Meet the Imposters

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In the business analysis community, imposter syndrome is unfortunately very common. This might be due to the analytical nature of our job or misconceptions about our role, but the exact reason for its prevalence is unknown.

Whether they’re caused by nature, nurture, or some combination thereof, feelings of self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a "fraud," despite evidence of competence and success, are completely normal and nothing to fear.

In this article, I want to raise awareness of the different imposter syndromes identified by Dr. Valerie Young, to capture as many of these feelings as possible. By naming the little demons that sit on our shoulders at work, we can hopefully start addressing and overcoming them.

Did you know that there are five types of imposter syndrome? Neither did I! While there are common strategies to address imposter syndrome, each type also has unique approaches to help you embrace and navigate it.

Despite their differences, here are some basic tactics to help manage whichever type of imposter syndrome applies to you:

• Don’t beat yourself up
• Celebrate the successes, no matter how small
• Seek feedback
• Learn to love yourself (Okay, baby steps… maybe learn to like and then love yourself)

Now that we’re clear on that, allow me to introduce the imposters.

Imposter #1 — The Super Person

This one sounds cool, doesn’t it? But if it seems familiar to you, you must be exhausted.

As the super person imposter, you sacrifice things for work or stay late even when the job is done, not to mention the stress you feel when you’re not at work. If that isn’t enough, you also feel like you haven’t earned your job title (which pushes you to work even harder) and need to please people.

Basically, you’re a workaholic who’s addicted to working—not to the work itself. Doesn’t sound as cool now. Remember that you have the power to make yourself feel good and learn to be self-aware by recognizing the signs and behaviours that enable that little devil on your shoulder.

If you identify with this type of imposter, don’t take feedback or constructive criticism personally. Instead, learn from it, nurture your inner confidence, start to become attuned to your internal validation, and reflect but don’t over-analyze (we’re business analysis professionals, after all, so I know that one can be a challenge).

Imposter #2 — The Natural Genius

Seriously, why are all the names so amazing? Just like super person, though, the reality behind this enviable moniker isn’t as flattering.

What’s it like as a natural genius imposter? You’ve probably excelled without much effort, were labelled as “clever” or “smart” in childhood, felt ashamed and deflated when faced with setbacks, and avoided new challenges that you weren’t good at right away.

In summary, you punish yourself because of your own extremely high standards. But remember, accomplishing things involves lifelong learning and skill building. Learn to identify specific, changeable behaviours that you can improve over time, and don’t judge others by your standards.

Don’t give up or avoid things that you think you’re not good at, even when you feel uncomfortable. Do start to see yourself as a work in progress and seek opportunities that push you (this is why I joined IIBA as a volunteer).

You got this. Now take up that next challenge you’ve been putting off.

Imposter #3 — The Soloist

I always think of music for this one, but there’s nothing harmonious about this lone wolf.  

If you often feel the need to accomplish tasks independently, avoid asking for help, and feel ashamed when you do, chances are you identify with the soloist imposter. You might deflect by saying the project or team needs assistance instead of admitting you need help. And you may prefer to struggle on your own and question your abilities when you have to seek support.

In short, you punish yourself because of your need to feel independent. While it’s okay to be independent, it’s not okay to refuse help so you can prove your worth. Don’t feel ashamed or avoid asking for help. Learning to ask for assistance will only enhance your knowledge, which is always beneficial. You’re human, after all, and teamwork makes the dream work (corny but true).

Start seeing yourself as someone open to learning new things. Consider brainstorming with others to build your confidence in asking for help. Celebrate everything you’ve learned from seeking assistance and reflect on how it has helped you grow your network.

Imposter #4 — The Expert

Many of you won’t relate to this title. I know I didn’t. That is until I read the description and was hit with a crushing sense of familiarity.

As the expert imposter, you avoid applying for jobs because you don’t meet all the specifications (and I mean all). You search for new qualifications and training where you think you need to improve your skills to succeed. You relate to people who feel like they don’t know enough, you don’t take praise very well, and you deflect. When people call you an expert, you cringe.

"I didn’t do it alone. Actually, [insert name of colleague] played a major role,” or something to that effect, is normally my stock response to praise.

Sound familiar? As the expert imposter, you believe you will never know enough because you judge and punish yourself for how much you don’t know. To beat it, lean into it. Remember that you will never know everything—and that’s okay! The longer you spend trying to seek total knowledge the more you’ll procrastinate.

Learn to practise just-in-time learning when you need it. If there are experts you can contact, reach out to them whenever you can’t consolidate the learning. Don’t hoard knowledge for false comfort or seek qualifications just in case. And avoid believing that qualifications are always the answer to prove your knowledge.

Believe me, you know more than you think, and you can show this by mentoring junior or less experienced colleagues. You will benefit and so will they. Look for coaching and volunteering opportunities to benefit others but also to mitigate your fear of being a fraud.

Imposter #5 — The Perfectionist

I could never be a perfectionist. Well, okay, maybe a little bit.

You may have perfectionist imposter syndrome if:

• You like to feel in control (check)
• You always feel like you could have done better (check)
• You’re often accused of micromanagement (I draw the line here)
• You struggle to delegate
• You’re disappointed by the results when you do delegate (never)
• You miss your goals and then tell yourself you’re not cut out for the job (regularly)
• You feel that your work should always be 100% perfect

In a nutshell, you feel like a fraud because your goals were set too high. If this describes you, remember that you may not be perfect; nobody is. But you’re enough, and that’s what matters. Learn to take mistakes in stride and see them as part of your process.

Don’t wait for the perfect time (it will never come) or try to achieve flawless work. Don’t expect others to meet unrealistic expectations, either. Instead, accept that enough is acceptable, spend time understanding where others are coming from, relinquish control (it can be invigorating), and use others around you as your critical friends.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is not a one-stop shop. It’s complex, because we’re complex. Like me, you may tick some of the boxes from certain personas, but not all of them. The point is not self-diagnosis, but self-insight.

Recognizing which one may apply to you, even if only slightly, can help you lean into your weaknesses, grow, and become a better version of yourself.

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