New Research On Why Imposter Syndrome Affects Female Leaders More

Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that can have a negative impact on anyone, and women leaders in particular. Left unchecked, imposter syndrome can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression.

The good news is that imposter syndrome is something that can be overcome with the right mindset and support system.

One of my favorite ways to get rid of imposter syndrome is through identifying and acknowledging specific power skills that help slay it. We’ll talk more about that below. In the meantime, you can download The Imposter Syndrome Slayer: 10 Skills Every Woman Leader Needs to Beat Imposter Syndrome and Confidently Command Their Seat at the Table.

By the way, if we’re just meeting, I’m Resilience Coach Stacy Brookman. I love working with professional women who want to stop their imposter syndrome and want to truly command their personal power. I get to help them level up their resilience in spite of life’s drama. 

OK, so back to imposter syndrome. 

 "I am not an amazing leader": The prevalence of imposter syndrome among female leaders

In recent years, there’s been a growing conversation around the topic of imposter syndrome and its effects on women leaders. 

While imposter syndrome is not exclusive to women, research has shown that it is a significant factor in holding women back from achieving leadership positions. This is due to a number of factors, including the internalized belief that they are not qualified for the job they’re in or the promotion they desire.

In recent years, the number of women in leadership positions has increased dramatically (though, side note, not enough!). However, many women still feel like imposters in these roles. 

Seventy-five percent of executive women report having personally experienced imposter syndrome at certain points in their career. “Advancing the Future of Women in Business: A KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit Report”

Imposter syndrome is a condition where people doubt their accomplishments and feel like they’re a  fraud. This can be especially true for women who’ve been historically underrepresented in leadership positions.

Imposter syndrome can trigger crippling anxiety and depression, shackling female leaders from confidently asserting themselves.

Guess what? Imposter syndrome is common among high achievers.

How Does Imposter Syndrome Develop? And What are the Symptoms of Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome can develop from a variety of experiences, including particularly harsh parents, comparisons to others as a child, emotional abuse, abandonment (including emotional abandonment), and many more. 

It's not always useful to keep going back to the past to find out exactly where. You may never know. It's more important to determine how you want to live in the future and develop that. 

Symptoms of imposter syndrome include the things mentioned above in this article. It shows up in so many ways, it's tough to list all of them. For instance, feeling like you're the only one who doesn't know what's going on, or that you're not as smart as everyone else, or feeling like you don't measure up. 

Imposter syndrome is often seen in high-achieving individuals who have been successful in their field. However, it can also affect anyone who doesn't feel like they fit in or belong in some way.

Assess for yourself how imposter syndrome shows up in your life and in your work. There are a few key indications that contribute to or trigger the development of imposter syndrome. 

First, people who tend to doubt themselves or their abilities are more likely to experience imposter syndrome. 

Second, perfectionists often put unrealistic pressure on themselves, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. 

Finally, comparing oneself to others is a surefire way to create insecurity and self-doubt.

Recognize yourself in any of those?

If you’re plagued by feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, it is essential to seek guidance from a qualified professional who can provide you with the necessary support to move through this challenging period. With expert coaching and guidance, you can acquire the skills to overcome your imposter syndrome for good and live an enriching life.

So...Exactly Why is it More Common for Women to Experience Imposter Syndrome?

It's no secret that women have long been underrepresented in leadership positions across industries. And although progress has been made in recent years to close the gender gap, research shows that imposter syndrome is more common among women than men.

There are a number of reasons why this might be the case. For one, women are often socialized to downplay their successes and achievements. They're also more likely to be perfectionists and set higher standards for themselves than men. 

Whatever the cause, imposter syndrome can take a toll on your mental health and career progression.

For example, women are often expected to be perfect mothers, wives, and employees. They’re also expected to look perfect and have an ideal body type.

With all of these expectations, it’s no wonder that women feel like they can’t live up to the standards set for them.

Gender roles also play a role in imposter syndrome. Women are typically seen as the caretakers and nurturers, while men are seen as the breadwinners and leaders. This can lead to women feeling like they’re not good enough or that they don’t deserve their success.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Female Leader

It's no secret that women often have to work a little harder than men to be taken seriously in the professional world. And while achieving success in spite of this hurdle is an accomplishment in itself, it can come at a cost.

Many high-achieving women suffering from imposter syndrome have the constant feeling that they’re not good enough or that they’re somehow fraudulently masquerading as a competent professional.

Of course, you may feel varying degrees of intensity, it's never a good feeling to have. Effective leaders equip themselves by having the right tools to overcome imposter syndrome when it does show up. 

Female leaders often face unique challenges that can contribute to imposter syndrome. For example, they may be less likely to be taken seriously or be given credit for their accomplishments. They may also have to deal with gender-based discrimination or even sexual harassment (yes, still!).

It's useful to understand that imposter syndrome is not a personal failing, but rather a result of cultural and societal messages that tell us that women are not as capable as men. 

One avenue you might not think about is using boundaries. Boundaries powerfully impact your behavior, limiting the effects of imposter syndrome. If you’d like to know more about how boundaries don’t make you selfish, but instead make you smart, check out this article.

With these steps, you can start to overcome imposter syndrome and become the confident leader you are meant to be.

If you’re ready to identify the root causes of your insecurity and get them out of your head for good, click here and let’s talk!

The Benefits of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Female Leaders

For female leaders, this insecurity can be magnified by the fact that they are often still in the minority in leadership positions.

Despite the challenge, women leaders who conquer imposter syndrome can reap a myriad of rewards.

• Gain confidence: Once you start to see yourself as capable and competent, your self-confidence will increase. This newfound confidence will spill over into other areas of your life, both personal and professional.
• Improved mental health: when people doubt their accomplishments, it takes a toll on their mental health. Overcoming imposter syndrome can improve mental health by boosting self-confidence and reducing stress. You’ll be happier too.
• Better performance: when leaders feel like they’re not good enough, it affects their work performance. Overcoming imposter syndrome can lead to better work performance by increasing motivation and focus.
• More productive: When you're bogged down by self-doubt, it's difficult to be productive. Once you start to believe in yourself, you'll find it easier to get things done and meet your goals without stewing over how that report will be perceived by other people.
• Improved relationships: people with imposter syndrome often have difficulty in maintaining relationships because of their low self-esteem. Overcoming imposter syndrome can improve relationships by making people more confident and outgoing.

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

It's estimated that 70% of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. For many, it's a constant battle when they feel like they're not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary. It's time to overcome your imposter syndrome. 

Even though you may have moments of self-doubt, don't let them hold you back from achieving your goals. Overcome your imposter syndrome and show the world what you're capable of!

You are deserving of success.

If you haven’t yet done it, download The Imposter Syndrome Slayer - Top 10 skills every woman leader needs to beat imposter syndrome and confidently command their seat at the table. That will get you started by helping you determine which power skills you DO have, and which ones you’ll want to create a strategy to boost.

Now you know all about getting rid of imposter syndrome.  But what about going further and raising your adversity quotient? I’ve got you!  Below are some amazing reads to keep you leveling up.