Imposter Syndrome is a general term connected especially to women workers.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is the lack of confidence shown by a person and questioning their ability, though they might be pretty capable and expert in doing their job. In most cases, it has been found that if a woman worker gets a leading position in a company project, it is widespread among the co-workers to try to put her down in all possible ways. This criticism is because we still live in a world where men are only considered leaders. On top of this, there are biases based on skin color, culture, financial background, etc. Hence, the bullying, both subtle and overt, questions each decision she will make. The situation worsens that despite having excellent academic experience and accomplishments, they start believing that they are not fit for the job and fooling others. Sometimes, it even leads to demotion and, in worst cases losing the job.
Imposter syndrome leads to such a mental state that the person starts questioning whether she deserves the accomplishment or not, including many successful women, starting from executives to Hollywood superstars and even women in the position of First Lady. This mental state is mainly found because of the racism, discrimination that persists in our society.
Sometimes we are not sure whether we will do a job, but that does not mean we are suffering from Imposter Syndrome. It is that feeling when you are not confident about your ability and only questions it. If they face any problem like this, the white men get some models they can follow, but the case is just the opposite for women. Rarely will you find any women being invited to the career development conferences, especially if they are women of color. Many highly potential women are suppressed because of their color and race. Many of them lose interest in their career and leave it in the middle when they are close to success.
The Imposter system is mainly seen because of the biases and toxic culture that emphasizes individualism and overwork. The fixing is not needed for the women. Still, it needs to be done to the toxic environment, mentality, and attitude of all the co-workers responsible for bringing this. The leaders need to play a significant role here. They should be building a healthy environment and addressing the issues of racism, biases for women and people of color with much more intelligence. Those who are suffering from imposter syndrome need positive motivation and that the leader can only give.
Simply put, we can only stop this imposter syndrome in women by changing our mentality and attitude towards them. Don’t just point at them by saying that they have imposter syndrome but be a motivator to bring back positivity in them.
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