Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can mean many things but for my clients it is where they don't feel like they belong at work because they are different to their colleagues. This is typically because of class or race but can also be because of education, accent or gender.

I most commonly tackle this through a role play where clients represent their employer and I ask them if the client belongs despite their differences. Acting in the employer’s shoes, people spontaneously say that what matters is performance not background and that they want their senior managers to be representative of their organisation’s customers, and that the client does belong.

In addition to fitting in at work, there is a parallel process going on of fitting in with the community they grew up with. Clients feel that by having a middle class job title and salary they are being disloyal to their working class origins - but weren't aware of this before the coaching session. I address this through another role play where they ask for the blessing of their parents or home community to thrive at work and become a bit more middle class. This is a liberating moment for clients and they feel lighter afterwards and like a burden had been lifted.

My work on imposter syndrome is powerful and unique because I address both aspects of belonging. This leads to a solid sense of belonging and frees up energy and confidence to perform at their best and people often get promoted quickly.