorable leader in your industry.
In milder seizures of impostor syndrome, people learn techniques to regulate intensity, being able to function without being overwhelmed by the occasional loss of confidence. Others fight these feelings by giving 110 percent of their efforts in search of success that will prove to be worthy of them. Even as they progress professionally, viewers may not be aware of the inner turmoil experienced by the executive above them.
But these feelings can also hinder your progress in your career. Here are some signs which may show that your temporary fraudulent syndrome is a barrier to your success.
Losing the Opportunities
Do you turn down promotions or avoid taking the initiative for a project? Are you reluctant to take on new tasks? Your lack of self-confidence may manifest itself as a feeling of unpreparedness, or perhaps you pass out for keeping quiet about your achievements.
This is a condition that can leave you stagnant rather than help you flourish. Challenge yourself to say “yes” to the next invitation or submit a proposal for a new project. Once your confidence has been established, focus on your strengths and move on. Even if you’re not ready to share, make a list of your achievements for reference at these moments.
Procrastination
You’re not doing any work, and that shows itself in missed deadlines and in crushed teammates. You don’t feel like you can do a good job, and your self-doubt is paralyzing you from being productive.
Being a perfectionist is often all about procrastinating when you set standards that are so unrealistic that you can’t begin with. Another related problem is over-preparation; your insecurities cause you to spend too much time on a task that doesn’t deserve it.
At the root of these barriers to doing work is your fear of making mistakes and being “shown out”. Remind yourself that “perfect is the enemy of good” and frame mistakes as the opportunities for learning.
All Alone
Even if working together results in a better outcome, you avoid collaborating on projects. You may feel unable to measure up to others or be hesitant to seek help as a sign of weakness. You are not seen as a team player. When teamwork is a priority in the company, this can raise concerns about leadership.
At the next opportunity, join a team project and focus on adapting your work style to be more inclusive. At first, you may compare yourself to the others negatively but greater exposure to the other people at work can lead to more realistic expectations in you. When your contribution at work is appreciated, you may also experience a boost of confidence.