Imposter Syndrome at Work: 6 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Imposter Syndrome at Work: 6 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Imposter syndrome isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t announce itself with a big neon sign saying, “Hey, you don’t belong here!” Instead, it sneaks in through self-doubt, hesitation, and overcompensating.
The real danger? It doesn’t just affect individuals—it can quietly drain the confidence, performance, and morale of an entire team.
So, whether you’re a leader, a colleague, or simply checking in with yourself, here are six red flags that imposter syndrome may be at play.
🚩 1. Downplaying Achievements
“Oh, it was nothing.”
“Anyone could have done it.”
“I just got lucky.”
If you or someone on your team struggles to accept praise, brushes off accomplishments, or redirects credit elsewhere, imposter syndrome might be at work.
📌 The Fix: Encourage people to own their success. The next time someone deflects praise, gently push back: “No, really—this was a big deal, and here’s why.”
🚩 2. Fear of Speaking Up
Does someone hesitate to contribute in meetings, hold back ideas, or avoid leadership opportunities? A fear of being “found out” can make people stay silent—even when they have something valuable to share.
📌 The Fix: Create a culture where it’s safe to speak up. Leaders can actively invite input by asking: “What are your thoughts on this?” and reinforcing that every voice matters.
🚩 3. Overworking & Perfectionism
Some people deal with imposter syndrome by working twice as hard to prove they’re good enough. They stay late, double-check every detail, and set impossibly high standards for themselves.
📌 The Fix: Remind yourself (or your team) that done is better than perfect. Encourage balance and recognize effort, not just flawless execution.
🚩 4. Avoiding New Challenges
Ever heard someone say, “I’m not ready for that” or “I don’t think I’m qualified”—despite clear evidence that they are? Imposter syndrome makes people talk themselves out of opportunities before they even try.
📌 The Fix: Leaders and colleagues can call out potential in others. A simple “I think you’d be great at this” can be the push someone needs to step forward.
🚩 5. Comparing to Others Constantly
“Everyone else seems to have it together—why don’t I?”
Social comparison is a breeding ground for imposter syndrome. If someone measures their worth against others and always comes up short, it can shake their confidence.
📌 The Fix: Encourage self-reflection over comparison. Instead of “Am I as good as them?” shift the question to “Am I improving compared to where I was yesterday?”
🚩 6. Fear of Failure (or Success!)
Some avoid taking risks because they’re terrified of failing. Others sabotage their own success because they feel they won’t be able to maintain it. Either way, imposter syndrome keeps people stuck in their comfort zone.
📌 The Fix: Shift the mindset from “What if I fail?” to “What if I grow?” Failure is part of the learning process, and success doesn’t require perfection—just consistency.
💡 Final Thought: Imposter Syndrome Isn’t Truth—It’s a Habit
The key to overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about never feeling doubt again. It’s about recognizing those doubts and choosing not to believe them.
So, if you notice these red flags in yourself or your team, take it as a sign—not that you’re not good enough, but that you’re growing. And growth is always worth showing up for.
🚀 Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? Need a hand to overcome it? Perhaps coaching is for you. Get in touch and let’s chat!