Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome yourself? Or perhaps supported a client who’s struggling to stay friends with their inner critic? This week’s blog has been written by one of our expert training and supervision team, Sarah Bramall. Read on to learn more about taming imposter syndrome and how coaching can support us.
Imposter Syndrome is a subject close to my heart; a familiar companion I've learned to accept and walk alongside. Now, I’m sharing my wisdom on how to tame the imposter within ourselves and guide our clients through the process.
Back in 2002, as a young teacher rapidly climbing the ranks, that nagging voice haunted me daily. It whispered doubts about my competence, making me believe I was alone in this struggle. Until one day, a colleague voiced the same fears, and suddenly, the weight lifted.
Imposter Syndrome, first explored in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes, revealed that high achievers often grapple with anxiety, self-doubt, and a fear of exposure. It's a psychological phenomenon, not a clinical condition, and the term itself is laden with negative connotations.
Just as my colleague sharing his experiences helped me to recognise my imposter, the more we talk about Imposter Syndrome, the more it normalises it as a universal experience.
Even luminaries like Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, Maya Angelou, and Tom Hanks have admitted to battling Imposter Syndrome. The fear of being exposed as a fraud transcends accomplishments, and these revelations remind us that we're not alone in this psychological phenomenon.
Imposter Syndrome stems from our evolutionary need for tribal belonging. Stepping outside our comfort zone triggers fear of exposure and rejection. Our brains, designed for survival, aren't inherently geared toward happiness. Factors like gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and accent can intensify this phenomenon, particularly where there are multiple factors, or intersections at play.
Imposter Syndrome can impact us as coaches, as we shift into a new professional identity. Here are some strategies that have helped me in managing Imposter Syndrome.
1. Trust in Your Experience: Your prior professional and life experience has brought you here. The competence and respect you have held in your field, supports who you are as a person and as a coach.
2. Trust in Your Training: Rigorous professional training sets you apart from quick online courses. Own the investment you've made in your development and skills.
3. Avoid the Comparison Trap: Authenticity and genuineness attract people. Trust that you are enough, and people connect with you, not a fabricated version. Identify your unique attributes as a Life Coach: celebrate the distinctive qualities that make you an impactful coach. Embrace your strengths.
4. Ongoing Learning and Development: Being in coaching supervision, investing in continuous professional development - you're actively participating in your growth, putting you ahead of the curve.
Imposter Syndrome can arise in coaching when coachees are preparing to make a change. It is not our job as coaches to ‘diagnose’, but it can be useful to have some tools to offer clients to support them to manage their imposter.
1. Share your experiences with Imposter Syndrome: With permission and where relevant, sharing that you too have experienced and navigated these challenges, can help clients to normalise their own experience.
2. Notice: don't Suppress: It can be tempting to want to quash this voice, or to hide it because we feel ashamed. But it won’t just go away. Instead, encourage your client to acknowledge the voice of Imposter Syndrome; thank it for trying to keep them safe. Suppression isn't the answer; awareness is.
3. Get Curious: Challenge those negative thoughts. Ask yourself, "Is this serving me?" and choose empowering perspectives instead.
4. Give It a Face and a Name: Visualise the negative voice, shrink it down, turn down the volume, give it a metaphorical pat, and put it back where it belongs.
5. Talk to It: Remind yourself that the risks you're taking don't place you in immediate danger. Acknowledge the fear but don't let it control your actions.
6. Inner Mentor/Cheerleader: Cultivate an inner mentor or cheerleader. Someone who champions your achievements and silences the inner critic.
7. Reframe it as Growth: Encourage clients to reframe Imposter Syndrome as a sign of growth, an indicator that they're pushing boundaries and stepping into new territory.
What has been helpful for you here? How will you use this to support you personally and in your coaching practice?
By sharing our experiences, strategies, and reflections, we strengthen our collective journey to tame the imposter within. 🌟
Did you join Sharon for this month’s Coaching Conversation? She was joined by Sarah where they were discussing Imposter Syndrome, if you missed it, catch the replay on our YouTube channel.
Sarah Bramall, co-founder of The Coaching Catalysts with Rebecca Daniel, specialises in Leadership, Communication, Mindset, and Wellbeing. Sarah is an ICF Accredited ACC Coach, Associate Coach Trainer for The Coaching Academy, Qualified Coach Supervisor, NLP Practitioner, and DISC Personality Profiling Practitioner. Her passion for supporting women in career, confidence, and wellbeing has led her to work with both individuals and professionals in the corporate and public sector. Sarah’s expertise and dedication make her an invaluable resource for those seeking to enhance their skills and reach their full potential.
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