Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern in which a person doubts their talents and abilities and feels like a phony, even after achieving recognition and accomplishments. People suffering from Imposter Syndrome frequently ascribe their achievement to chance or other sources rather than their own ability.
They believe that they are not as skilled as others assume, they are and are afraid of being revealed as a fraud. Imposter Syndrome is not a recognized mental condition, but it is a widespread occurrence that affects many high-achievers.
It was initially recognized in the 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who discovered that many successful women felt like they didn’t deserve their success.
Product Managers are not immune to this problem. In fact, because of the nature of their job, they are more prone to Imposter Syndrome than many other professions.
Effect on Product Managers
Product managers are in charge of the success of a product from idea to launch. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, designers, and marketers, to create a product that fits the demands of customers while also meeting the company’s goals.
The pressure to develop a successful product, along with the ongoing changes in technology and customer behavior, may create a high-stress workplace for Product Managers. This might result in emotions of self-doubt, worry, and Imposter Syndrome.
Product Managers who suffer from Imposter Syndrome may;
- Feel like they don’t deserve their success and aren’t as capable as others think they are.
- Attribute their success to luck or external factors, rather than their own abilities.
- Fear that they will be exposed as a fraud, and that others will discover that they are not as capable as they appear.
- Experience anxiety and stress, which can lead to burnout and other health problems.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
While experiencing imposter syndrome, I concluded that I needed to modify my attitude towards myself and my successes.
I realized it was time to do things differently in order to shift my perspective, and it worked. As an individual coping with impostor syndrome, it is often tough to shift this perspective, but it can be changed with time.
Here are some things you can do to improve your self-esteem and confidence in your abilities:
- Reframe your thinking. Instead of focusing on your perceived weaknesses, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Write down your achievements and remind yourself of them when you feel self-doubt.
- Seek feedback and support. This can be accomplished through speaking with co-workers, mentors, or friends who can give feedback and support. This might assist you in gaining a more accurate picture of your talents and accomplishments.
- Self-care is essential. Improving your physical and mental wellness is essential for conquering imposter syndrome, Practice mindfulness, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
- Set attainable objectives. Setting attainable objectives may give you a sense of control and achievement. Divide enormous ambitions into smaller, more manageable tasks.
- Embrace failure. This may appear to be a challenging task since many do not want to admit that failure is a part of progress. Failure is an unavoidable component of the product development process. Accepting failure as a learning experience may help you progress.
Documenting my accomplishments helped me a lot while dealing with impostor syndrome. I made a point of writing down every compliment and positive comment made to me or about my work, and when I felt like an imposter, I would refer back to what I had written down, which helped me feel better.
Imposter Syndrome is a common phenomenon that affects many high-achievers, knowing that others experience similar feelings can help you feel less alone.
Recognizing the signs of Imposter Syndrome and taking actions to overcome it may also help you as a person and as a Product Manager change your perception of your own talents and successes.
*The writer, Ugbomeh Rachael is an Associate Product Manager at More Techies.
