Written by: Andrée Funnell, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Imposter Syndrome — Removing your Corporate Mask
From the most senior leadership positions to junior roles, organizations are seeing high levels of imposter syndrome and lack of confidence among their employees. Having worked in corporate organizations for over 20+ years and as a consultant for 19 years, I have seen evidence of this at all levels of leadership and management. Furthermore, I have delivered development interventions to help individuals and teams overcome this stigma.
If only organizations collated quantitative and anecdotal data on the culture. Data would
identify the fact that imposter syndrome is a known issue amongst leaders, managers, and
staff. In addition, it would help identify a culture problem and generate a call to action for
structural and organizational culture change.
Confidence and self-doubt
Self-doubt, lack of confidence, and hesitation are human nature, and they have been present for centuries. Nowadays, it is known as ‘Imposter Syndrome’. If organizations want
authentic, confident, and passionate people driving and leading their business then they
need to look at the organizational culture.
Furthermore, they need to recognize and celebrate a variety of different leadership styles
and create work cultures where all are welcome and thrive. When people are feeling
trusted, confident, and have clarity on what is expected of them, they will feel fulfilled,
motivated and successful. This, in turn, leads to organizational success and creates a culture of a happy place to work.
Cultural Language
Look at the language being used by leaders and managers and ensure it is positive and
encouraging, not discouraging. Give recognition, praise, and feedback. For example:
“I know you are capable of leading this project. I have seen evidence of that in the past, and I believe in your skills and expertise. Feel free to openly discuss any issues with me. I will help and support you in whatever way I can.”
Why you should be yourself in the workplace and not wear your Corporate Mask
If you present a different you at work than you do at home, you’re certainly not alone. In the professional world, it’s been ingrained in a lot of us that we must present a ‘work-
friendly’ version of ourselves. But, if you’re leaving part of your personality behind when you walk through the office door, you are possibly wearing your corporate mask. If this is
so, you are selling yourself short in your career because there’s a lot to benefit from being
your authentic self at work.
Here are five reasons why being yourself in the workplace will make you happier and more successful in your job:
1. You’ll enjoy your job more.
First things first, like in any area of your life, you’ll feel far more relaxed when you’re being
your authentic self and not wasting energy trying to convince people you are someone else.
And the energy you save from dropping the corporate mask, you can dedicate to challenging yourself in your role and finding true satisfaction in what you do. In turn, you’ll feel more excited and engaged in your job.
2. You’ll feel more confident.
Not only will you feel more relaxed when you’re behaving authentically, but you’ll likely find that you feel more confident in yourself too. When you craft a business persona for yourself, the act of deciphering how you think people do and don’t want you to behave can breed uncertainty and self-consciousness. But, when you come to the decision to embrace your authentic self, you’ll begin to second-guess yourself less. This will give you the confidence to voice your thoughts and ideas with more conviction.
3. You’ll connect better with other people.
People have an instinct for sniffing out a fake, and if you’re behaving in a false way, it’s likely that those around you are aware of it. You’re much better simply being yourself, as people are much more receptive to those they perceive as genuine. You’ll be in a much better position to forge strong relationships at work, as when you’re comfortable sharing your true self with others, they are more likely to open up and do the same with you.
4. It will build trust.
Being authentic at work demonstrates to others that you’re an honest individual who can be trusted. Because who wants to listen to somebody who isn’t straight with them? While
wearing a ‘corporate mask’ may be done with the best intentions, people are inspired by
genuineness.
5. You’ll learn about culture fit.
Of course, it’s not always possible to be your authentic self at work if the company culture
does not align with your own personality and values. But, while it’s perfectly reasonable to
adapt your behavior for certain settings, e.g., a client meeting, if you find that you’re having
to suppress your entire personality to fit in, this may be indicative that the business or
the industry is not a good fit for you.
Summary
When leaders take responsibility for tackling the imposter syndrome issue by creating more inclusive environments — not trying to fix individual's particularly women — everyone stands to benefit. Furthermore, workplace cultures that foster imposter syndrome risk losing key talent.
If you are seeking clarity, confidence, and self-esteem to have impact, influence and success in your life then I can help you do that. Contact me to book a 30 minute discovery call where we can map out how you can achieve this and start your journey of self-discovery.
Don't hesitate to put that call into Andrée today on 07702 818665 or complete the contact form.
Look at our website for coaching programmes and our infamous Behind the Mask Program.
Andrée Funnell, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Andrée is a multi-award-winning Coach, Learning & Development Consultant, best-selling author, and speaker who is the founder and driving force behind the success of Aspiring Future Competence (AFC). Since its inception in 2002, AFC has helped clients across a wide range of business sectors to get visible, get heard, and get ahead by applying inspirational ways to bring about positive change and empowerment. She has over 20 years of HR & training experience working in corporate organizations and a further 18 years delivering development solutions that make a difference to people’s careers and lives. She is a qualified coach, professional trainer, and NLP Practitioner. She discovered that Authenticity is the key to happiness, fulfillment, and success and is keen to get the message out there to others. ‘Behind the Mask’ is Andrée’s literary debut about ‘Authenticity’. It’s an essential interactive step-by-step guide to turning your life around and achieving the kind of life you deserve by living authentically.
