With LinkedIn reporting that 75% of people have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, is this psychological phenomenon preventing accountants from progressing in their careers?
Of the 75%, a quarter reported feeling the symptoms of imposter syndrome frequently. So, what are the signs and what can be done to combat it?
Imposter syndrome is where people doubt their abilities and accomplishments, perhaps feeling like a fraud, even when they have adequate skills and experience. This is especially challenging within the work environment as those living with imposter syndrome often fear being exposed as unworthy of their positions.
This way of thinking can have a significant impact on career progression as it often leads to negative outcomes, such as job dissatisfaction, burnout, and quiet quitting. Have you ever doubted your ability to complete a task, despite having the skillset to accomplish it?
How does imposter syndrome impact your career?
- Reduced self-confidence: One of the most significant impacts of imposter syndrome on your career is reduced self-confidence. When you constantly doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud, it can be challenging to trust yourself and make decisions. This can lead to missed opportunities and reduced assertiveness in the workplace, which can negatively impact your career progression opportunities.
- Fear of failure: Imposter syndrome can lead to a fear of taking risks due to the assumption that you will fail. Self-doubt in your abilities or the thought that your success is due to luck could make you hesitant to take on new challenges or pursue opportunities that stretch your abilities – ultimately limiting your career growth.
- Heightened perfectionism: Imposter syndrome can also fuel perfectionism, with the need to prove yourself often leading to overworking. This mindset can be harmful to your career as you may push yourself too hard and set unrealistic expectations for yourself. You’re essentially setting yourself up to fail.
- Avoidance of support: When you experience imposter syndrome, you may be reluctant to ask for help or feedback due to the fear that this might shine a spotlight on your errors or that you won’t meet expectations. For the same reasons, you might also avoid going for a promotion, limiting your development and making it difficult to progress in your career.
Do you recognise any of these thoughts and feelings? Some may be more subtle than you realise and could be having a big impact on your career. Overcoming imposter syndrome is crucial for ensuring you have the best chances at career progression, as well as improving your mindset for your personal wellbeing.
Thankfully, there are a number of ways to overcome imposter syndrome. The first being acknowledging the psychological pattern. Once you recognise that the feeling of inadequacy and the fear of failure are not based on your actual abilities, you can make a conscious effort to challenge them. Another step to overcoming imposter syndrome could be to practice self care and setting clear and realistic expectations of yourself. This might not be as easy as it sounds, so seeking professional advice could be another great step to improving your mindset. If you often avoid seeking support within your work environment, there are various organisations and groups that can provide an outsider opinion.
Imposter syndrome can also have a big impact on your job search. Do you feel ready for a new challenge but doubt whether your skills and experience are strong enough for the next step in your career?
It’s perhaps more common than you think. Garry Howling, Managing Director, shares his thoughts:
“Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we work with truly talented candidates who doubt their skills and stand in the way of their own development and career progression. It’s a challenging mindset to break, but it’s extremely rewarding to guide candidates to see their true potential and reap incredible rewards within their careers. Sometimes all you need is recognition and reassurance that you’re more than capable to take on your dream job… and that’s where myself and my team can help.”
As specialists in accountancy practice recruitment across the UK, we do more than just match candidates with job roles. We work closely with you to understand your current role, where you’d like to take your career, and what role would truly suit your skillset, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re being offered jobs that are well within your reach. Whether your CV is good to go or you’d prefer to have an informal chat to start with, we can help, so contact us today for an informal chat with our team.
