How to overcome imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is real, and human resources professionals can help teams - not to mention themselves - to understand and overcome it. Here's an explanation of what it is and how it can impact individuals and teams: 

Feeling like a fraud

Have you ever walked into a meeting or accepted an achievement only to feel like a complete fraud? Like you’re one misplaced comment away from everyone realizing you don’t belong there? That’s imposter syndrome, a quiet but powerful inner critic that whispers, “You’re not enough,” even when the evidence points to the contrary.

The feeling can be relentless. You might deliver a presentation, only to analyze it for hours afterward, picking apart every word and wondering how you managed to fool everyone into thinking you’re capable. Or you might get a job offer that you worked so hard for but still feel like the company hired you by mistake. Despite being competent, driven and perhaps even successful by many measures, there’s a lingering fear that everything is just one big, precarious house of cards.

Why imposter syndrome matters

This matters. Imposter syndrome is more than a fleeting feeling of doubt; it can wear down your confidence over time and undermine your potential. It can make you second-guess every decision or hold back when you have something valuable to share. And in a workplace where expectations are high, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be perfect. The pressure to overperform, stay ahead or always bring fresh ideas can feel like a constant weight. Add in a culture that glorifies busy schedules and instant results, and it’s no wonder so many of us feel we’ll never measure up.

The trap of comparisons

Also, work environments are fertile ground for comparisons. It’s hard not to notice a colleague who seems to effortlessly thrive or a team member who handles pressure with grace. From the outside, it looks like everyone has it together, and you start questioning what’s wrong with you. But here’s the truth: People often only share the highlight reels of their lives. Behind the scenes, everyone has insecurities and moments of doubt.

The extra burden for underrepresented groups

It can be even tougher when you’re part of a group that’s underrepresented in your field. If you’re the only one in the room who looks like you or shares your background, there’s often a subtle (or not-so-subtle) pressure to prove you belong. You may feel like you have to represent an entire community or carry the weight of showing others that you’re deserving of your spot.

Strategies to overcome it

So, how do we tackle this? It starts by acknowledging that these feelings exist and that it’s okay to talk about them. Sometimes, just voicing your doubts to someone you trust can make a world of difference. Hearing that you’re not alone in feeling this way can be incredibly liberating. From there, it’s about challenging those negative thoughts. When the inner voice insists you’re not good enough, try countering it with what you know to be true: the times you worked hard, the skills you’ve built and the results you’ve delivered.

Celebrate your wins

Another powerful practice is keeping a record of your wins. It could be as simple as jotting down moments you’re proud of, no matter how small. It’s easy to forget these things in the moment, but having a tangible list to look back on can remind you that your success is the result of effort and growth, not luck or trickery.

Rethink success

It also helps to reframe how we think about success. Perfectionism is often at the root of imposter syndrome, pushing you to believe that any slip-up confirms your worst fears. But what if success wasn’t about being flawless? What if it was about learning, adapting and taking risks despite the fear? Shifting your perspective in this way can make a huge difference.

Break it down

Don’t underestimate the importance of breaking big goals into manageable steps. Sometimes, feeling like a fraud comes from setting unattainable expectations for yourself. When you take things one step at a time, you create a path for small but meaningful wins that build your confidence over time.

Conclusion: Own your story

The reality is, imposter syndrome might never fully disappear, but you can learn to quiet its voice. Feeling like an imposter doesn’t make you one; it just means you care deeply about your work and want to be your best. The irony? Often, the people who doubt themselves the most are the ones who are the most conscientious and dedicated. So, the next time you hear that inner critic trying to hold you back, remember: you’ve come this far for a reason, and it’s time to own your story.

Quick links: 

• Mean bosses and the Empathy Exit
• The social signals behind employee retention
• 4 Thoughts on the four-day workweek