How to manage imposter syndrome in your graduate employees

White curve
How to manage imposter syndrome in your graduate employees

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which someone doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalised fear of being exposed as a fraud. “What if I get found out and people see I am not as able as everybody thinks I am?”

It can affect anyone from any country and any walk of life at any time. One of the key things about it is that, because you are so ashamed and afraid of being found out, you never talk about it. This perpetuates it and also keeps it hidden, so we don’t realise how common it is.

As with perfectionism, it is important to recognise the bullying inner voice that is feeding you these beliefs and to find a different voice to combat it: aim to be a better, kinder friend to yourself.

How can you address it with your graduate employees?

Help them to recognise it’s not unusual

Experiencing imposter syndrome can feel very isolating. By its very nature it can make employees feel as though they don’t belong. Work to bolster confidence and morale where possible.

Help them complete a reality check

Would they actually be in this job if they weren’t good enough? Help them to separate feelings from fact. Just because you feel something doesn’t mean it’s true.

Embracing diversity

You are much more likely to feel you don’t belong and suffer from imposter syndrome if you are in the ‘minority’. We still live in an environment where the prototype for a powerful person in authority is a white, middle-aged man. People can face barriers based on gender, race, sexuality, socio-economic background and disability (including mental health). You are much more likely to suffer from imposter syndrome if you don’t feel you belong or because you are in a minority.

Have diverse role models

Evidence shows that workplaces that embrace gender and ethnic diversity in executive teams are 25% and 36% more productive respectively. Be confident in addressing these issues. Having visible diverse role models in senior positions will go a long way to helping combat imposter syndrome.

Read the McKinsey report on the importance of diversity

Resources

Resource

Advancing the mental health and wellbeing agenda

A guide to help senior leaders put in place measures to ensure that workplaces are mentally healthy

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Asking for help (adult)

When it’s time to talk about your mental health.

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Five Ways to Wellbeing posters

Seven page poster pack - one for each of the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, give, learn, be active, take notice. Plus two all-in-one posters.

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Low mood poster

Poster created in partnership with Bank Workers Charity highlighting common causes of low mood, how to help yourself feel better and information on where to get more help.

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Patent and trade mark professionals

Protecting your mental health and wellbeing: A guide for patent and trade mark professionals

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Perfectionism

Aiming high can sometimes come at a cost. This eight page guide looks at ‘unhealthy perfectionism’ – how to spot it and advice on how to develop effective interventions.

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Taking care of your mental health for occupational health practitioners

This resource for occupational health practitioners suggests ways for you to take time out of your day to focus on yourself in order to stay healthy and stress-free.

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Warning signs poster

A bold A3 poster showing the warning signs that tell you when someone may be depressed. This poster could save a life.

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Five ways to wellbeing bookmark

Our bookmark features the five ways to wellbeing and some helpful techniques for when you’re feeling a bit worried. Use it as a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind.

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Five ways to wellbeing bookmark for children

Our bookmark for children features the five ways to wellbeing and helpful techniques for when you’re feeling worried. It’s a colourful way to mark your place and calm your mind!

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