So you鈥檝e just gotten a big promotion at work, or been chosen to lead a challenging project, but you feel the honor is undeserved. Maybe you even feel like a fraud.
That gnawing feeling is called 鈥渋mpostor syndrome,鈥� and it鈥檚 perfectly natural and quite common, says executive coach Kim Meninger, M.B.A.鈥�08. In fact, Meninger wrote in聽 in October, experiencing impostor syndrome can be a good sign鈥攊t shows that you鈥檙e leaving your comfort zone. 鈥淕rowth doesn鈥檛 happen in comfortable places,鈥� Meninger pointed out.聽
Research shows that this self-doubt syndrome is most prevalent among high achievers, wrote Meninger, including Maya Angelou, Sonia Sotomayor, and Sheryl Sandberg.
In fact, impostor syndrome is particularly an issue for women, and especially during times of transition, such as graduating from college or starting a new job. That鈥檚 why Boston College student groups Women in Business and the Women Innovators Network .
In an evening presentation as well as confidential office hours the next day, Meninger鈥攚ho also earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from Morrissey College in 1997鈥攐ffered lessons for undergraduate women on navigating male-dominated fields, such as finance and tech, in their upcoming internships and careers.
鈥淭hese are competitive environments in general,鈥� Meninger said during a break on the second day. 鈥淎nd if you鈥檙e the only woman in the room, and often the youngest person in the room, that can be intimidating.鈥�
Here are a few of the strategies Meninger recommended:
聽Recognize that self-doubt is triggered in times of transition and growth. Know that you are not alone and be willing to share your feelings with others.
聽Know your strengths. Consistently document your accomplishments and review them regularly. Don鈥檛 be ashamed to own what you do well.
聽Manage the need to know and do everything yourself. Leverage your resources by partnering with people who complement your skills and strengths.
Read Meninger鈥檚 full . She also wrote , about getting over your reluctance to be a self-promoter.
鈥擯atrick L. Kennedy 鈥�99