Impostor syndrome

Are you suffering from impostor syndrome? These are some of the signs, according to York University instructor Diane Zorn as reported in the Globe and Mail:

· Feelings of incompetence.
· A belief that you don't deserve success.
· Feeling like a fraud.
· Fear of being "found out."
· Don't take credit for your own accomplishments.

It is common for high achievers to have fears of their own inadequacy. It is normal to have doubts.

But some workplaces are so competitive they make people feel unworthy of their success. The "impostor phenomenon" describes that fear of being exposed as a fraud despite a solid record of achievement.

The first step is to recognize whether you are suffering from a touch of impostor phenomenon.

The second step: find a mentor – inside or outside your firm. Join professional associations or informal support networks for honest feedback and collaboration.

Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome by Dr. Valerie Young is a website designed to help you succeed.

· Speak up, share your feelings. You will find you are not alone.
· Separate feelings from fact.
· Don't be such a perfectionist.
· Take some risks. Learn that we all have to wing it sometimes to meet our challenges.

The full Globe and Mail article by Virginia Galt is available at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20051224.RCAREERCOACH24/TPStory  ¶ 10:42 AM