Different Types of Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Nada Elawdan, MHC

“Imposter syndrome” appears to be a very popular buzzword entering everyone’s lexicon in the past few months. Imposter syndrome is often most prevalent in work or school settings. Psychology Today describes it as “a psychological phenomenon in which people cannot internalize their accomplishments.” This can result in negative self-worth and fear of being exposed as a fraud by their peers or superiors. Despite evidence of achievements, many people still attribute success to luck or timing.

Valerie Young explores five imposter syndrome patterns in people in her book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women. People can exhibit one or multiple forms of imposter syndrome in school or in a work environment. All five are similar in that an individual desires success and achievement but is hindered by perceived failure.

1. THE PERFECTIONIST

Perfectionism is one of the most common forms of imposter syndrome. Perfectionists often set impossibly high standards for themselves that they often cannot reach. They will feel inadequate if they cannot achieve every goal, excel at every skill, or check off every task. Any small mistake or setback can result in self-doubt, excessive worry, or feelings of incompetency. No matter their level of success, it will never feel satisfying.

2. THE EXPERT

Experts believe that before they begin anything, they must know everything going in. They continuously seek new certifications, information, or training throughout their lives to improve their competency. Experts measure their self-worth by how much they know. It would not matter how much information they know or how skilled they are; this group will continuously feel unprepared, unknowledgeable, or inexperienced. This can be demonstrated in someone not applying for a position because they do not meet all the requirements.

3. THE NATURAL GENIUS

Natural geniuses believe that their self-worth is tied to how naturally they pick up a skill. They often view themselves as an imposter if skills do not come easily to them, or if they have to exert more effort to be proficient. They struggle to begin something or grow insecure if it takes a long time to succeed. If natural geniuses are not good enough from the start, they might even abandon that activity due to shame or embarrassment.

4. THE SOLOIST

A soloist feels they must always accomplish tasks independently. Soloists view themselves as failures or frauds if they ask for assistance. They believe that they can achieve anything and everything alone without help from others. Asking for help can equate to feelings of shame, embarrassment, or incompetence. Soloists value their sense of worth by their level of autonomy and independence.

5. THE SUPERWOMAN/SUPERMAN

The supers often push themselves to work harder than those around them just to prove themselves. They set high expectations that they need to measure up to. These high expectations can include taking on too much responsibility, work obligations, and family tasks. They feel the need to do it all; otherwise, they are a fraud. There is a need to succeed in all aspects of their lives. This can often leave supers feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and unaccomplished. There is a sense of validation in success and productivity.

Sources:

APA. (2011, November). Feel like a fraud? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraud

TIME. (2018, June 20). Yes, Impostor Syndrome Is Real. Here's How to Deal With It. TIME. https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/

Wilding, M. J. (n.d.). 5 Different Types of Imposter Syndrome (and 5 Ways to Battle Each One). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-different-types-of-imposter-syndrome-and-5-ways-to-battle-each-one

Young, V. (2011). The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It (46773rd Edition ed.). Currency.