By Lorna Dunning – Professional Development coach

During a 20-year career in senior roles within global organisations, I’ve been fortunate to work with top performers and exceptional leaders. I made it a habit to observe and learn from others’ successes and mistakes.

Today I help individuals to take their career and life to the next level and to achieve this they often need to overcome all sorts of hurdles and for so many of my clients imposter syndrome is a key factor holding them back.

I remember a few years ago working late in the office on a dark winter evening and having the most honest conversations I’d ever had with a colleague. Despite this being my second senior leadership role, I was confiding in her about how I sometimes wondered how I got this position and how I didn’t feel worthy or good enough.

“You’re waiting for the talent police,” she said. I almost spat tea out as I doubled over laughing.

It was a hilarious comment, but it perfectly describing the myriad of thoughts and emotions of what I now understand to be Imposter Syndrome. Waiting for the talent police to walk into the meeting room, point in my direction and tell me I shouldn’t be in this job or to leave the company. You’re busted for the fraud that you are. You’re not smart enough or talented enough for this role.

I have since learned this was a ‘thing’ which, at some point almost everyone experiences, and I looked into what the syndrome was, why we experience it and how to beat it.

Here are some of the signs that you could be suffering from Imposter Syndrome:

1. Perfectionism – If I am perfect, I won’t be found out.

2. Inability to say no – If I say yes, when my more talented colleague says no, I will be more greatly appreciated.

3. Over working – I’ll make up for my talent shortfall by working harder than everyone else.

4. Low confidence – The less I speak up, the less chance I have of getting it wrong.

5. Self-sabotage – I’ll be found out sooner or later, it will be less painful if I do it myself.

6. Under-performing – What’s the point in giving it my all, I’ll never be good enough anyway.

7. Worry – That presentation didn’t go well, I bet my boss thinks I’m useless.

8. Trying to please everyone – If everyone is happy with me, no one will want me to lose me.

9. Sensitive to feedback – If I’m not getting 100% positive feedback, this is proof that I am not good enough.

In my case, the bigger the role, the harder I thought I had to work to compensate for my lack of talent, intellect, leadership charisma, financial acumen etc.