How Confidence Helps Women Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Have you experienced Imposter Syndrome?
A KPMG study finds 75% of female executives experience imposter syndrome in their careers. 85% of the study believe imposter syndrome is experienced by women in corporate America. (KPMG)
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome was first named in the 1970s by Melis Muradoglu, Andrei Cimpian, Pauline Rose Clance, and Suzanne Imes. They described it as “‘Bright, capable, accomplished women who doubt they have earned their success, who feel that their success and achievements are a result of luck. They are concerned that this will be discovered and they will be outed as an imposter.’ (CEO Magazine).
In 1985, Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes published a book, “The Imposter Phenomenon” (they prefer to call it a phenomenon and not a syndrome), but it was social media has made the term mainstream. Clance and Imes said in their original study that success was not a cure. (The New Yorker)
A Support Group for Imposter Syndrome
According to KMPG, 72% of executive women looked to the advice of a mentor or trusted advisor when doubting their abilities to take on new roles. (KPMG). Clance and Imes agree– they have seen clients with Imposter Syndrome heal through group therapy with other women.
It’s important to find support and guidance from other businesswomen who have been in your situation and can help guide you from the negative self-talk Imposter Syndrome subjects women to.
Confidence and Imposter Syndrome
Building confidence can not only help ease Imposter Syndrome, but it helps women advance in their professional and personal lives. According to The Atlantic, women only applied for a promotion when they met 100% of the qualifications listed for the job, versus men who applied when they met only 60%.
Imposter Syndrome is ultimately a lack of self-confidence where you believe you didn’t reach success on your own and give credit to it being “luck.” Confidence is the key to bridging the gap between Imposter Syndrome and achieving your career goals.
How we can help
We now know that having a group of supportive, encouraging women and building confidence is the best way to overcome Imposter Syndrome. That’s why we offer Pride Group Coaching sessions, a support group for women in business with a guided mentorship from a businesswoman with over 20+ years of leadership experience. Learn more about Unapologetically Confident™ here.