Group:Women's Caucus/Resources/Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome

• Imposters feel that their success is related to luck or some other outside force -- Imposters feel that the success of their peers is a result of skill.
• Feeling like an imposter is not necessarily about self-esteem -- This phenomenon is found in a lot in highly successful, driven women in academics and sciences. It has to do more with being a perfectionist or self-critical.
• Imposters are less likely to put their work up for evaluation for fear of being outed -- They tend to fly below the radar.
• Some studies indicate that some men also suffer from imposter syndrome.

You think you're an imposter -- now what?

• Recognize what you are feeling -- Notice when you are feeling like a fake/imposter and that this feeling is common with many other women in Free Software and the high-tech industry.
• Recognize that you are not alone -- It's ok to talk about feeling like an imposter with mentors, friends, or other support networks.
• Reframe failure as a learning opportunity -- Be kind to yourself and forgive your fumbles, then move on.
• Don't wait for validation -- Remind yourself of your skill set and qualifications; don't base your feelings of success on feedback from others.

References

• No, You're Not an Impostor, by Lucas Laursen
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, by Gill Corkindale
• Fake-it-’til-you-make-it-ology, by Tiffany Brown
• Women need to be assertive: Advice for getting ahead in the workplace, by Lore Croghan
• Her PR Problem by Rikki Kite