They're Productive Overachievers in Everyone’s Eyes but Their Own

Imposter Syndrome sufferers are high achievers who secretly believe they have been overestimated. They fear that at any time the “truth” about them will become known.

When Brian was promoted to general manager of his company, he was sure it was because he just happened to be in the right place at the right time and that no other likely candidates were available. He is afraid his subordinates will find out he is in over his head and laugh at him. In reality, though, he is exhibiting the same high-level performance that he did prior to his promotion. Productivity is up, overtime is down, and the board of directors is delighted. Even so, Brian worries constantly that he will make a mistake that will show he is not qualified to be general manager.

Sandra is the membership director of a private club. When members comment that she is exceptionally efficient, personable and charming, she shrugs it off. If they knew what she is really like, she believes, they would think differently—and she worries every day that something will happen and people will find out she’s incompetent.

Brian and Sandra [whose real names are not being used to protect their privacy] suffer from the Imposter Syndrome. They secretly believe that they have been overestimated and that at any time the truth will come out.

It sounds like they suffer from general shyness and insecurity, but the problem runs deeper. Generally, victims of the Imposter syndrome are successful and have a strong drive to achieve but are unable to enjoy acclaim. They believe that their accomplishments are accidental, coincidental, attributable to luck, or that anyone could have done the same things simply by working hard. Sometimes these “imposters” are such intense perfectionists they can never meet their own standards.

Though the exact figure is unknown, experts estimate that 70 percent of all “successful” people suffer from private feelings of fraudulence. For many, the problem can be traced to childhood. Our views of ourselves are shaped by the messages we received early in life from our parents and siblings. We take on the characteristics others have assigned us, but overt discrepancies and covert messages can create the feelings of being an imposter in a child. Those feelings follow the child into adulthood.

It is important to remember that people suffering from the Imposter Syndrome are not actually imposters; they are truly doing the job. Moreover, these feelings are not restricted to the workplace; they invade the victims’ personal lives as well. Despite evidence to the contrary, sufferers believe they are inadequate and that, eventually, their family and friends will realize it. Though most victims feel compelled to achieve, some are so terrified of failure and the exposure it might bring that they stop trying.

The Imposter Syndrome creates a tremendous amount of stress for its victims, triggering illnesses and debilitating emotional trauma. In a ripple effect, coworkers and family members also suffer. A company will get a tremendous amount of production out of the victim, but only to a certain level. It’s not unusual for an Imposter Syndrome sufferer to quit before the company “finds out” they’re a fake—and then the company has to deal with the problem of turnover.

Not every overachiever is an Imposter Syndrome victim, making the problem a difficult one to diagnose. If you suspect a friend or an employee may have this problem, offer support. Let them know what strengths you see in them and talk about the reality that there will be times they feel like an imposter. The victim needs to accept the problem and, if necessary, get appropriate counseling. And remember what Somerset Maugham observed: “Only a mediocre person is always at his best.”

Jacquelyn Lynn
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