How Does Imposter Syndrome Affect Us In The Workplace?
Impostor syndrome or fraud syndrome is a psychological alteration that some people suffer and consists of a manifest inability to recognize or assimilate one’s own success, mainly in the professional field.
In this way, the person who suffers from it constantly thinks that he or she does not deserve any of the recognition or triumphs derived from his or her work performance, and permanently lives with the feeling of being a fraud, of deceiving those around him or her, and with the inability to value his or her abilities. own merits.
On the other hand, imposter syndrome is a phenomenon widely studied since the late 1970s that affects millions of people around the world daily, mostly women, and according to experts it is usually related to excessive perfectionism.
This phenomenon can decisively affect a person’s performance in the workplace, but it is difficult to identify. Therefore, below we will see the way in which imposter syndrome affects us in the workplace.
These are the main negative effects of imposter syndrome in the workplace.
1. Excessive perfectionism
As indicated, one of the main causes that can cause imposter syndrome is an excessively high degree of perfectionism in the person who suffers from it.
People who are too self-demanding They are never satisfied with the final result of their professional performance, even if it is objectively positive.. That is why the most common reaction to professional achievements is the opposite of what a person who does not suffer from this syndrome would have, that is, frustration, pessimism and rejection of external recognition.
This high level of perfectionism regarding one’s work can also generate states of anxiety or stress, which in turn usually have a negative impact on the person’s professional performance.
2. Self-esteem deficit
People who feel like impostors in their workplace They tend to be constantly aware of the performance of other colleagues, fact that leads them to constantly compare themselves with other employees.
The phenomenon of eternal comparison is very common in impostor syndrome, and is usually linked to a deterioration in their levels of self-esteem, considering that others do deserve their achievements, and have earned the place they occupy.
Besides that, The perception that these people usually have about their colleagues, as well as about themselves, is usually biasedsince only the virtues of others are valued, without taking into account their defects or limitations.
3. Self-attribution problems
The attribution is the process by which we attribute our successes and failures to internal or external causes, that is, to ourselves or to another element outside.
Another of the classic characteristics caused by imposter syndrome consists of attributing one’s achievements to luck or to environmental circumstances beyond ourselves, instead of considering that our successes are a consequence of our work and dedication.
Systematically attributing professional achievements to other causes beyond the person’s control can also have a decisive impact on the person who suffers from this syndrome, mainly on a psychological and emotional level.
4. Motivational deficits
Another affectation of impostor syndrome is found in the lack of motivation. Believing that one is not worthy of one’s job or that one will not last long in it is a clear symptom of lack of motivation, something that negatively influences the person, both on a personal and professional level.
Likewise, for a person who suffers from imposter syndrome It will be practically impossible to motivate yourself to continue with your work.at the same time they will tend to underestimate their academic training and knowledge.
5. Increased psychological rumination
Psychological rumination is the phenomenon that occurs when a person cannot stop thinking about the same topic or a certain thought, usually experiencing anxiety because of what worries them about what they cannot stop worrying about.
This situation usually worsens to the point where the individual becomes obsessed in such a way that they cannot get out of that recurring idea.finding themselves in it at all hours thinking about the same thing (because the expectation of constantly suffering because of it is generated as soon as the intrusive idea appears in the person’s consciousness), a fact that directly influences their work and professional performance. .
Again, this is one of the common characteristics in those people who experience imposter syndrome, and in cases like this the thoughts of rumination are usually related to the idea of not being fit for the position, of not deserving each of the successes. achievements or believing that others constantly judge you.
6. Avoidance of challenges
The avoidance of challenges and the belief that you will fail in each of the activities you undertake is also a fairly reliable indicator that we are facing a case of imposter syndrome; it’s a phenomenon usually caused by fear of failure.
That is why people who suffer from it tend to be little inclined to accept greater responsibilities in the workplace, as well as to compete for promotions or raises. Imposter syndrome has a high opportunity cost.
Related article: “How to get out of your comfort zone? 7 keys to achieve it”
Assertiveness is the ability to express one’s ideas, emotions or interests in an energetic, direct and respectful manner with the other person.
This ability is related to an optimal level of self-esteem, as well as a positive self-perception of oneself, which is why people with impostor syndrome tend to be unassertive when it comes to giving their point of view or communicating their feelings.
You may be interested: “Assertiveness: 5 basic habits to improve communication”
8. Impact on social relationships
Social relationships are also affected in those people who suffer from the syndrome, since every compliment and every show of professional recognition from another person is received negatively.
In this way, the affected person usually feels isolated from their professional environment, a fact that often translates into real isolation.
9. Insecurity
Insecurity is related to the majority of elements explained above, and consists of a willingness to consider that the work being done is not of sufficient quality, or that others will always do it better.
This is one of the classic profiles that can occur in people with impostor syndrome and is related to the so-called “expert personality” and occurs when an expert in a subject begins to consider that his or her recognition or achievements are not deserved.
10. Psychological affectation
All the effects mentioned above usually lead to an evident wear and tear on the person’s emotional well-being, damaging their mental health in general.
Furthermore, this fact also has negative consequences on work performance, giving rise to the “self-fulfilling prophecy” effect.
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