A L L I E PA RROTT , A S S ISTA NT D IRECTO R, W IS E

O L IV IA CA RRA S CO , S ENIO R, M ECHA NICA L ENG INEERING

JANUARY 13, 2018

IMPOSTOR SYNDROME

OVERVIEW FOR TODAY

What is Impostor Syndrome

Why does it matter

How it affect individuals and their leadership

What are strategies to overcome these feelings?

WE ARE IMPOSTERS

IMPOSTER SYNDROME“Impostors” often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than to ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as a fraud.

1. Do you secretly worry that others will find out that you’re not as bright and capable as they think you are?

2. Do you sometimes shy away of from challenges because of nagging self-doubt?

3. Do you tend to chalk up your accomplishments as being “no big deal” or the fact that people just “like you?”

4. Do you believe that other people (peers) are smarter and more capable than you are?

5. Do you hate making a mistake, being less than fully prepared or not doing things perfectly?

6. Do you tend to feel crushed by even constructive criticism?

7. When you succeed, do you think, “phew, I fooled ‘em this time, but I may not be so lucky next time.”

8. Do you life in fear of being found out, discovered, or unmasked?

Read through the following questions. Answer YES if you have experienced the symptom.

Answer NO if you have never experienced the symptom.

DO THESE SOUND FAMILIAR?

They felt sorry for

me

It wasn’t that hard I knew the

right people

I got really lucky

I fooled ‘em

A mistake was made

Anyone can do it

It was a team effort

I was in the right place at the right

time

IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Often occurs when individuals are going through a transition, new experience, new environment, or faced with a new challenge

WHAT KIND OF IMPOSTER ARE YOU?The Perfectionist

The Super-person

The Natural Genius

The Rugged Individualist

The Expert

IF IGNORED…Procrastination, Self-sabotageAffects self-confidence (don’t apply for jobs or ask for promotions)Psychological damage (negative self-talk, anxiety, depression)Affects Sense of belonging & relationships Decreased academic performance (exams and grades)Disengagement/Burn out

Overcoming ImposterismSTRATEGIES

Strategy #1: Name the FeelingSharing your experiences with impostor syndrome allows you to see your achievements in a more positive and objective manner.

https://catastraspie.wordpress.com/2016/04/07/overestimating-understanding/imposter-syndrome/

Strategy #1: Name the FeelingSharing your experiences with impostor syndrome allows you to see your achievements in a more positive and objective manner.

https://catastraspie.wordpress.com/2016/04/07/overestimating-understanding/imposter-syndrome/

1. Do you secretly worry that others will find out that you’re not as bright and capable as they think you are?

2. Do you sometimes shy away of from challenges because of nagging self-doubt?

3. Do you tend to chalk up your accomplishments as being “no big deal” or the fact that people just “like you?”

4. Do you believe that other people (peers) are smarter and more capable than you are?

5. Do you hate making a mistake, being less than fully prepared or not doing things perfectly?

6. Do you tend to feel crushed by even constructive criticism?

7. When you succeed, do you think, “phew, I fooled ‘em this time, but I may not be so lucky next time.”

8. Do you life in fear of being found out, discovered, or unmasked?

Read through the following questions. Answer YES if you have experienced the symptom.

Answer NO if you have never experienced the symptom.

Strategy #2: Know your values

https://github.com/hypatia/virtuoso/blob/master/impostor.pdf

When you think of the times in your life where you’ve been the happiest, the proudest, or the most satisfied, which of the following values come to mind?

Allie Olivia

Close relationshipsFamily

Helping other peopleMeaningful work

Mentorship

PeopleEducating Including

Hard workingRespect

Strategy #3 Celebrate your Successes!

Write down compliments you receive or positive feedback.Write or draw 1-3 things that you have accomplished.Write about or draw a picture about 1-3 personal qualities or skills that you possess.

https://www.slideshare.net/heatherrtovey/building-confidence-and-defeating-imposter-syndrome

STRATEGY #4UNDERSTAND THE GROWTH MINDSET

KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Recognize that it exists.

2. Embrace, internalize positive feedback

3. Don’t attribute your successes to luck

4. Don’t diminish your abilities§ Avoid “merely”, “only,” “simply,”

5. Accept that no one knows everything

6. Accept help from others

7. Embrace failure and a growth-mindset!

Questions? Email: aparrott@iastate.edu www.wise.iastate.edu

ThankYou!

Allie Parrott