Opinion
The surprising upside of impostor syndrome
Shadé Zahrai
Careers contributorEver found yourself doubting your achievements, feeling like a fraud at work despite clear evidence of your capabilities? That gnawing doubt – specifically, that others might see you as smarter or more competent than you feel – is impostor syndrome.
It can strip you of your confidence, dim your self-esteem and fuel anxiety. It’s not just a women’s issue; men are just as susceptible.
What if I told you it may not be all bad? Impostor thoughts, while often labelled as wholly negative, might just have a silver lining.
Feelings of pretence might seem gloomy but there can be benefits.Credit: iStock
Intriguingly, Basima Tewfik, an assistant professor at MIT Sloan School of Management, has conducted a series of studies that suggest this self-doubt might have an unexpected upside. Her findings reveal that impostor thoughts can lead you to overcompensate in one critical area: interpersonal relationships, which are invaluable in most careers.
In one of her studies involving doctors in training, those who frequently experienced impostor thoughts were significantly better at handling delicate interactions with patients, receiving higher ratings on their interpersonal skills from that group.
In another study, job candidates who felt like impostors asked more questions during informal pre-interview chats. This made them appear more engaged and personable – qualities that hiring managers often equate with strong people skills.
Why does this happen?
At the heart of it, feeling like an impostor often pushes people to be more “other-oriented”. You become more sensitive to others’ perceptions and feelings, which can make you unexpectedly more likable and approachable. It’s as if your inner critic, while tough on you, inadvertently polishes your social antennae.
There’s no strong empirical evidence suggesting that impostor thoughts negatively affects one’s performance. In Tewfik’s studies, doctors with impostor thoughts were as accurate in their diagnoses as more confident peers, and job candidates with these doubts didn’t face disadvantage in securing interview invitations.
This doesn’t imply that feeling like an impostor is something to be desired; only that there is a silver lining.
How can you channel these thoughts to your advantage? Here are some actionable tips:
1. Embrace your inner critic. Recognise that the voice inside your head, telling you that you’re not as good as others think you are, might actually be making you a better listener and a more considerate team member.
Even if it’s just an attempt to overcompensate, use this heightened awareness to strengthen your workplace relationships.
2. Ask questions. Tewfik’s research found that people with impostor thoughts tended to ask more questions. Use this to fuel your curiosity. In meetings and one-on-ones, ask insightful questions that not only display engagement but deepen your understanding and connections.
For example, asking your supervisor “can you share your thoughts on what would make this project particularly successful?” shows your commitment and can lead to valuable insights.
3. Reflect on feedback. When you receive positive feedback, don’t disregard it as a “fluke” or undeserved. Take a moment to reflect on it and write down what was said and by whom.
Keep a PFF: Positive Feedback File. Revisit this whenever doubts creep in. This practice can help diminish feelings of fraudulence and boost confidence.
It’s time to rethink our one-dimensional view of impostor syndrome. Yes, the anxiety it induces can be overwhelming – I speak from personal experience. But a touch of self-doubt might be giving you an edge, enhancing your ability to relate to and understand the people around you – and that’s valuable in any professional environment.
Shadé Zahrai is a behavioural strategist and award-winning peak performance educator to Fortune 500s. Co-founder of Influenceo Global, she advises global brands on matters spanning leadership, culture and performance. Follow her on LinkedIn here.
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