IMPOSTERISM - What is it, how it shows up in the Workplace and how Coaching can Help

Imposterism: Why I Avoid Calling It a "Syndrome"

Have you ever walked into a meeting or presented your work, only to feel like a fraud, despite all the evidence that you're qualified to be there? That’s imposterism—a nagging belief that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be and that, eventually, you’ll be “found out.”

But notice I called it "imposterism," not "imposter syndrome." That’s intentional. The word “syndrome” implies a clinical condition or something that’s inherently wrong with you. But imposterism is not a diagnosis—it's an experience, one that’s incredibly common, especially among high-performing professionals, leaders, and executives.

In fact, research suggests that 70% of people will feel like imposters at some point in their lives. Yes, 70%. That means if you’re sitting in a boardroom with 10 people, chances are 7 of them have felt the same self-doubt you’re grappling with. Even more surprising? Studies show that imposterism is prevalent among some of the most successful individuals—CEOs, surgeons, and top-level managers—proving that it’s not tied to actual skill or competence.

How Imposterism Shows Up in the Workplace

Imposterism doesn’t wear a name tag—it often hides behind behaviours that might even look admirable on the surface. In the workplace, it can manifest in subtle and not-so-subtle ways:

• Overpreparing for meetings or presentations to compensate for perceived inadequacies.
• Downplaying achievements with phrases like, “I just got lucky” or “It wasn’t a big deal.”
• Avoiding challenges for fear of failure or being exposed as incompetent.
• Constantly seeking validation from peers or superiors to feel “enough.”

These patterns can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of proving yourself over and over again.

The 4 P’s of Imposterism

Let’s talk about the 4 P’s: perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and paralysis. These behaviours often act as the building blocks of imposterism, keeping the cycle alive:

1. Perfectionism:
   The belief that anything less than perfect is failure. Perfectionists set impossibly high standards for themselves and often focus on their flaws rather than their successes. In the workplace, this can look like endless tweaking of a project, hesitation to delegate tasks, or being overly critical of one’s work.
2. People-Pleasing:
   A relentless need to gain approval or avoid disappointing others. People-pleasers may take on too much, avoid saying no, and prioritize others’ opinions over their own well-being. It often leads to overwork and resentment.
3. Procrastination:
   The fear of producing something “not good enough” can cause delays and avoidance. Procrastination is often a way to protect oneself from the possibility of failure—or success that might raise expectations even higher.
4. Paralysis:
   When imposterism becomes overwhelming, it can result in a freeze response. This looks like avoiding decisions, opportunities, or risks altogether, which reinforces the belief that you’re not capable.

How Coaching Helps Break the Cycle of Imposterism

Coaching provides a powerful space for professionals to confront imposterism head-on, replacing self-doubt with self-compassion and clarity. Here’s how it works:

1. Recognizing the Patterns
   The first step is to identify how imposterism shows up for you. Through guided reflection, coaching helps you see where perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, or paralysis might be holding you back. Often, just naming these patterns is a powerful step toward breaking their hold.
2. Reframing Limiting Beliefs
   A cornerstone of overcoming imposterism is challenging the thoughts that fuel it. Coaching grounded in psychological principles focuses on recognizing unhelpful beliefs like:
• “If I don’t get this perfect, I’ll fail.”
• “I’m not as smart or capable as everyone thinks I am.”

Using specific tools—like cognitive reframing or reality testing—you begin to question the validity of these thoughts. For example, instead of “I got lucky,” you might practice reframing to, “I worked hard and brought valuable skills to the table.”

1. Building Self-Compassion
   One of the most transformative shifts coaching offers is helping you cultivate self-compassion. Many high-achieving professionals are their own harshest critics, but self-compassion allows you to approach challenges with kindness instead of judgment. Tools like self-compassion exercises, mindfulness practices, and gratitude journaling can help replace self-criticism with supportive inner dialogue.
2. Taking Action with Confidence
   Finally, coaching empowers you to take meaningful action, even in the face of fear or self-doubt. Through strategies like goal-setting, visualization, and accountability, you begin to build a track record of success that reinforces your confidence and sense of belonging.

Breaking Free from Imposterism: A Path to Real Confidence

Imposterism doesn’t define who you are—it’s simply a pattern that can be disrupted with the right tools, mindset, and support. As a professional, leader, or executive, you’ve already proven that you’re capable of extraordinary things. Now, it’s time to give yourself the compassion and credit you deserve.

Coaching is more than just a tool for success—it’s an opportunity to create lasting change, one that empowers you to embrace your worth and move forward with confidence. By recognizing and reframing limiting beliefs, practicing self-compassion, and taking intentional action, you can break free from the cycle of self-doubt and step into your full potential.

If you're ready to leave imposterism behind and lead with self-assurance, coaching could be the catalyst for your next big breakthrough. Reach out today, and let’s work together to unlock your potential.