One of our readers, Valerie Gillies, shared an interesting response to one of my past articles, Facilitateaphobia that dealt with fear faced by new facilitators. She shared information around something called the “Imposter Syndrome” put forward by an educational author Stephen Brookfield, in his book, “Skillful Teacher,” where he made observations about his doctoral students. I think there are some significant messages here to explore for anyone in a position of leadership. Thank you Valerie for your input and for inspiring this week’s article, Do You Have Imposter Syndrome? As always, I look forward to your comments.
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- February 4, 2012
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Hey Steve,
Love the notion of ‘imposter syndrome’. For the first five years of my professional facilitator career I had recurring dreams involving feeling like the imposter. Typically it started with me hearing a a loud thump, thump on the door. I’d get out of bed and slowly, cautiously make my way to the front door. When I open the door there would be a guy holding a police badge claiming that he’s here to take me down to the station on a charge of fraudulently acting as a professional facilitator! I’d wake up sweating trying to tell myself that it was all just a dream! It wasn’t until after 5 years of constant facilitation and feedback, culminating in one of my groups crafting a ‘Master Facilitator’ badge that I stopped having the ‘imposter’ dreams! AND, 20 years later I still occasionally fall prey to this phenomenon. Hey, at least it keeps me humble!
I found this week’s article very interesting. I was having a conversation last week with a friend about self-doubts, so the subtitle of the article caught my eye. I found the descriptions of the imposter in the article very interesting. However, none of the descriptions fit well with my experience, which I believe suggests several factors may contribute to self-doubt. My self-doubt, when it occurs, is related to feelings of inadequacy in doing a meaningful piece of work, one where others truly benefit from it and it’s not just “another” activity. Consequently, self-doubt can occur prior to the event in planning, and after the event, if my expectations of participant involvement/engagement did not occur to the extent I had hoped / expected. I found debriefing the situation very helpful as others’ perceptions of the “significance” of the event were more positive than mine. Perhaps this is more of a confidence problem in some subject areas / situations rather than a self-doubt? Or are self-doubt and confidence in the same family? Interested in other thoughts on this.
Yes! I know this syndrome well, it may well be one of the things I’ll claim as an expertise. That is my problem. When people are looking to hire a consultant or facilitator they often state they are looking for an “expert”. That always throws me for a loop. I am able to claim my competence, but am I really an expert? Isn’t that something someone says of you, rather than something you say about yourself? Really, who decides who is an expert?
Imposter Syndrome makes a great companion piece to “Facilitateaphobia” and offers things to think about to help overcome “the phobia”. Thanks Valerie
I really like the article since I found it timely for me today. I am down with a cold and having to address several of the activities I had booked today.
I certainly relate to the imposter syndrome. Yes, I do not have the feeling of being in a dream or lack of confidence as much anymore, yet once in a while particularly if I am tired or sick it will sneak on me.
For the past several years I have learn to make use of self talk, meditation and self-hypnosis techniques to address my mental delusions. It has work since I have gained a huge amount of self awareness and greater control.
I enjoy your newsletter as well since it is refreshing and full of potential personal growth information and skills.
Thanks for your comments everyone! And to Michael’s point, I think we need to get that facilitation is almost always like taking a ride down a river. You may get used to it but you’re almost always going to be surprised and learn something. Once we quit trying to “figure it out” once and for all we can relax into the mystery of what’s going to unfold.