Member-only story
Do You Feel Like a Fraud?
Are you a productive overachiever in everyone’s eyes but your own?
Imposter Syndrome sufferers are high achievers who secretly believe they have been overestimated. They fear that at any time the “truth” about them will become known.
When Brian was promoted to general manager of his company, he was sure it was because he just happened to be in the right place at the right time and that no other likely candidates were available.
He’s afraid his subordinates will find out he is in over his head and laugh at him. In reality, though, he’s exhibiting the same high-level performance that he did prior to his promotion.
Productivity is up, overtime is down, and the board of directors is delighted. Even so, Brian worries constantly that he will make a mistake that will show he is not qualified to be general manager.
Sandra is the membership director of a private club. When members comment that she is exceptionally efficient, personable, and charming, she shrugs it off. If they knew what she’s really like, she believes, they would think differently — and she worries every day that something will happen and people will find out she’s incompetent.
