What are the key strategies for supporting clients with imposter syndrome?

Be cautious of the normalisation of diagnosing yourself or others with ‘imposter syndrome’ like it’s an identity flaw. The feelings are real, but 'syndrome' is a pattern of symptoms indicating a disease or deficiency...feeling uncomfortable or uncertain is a normal response to learning and unfamiliar stretch situations. How do we focus on fixing environments, not diagnosing people: creating psychological safety, removing marginalisation and addressing the inadequacies of the systems we operate within. Rewarding curiosity and potential, not perfection of knowledge or experience. Recognising that we are all best at different things. From here we can cultivate ideal conditions for a community of individuals to activate their best, together.

I love the idea of the inner "saboteur", which is a part of us that always comes out when we are going out of our comfort zone, for example, in the form of an inner critic who tells us that we are not good enough and we are going to fail. When we are taking on a new challenge, if the saboteur comes out, it means that we are on the "right track"; otherwise, perhaps the path we are on is too easy, and we can do more. At the same time, I love to use the metaphor of a car, where we are in the driver's seat, and the saboteur is a passenger. We listen to its voice, we acknowledge it, and then we make the call on where to go without letting the saboteur be in the driver's seat.

In my experience, building a supportive coaching relationship is key to addressing imposter syndrome. To begin, acknowledging and normalizing self-doubt feelings assures clients that they are not alone. Additionally, actively challenging negative thoughts and reframing them with positive affirmations reshapes mindset. Moreover, sharing resources such as articles and stories of well-known figures who have openly discussed their struggles with imposter syndrome deepens understanding and fosters resilience. I am mindful of the fact that addressing imposter syndrome is an ongoing process, and progress is subjective, often requiring an investment of time.

It is imperative that as an executive coach we normalize the experience of our clients, We can help them understand that imposter syndrome is common and many successful individuals go through it. Normalize their feelings by sharing stories of other high achievers who have experienced imposter syndrome and overcame it. We must take care that each client is unique, and it's essential to adapt and customize the strategies to meet their specific needs and circumstances.

It is imperative that as an executive coach we normalize the experience of our clients, We can help them understand that imposter syndrome is common and many successful individuals go through it. Normalize their feelings by sharing stories of other high achievers who have experienced imposter syndrome and overcame it. We must take care that each client is unique, and it's essential to adapt and customize the strategies to meet their specific needs and circumstances.

>>>>"It's me. Hi. I'm the problem. It's me."<<<< - Thanks TSwift "They're going to figure out I can't do this job" "I'm not sure how I got through the interview process" "Nothing is going right here and I'm to blame" If any of this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing "Imposter Phenomenon" (experts shared "Syndrome" is a misnomer). Working with your coach or a mentor is an great way to confront this type of thinking. If you let these thoughts continue, they will likely show up in how you lead and you run the risk of becoming a self-fulling prophecy. A good coach will partner with you by asking questions to separate fact from fiction, challenge your "ability" to mind read, predict the future, and help you break from this talk.

Phrases like ‘imposter’ or ‘fraud’ are highly restrictive and loaded with negative connotations. We can’t embrace self-doubt as a normal state of being if we judge ourselves. Not knowing who we are or where we are is part of evolving; it’s leaving our old self behind to make room for our new, often better, self. This is not to say that the anxiety, stress and sense of loneliness experienced during these times are not real or profound; these all deserve to be validated. However, since imposter syndrome is an internal experience, our perception of it can be reframed. For example, we can explore the following: what if we drop the ‘syndrome’ tag and embrace uncertainty and doubt as part of our introspective capacity?

Too often people have created this false identity and call it imposter syndrome. Mostly because they are stuck in using crappy self-talk that does not benefit them. It's a habit. What can they do to catch it, stop it and replace it (aka: reframe)? Having a coach, mentor...or even other support people call you out when you say something that is not going in the direction you want to go. Shake feeling like a fake, fraud or imposter is a deliberate act. You must refute it. You must eliminate the, "Yeah but..." What if they find out? Stop running from these thoughts, sit with them, ask the hard question, "Is this true"? And then deeper, "What if it wasn't true"? Look to prove to yourself it's not. Change your confirmation bias defaults.

Guiding clients to reframe their internal narratives transforms perceived weaknesses into learning opportunities, fostering a resilient mindset that thrives on overcoming self-imposed limitations. You can do this by simply asking what the benefit of the thought is - then if that is the best way to achieve it - and then coming up with a new solution to create the same benefit

Most people with imposter syndrome generally are either saying negative things to themselves or are remembering negative things someone said to them. Meaning somethhing is triggering the feeling associated with imposter syndrome. They may or may not be completely aware of it occurring. If they are not aware, then use the last memory that the feeling occurred. Have them start at the end, rewind it to the beginning and to pause. When they trigger the new mental behavior that you have been working on treat it as if it hits play on the memory. The memory will not be the same. It will incorporate the new behavior instead. Starting at the end of the memory and rewinding made it so that functioned as a behavior interrupt.

I often engage clients with stories of role models; wherein highlighting stories of successful individuals who've faced similar feelings. Also encourage them to seek mentorship or guidance from someone who has navigated imposter syndrome.

One of the first exercises I do with my clients involves examining their strengths. We explore evidence-based strengths and conduct tests to gain a deeper understanding of their character strengths. Regardless of how accomplished individuals are, everyone can benefit from these exercises. Ironically I've observed that the more successful people are, the more likely they are to underestimate themselves.

Strengths creates a more positive and accurate self-image, which can dismantle the impostor narrative brick by brick. When you help lift someone up, it's easier for them to move forward.

It is helpful for my clients to identify where their fears stem from, and distinguish between real and perceived challenges. Reframing the challenges as opportunities for growth, and identifying any skill gaps to mitigate helps in taking concrete steps forward. Reflecting on their strengths and past successes, as well as continuous validation and recognition of their progress and achievements increases their confidence and their belief in their ability to succeed.

Highlighting strengths and achievements, coupled with the creation of a tangible record, is an effective strategy to empower clients facing imposter syndrome. It promotes a positive self-image, boosts confidence, and provides a concrete tool for combating the persistent self-doubt that characterizes imposter syndrome. I find journaling positive achievements a very helpful way for my clients to remember their strengths and talents.

Mentors and peers not only offer diverse perspectives but also mirrors back their value in ways they might not see themselves, reinforcing a sense of belonging and competence. Your community becomes a version of who you are. When they are positive it's easier to be positive.

Don't make assumptions about others. Ask the questions to gain better insight into the relevant support needs of the individual. Community groups that they have interests in is a great way for them to gain support. (E.g. Gardening group) not all supports need to be paid (I've found the most beneficial are those that can be sustained once funding is no longer available) Come from a place of non judgemental support when asking the questions to gain insight and try to provide a culturally safe environment where they will feel safe to answer with their truth. Most of all be genuine in your approach. People respect honesty even if at first they don't appreciate it. Work within the scope of your role.

The goal is to reinforce the idea that their progress, no matter the scale, is a testament to their growth and capabilities. Ensure that you can extend their timeline to be more realistic and take into account only what they can control.

Encouraging the client towards every step to goal achievement not only motivates them to achieve the ultimate goal, also it helps them to want more from themselves. Reflecting on their past achievements can also counter the feelings of inadequacy by showcasing their competence and capabilities.

I start every coaching session with the client reporting on their wins. I'm a believer in wiring the mind to acknowledge their success and take ownership of their progress. I once worked with a client who wanted to improve their coaching practice by enrolling more clients and increasing her fees. We agreed to work together for 6 sessions and she was shocked that she had enrolled 3 new clients by the 2nd session. She almost brushed by this accomplishment and downplayed it, I invited her to slow down and share with me exactly how she enrolled these clients. It was in that reflection that she took note of how powerfully she showed up and how much value she gave them. It was in that space where we both noted that THAT was her authentic self.

Highlighting top achievements and conducting a detailed review of your key sucesses is incredibly satisfying during a mentor session. When you identify a moment of success and celebrate it, you stimulate the mind and build greater confidence in yourself. It’s important to improve and self criticise but it’s incredibly vital to celebrate also what you have achieved otherwise the process of “imposter syndrome” is merely picking out what needs to be worked on when it’s key to self praise and acknowledge what you have accomplished so far.

1. Have the Courage to Identify Hidden Root Causes: Rather than resorting to fake positivity. This can often emerge among individuals with underrepresented groups and identities, manifesting as a feeling of being different or not belonging. It can arise in toxic work environments that promote invalidation, it can potentially go back to childhood if a parent unconsciously projected doubt about your abilities in school or sports. 2. Practice Pattern Interruption:Recognize your ANTS (automatic negative thoughts) that undermine your self-worth and choose to stop self-judgment and perfectionism and commit to self-kindness. 3. Inventory Who's in Your Life:Make sure there are supportive people who appreciate you rather than judge or compete.

Supporting clients with imposter syndrome involves several key strategies. Normalize the experience by sharing statistics or personal stories to show it's common. Guide clients to explore the root causes, beliefs, and reasons behind their feelings. Reframe and weaken those beliefs, replacing them with empowering ones. Implant new, positive beliefs and anchor them with tangible evidence or experiences. Empower clients to test their new beliefs and provide feedback to solidify their confidence and diminish imposter feelings. This process helps clients understand, reframe, and overcome imposter syndrome, building their self-assurance.

Imposter Syndrome: A self-suspicion of secret inadequacy. The components of the definition can be used as an approach to walking step by step through the concern. They don’t all have to be there for it to be present, but each element adds to the strength of the syndrome. Examining each piece matters. Self. Ultimately the worry is that others will make a determination about you. So, getting some data from others is important. Suspicion. This is fairly subjective. Getting objective data from credible sources is important. Secret. If the inadequacy can be kept a secret, what does that say? Inadequacy. Define adequacy. If you objectively identify gaps; fill them. If you objectively meet a standard, then you are NOT inadequate.

1. Strengths Exploration: Uncover and emphasize their unique strengths, fostering a sense of competence. 2. Visualizing Success: Guide them in envisioning and internalizing future successes, boosting confidence. 3. Reality-Testing Narratives: Challenge distorted self-perceptions, replacing negative narratives with realistic appraisals of achievements. 4. Accountability Partnership: Establish an accountability partnership, providing consistent support and encouragement to counteract imposter feelings, ensuring sustained progress in their professional journey.

When developing a new mental behavior repeat the process a few times. It helps create associations that help develop it faster. Think of how they would rather respond. For instance, confident is a good start. Another great one is motivated. Another good one is excited. Have them imagine themselves in a situation that they would normally experience the feeling associated with imposter syndrome, but experiencing it with each feeling separately. After a couple of repetitions do two at a time and then all three. Look at my other responses for the remainder of the exercise.