What Is Imposter Syndrome?

“You’re not as good as people think you are, and sooner or later someone is going to find out.”

Did this hit too close to home? Let’s do a little test.

Do you always:

Feel uncomfortable receiving compliments
Focus on what you can’t do, rather than what you can
Think that other people are not being honest when they approve or compliment your work
Worry your bosses might see right through you and regret their hiring decision
Assume if it’s something you’re able to do, it can’t be a difficult task

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you may be suffering from imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome at work refers to the persistent feeling of self-doubt and fear of being exposed as incompetent, even when there is evidence of one's skills and accomplishments.

To put it briefly, imposter syndrome is the nagging feeling that for whatever reason, you’re going to be exposed for not being good enough, a fraud about to be caught at any time.

The term was originally coined by Pauline Rose Clance & Suzanne Imes of Georgia State University in 1978 to describe “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention”.

Cause of Imposter Syndrome

According to the study, people experiencing imposter syndrome think that their achievements are solely based on luck. It comes down to 3 main beliefs: people always overestimate my abilities, I constantly worry about being judged for everything I do, and I have a continuous tendency to attribute my successes to being lucky.

Understanding the causes of imposter syndrome is the first step in managing it. Various factors can contribute to these feelings, including:

High Expectations: In a competitive job market like Malaysia, high expectations from employers, peers, or oneself can lead to pressure and self-doubt.
Work Environment: A workplace that heavily focuses on performance metrics, recognition, or competition can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.

what is imposter syndrome

Signs of Imposter Syndrome

This might have happened to you or someone you know:

You worked day and night for a new project and tons of positive feedback come flooding in. Instead of thriving on the recognition and using it as an opportunity to grow, there’s a voice inside your head that says – you lucked out.

As the colors of the day rest, the endless stream of unspoken thoughts just won’t go away. All you can think about is, I am not good enough for this.

These worries might chase through your thoughts endlessly and trigger a complete mix of emotions, leaving you overwhelmed and anxious to get started on a new task.

Like they always say, you are your own worst critic. You measure yourself, your goals in life, and overall work performance by standards that are not even remotely true.

How Imposter Syndrome Affects Your Career in Malaysia

what is imposter syndrome

Imposter Syndrome can significantly impact your career, often in subtle but far-reaching ways. Here are some of the key ways imposter syndrome can affect your career:

1. Hindering Career Growth

Imposter syndrome can prevent you from pursuing new opportunities, such as promotions, leadership roles, or challenging projects, because you might feel undeserving or incapable of succeeding. This self-limiting belief can stall your career growth and keep you from realising your full potential.

Country marketing head of Grab Malaysia, Iris Chang expressed her view on the implications of having imposter syndrome: Many suffer from this unknowingly. It hinders them from valuing their achievements and embracing career opportunities that would make a good fit.

2. Increased Stress and Anxiety

Constantly questioning your abilities and fearing failure can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Left unaddressed, this psychological phenomenon can disrupt your focus, prompt self-doubt and frustration, making you feel inadequate both personally and professionally. Worst case scenario, it can eventually take a toll on your emotional well-being.

3. Bad Job Performance

Employees with imposter syndrome are generally blind to their strengths and weaknesses. If these feelings linger, they can lead to destructive working habits, such as disengagement from work, being reluctant to voice out, less likely to put themselves forward for opportunities because they’re not ready yet, overwork and overprepare, which could cause burnout.

Should You Talk to Your Boss About Imposter Syndrome?

Dealing with imposter syndrome in the workplace can be challenging, especially when you feel like you're the only one experiencing it. Imposter syndrome symptoms at work can make you doubt your abilities, even when you're doing an excellent job.

Speaking up for yourself takes plenty of courage, especially in the workplace. If you think involving others wouldn’t be much help at this point, it’s perfectly fine to keep your problems under wraps. However, managing imposter syndrome effectively sometimes means reaching out for support from those around you, including your boss. Before deciding, consider what could possibly change when you open up and discuss your experiences.

But do spare a moment to consider what could possibly change when you reach out for support.

Being able to share openly can benefit you and your boss. There’s real strength in acknowledging your mistakes, perceived flaws, and everything else you’re facing in between. Having honest conversations with your superior helps create a mutual understanding between the both of you to identify the places where you’re not as confident.

Realistically, it helps to get everything out in the open, especially when it happens to be someone you work closely with. Just one thing though, make sure your superior has a track record of being non-judgmental about employees’ personal issues before you confide in them.

How Do You Ask for Support If You're Suffering from Imposter Syndrome?

what is imposter syndrome

Seeking help from more experienced people is one way to conquer the feelings of self-doubt and insecurity when they creep up on us, provided that they are willing to listen and understand where you’re coming from.

To help you cope with your intrusive thoughts, request a regular catch-up session with your superior. A recent study by The Hub Spot found that 69% of employees with imposter syndrome want positive and helpful feedback on their performance.

Talking to your manager can help you work towards your goals, and break those down into manageable steps to take on one at a time. It can put things in perspective to realise that what you’re feeling is normal.

Alternatively, consult a professional and work things out from there. Check if your company is associated with any online courses on workplace health and well-being, such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) conducted by MY Psychology, which offers personal development plans for managing work-related stress.

Surprisingly, Having Imposter Syndrome is Not All Bad

According to an MIT research, those who suffer from imposter syndrome tend to compensate for any perceived shortcomings by working extra hard. They are usually high performers and exceptional team players with strong interpersonal skills.

When employees feel that their competence is lower than others think, they are more likely to do everything in their ability to connect, help, and encourage others on an interpersonal level.

The next time you’re flooded with self-deprecating thoughts, just know this:

You wouldn’t be in this position if someone didn’t think you could do it.

We all make mistakes and learn from them. Imposter syndrome can make you feel like the occasional mistake is proof that you don’t belong where you are.

It’s important to appreciate the process and see how far you have come, rather than punishing yourself for not meeting an outcome even though you tried your best.

what is imposter syndrome

How to Mitigate the Impact of Imposter Syndrome on Your Career

Imposter syndrome in the workplace can significantly affect your career progression and overall job satisfaction. To effectively manage and reduce its impact, consider the following strategies:

1. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings

Recognise that imposter syndrome symptoms at work are a common experience for many professionals, including high achievers. It's essential to understand that these feelings of self-doubt do not reflect your true abilities or potential. Accepting and validating your emotions is the first step toward overcoming imposter syndrome at work.

2. Seek Support

Talking to friends, families, or colleagues can provide the guidance and support you need to cope with imposter syndrome in the workplace. Additionally, learning your personality at work can help you gain insights into your strengths, how you work best, and how to align your approach to combat self-doubt effectively.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts

One of the key strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome at work is to reframe self-doubt. Focus on your strengths, achievements, and the value you bring to to your role. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge these thoughts by reminding yourself of your past successes and the skills you've developed over time.

4. Celebrate Successes

Take time to celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge your hard work and efforts. This helps in overcoming imposter syndrome at work by reinforcing your self-worth and providing tangible evidence of your capabilities. Recognising and rewarding your achievements can gradually shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-confidence.

By understanding and addressing the causes of imposter syndrome and applying these strategies, you can mitigate its impact on your career. This proactive approach will help you unlock your full potential, leading to greater job satisfaction, career advancement, and overall well-being. Remember, coping with imposter syndrome at work is a continuous process, but with the right tools and mindset, you can overcome it successfully and thrive in your professional journey.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”

Embrace this mindset as you seek out a career in a company where you can work, grow, and belong, on Hiredly!

Maximise Your Long Weekends: The Ultimate Guide to Public Holidays in Malaysia 2025

Hello Mentor EP29 | Goh Ai Ching - On Building An All-In-One Visual Communication Tool: Piktochart

Hello Mentor EP30 | Adlina Nadirah - On Building a Homegrown Cosmetics Brand in Malaysia: Velvet Vanity

Hello Mentor EP31 | Edmund Tan - The Inside Scoop of Inside Scoop

Discover Your Workplace Personality For Free At Hiredly

Hello Mentor S2 EP10 | Ashley Yeo - #OTW To Managing Your Energy Better

Beware of Job Scams Posing as Hiredly: What You Need to Know

How to Engage Passive Candidates in Malaysia’s Evolving Job Market

4 Simple Ways We Keep Employees Engaged At Hiredly

Year End Super Sale: Save Big, Hire Smart, and Build Your Dream Team for 2025

Job Interview 101: How To Know When To Stop Talking

5 Job Interview Mistakes That Can Cost You A Job Offer

What To Wear To Interview: Companies With Casual Dress Code

Why You Should Be Nice To Everyone At Job Interviews

8 Most Asked Questions at Job Interviews in Malaysia

How To Answer: “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”

Hello Mentor S2 EP6 | Angeline - #OTW To Building Your Confidence in the Workplace

Hello Mentor S2 EP2 | Hong Mei - Building Your Personal Brand in Malaysia

Hello Mentor S2 EP5 | Dr Aen (Alluskin) - #OTW to Changing Careers in Malaysia

Hello Mentor S2 EP4 | Afiq Hafiz (Grill Haven) - 7 Key Lessons on Business Partnerships

Hello Mentor S2 EP8 | Freelance Without the Burnout: Edd Zain’s Life-Changing Mental Health Tips

Hello Mentor S2 EP9 | Reuben Kang’s Secrets to Viral Storytelling: Insights from a Master Filmmaker

Hello Mentor S2 EP3 | Christy Ng - #OTW to Breaking Down Barriers and Ignoring Limits

Hello Mentor S2 EP7 | Deborah Henry - #OTW to Changing the World One Step at a Time

Hello Mentor S2 EP1 | Natalie Kniese - #OTW To Communicating Better In The Workplace

How to Become a Copywriter in Malaysia: Your Path to Crafting Words that Sell

Top 8 Companies Hiring Legal Professionals in Malaysia (2024)

Top 10 Companies Hiring Graphic Designers in Malaysia (2024)

Top 10 Companies Hiring Copywriters in Malaysia (2024)

How a Video Cover Letter Can Land You a Job in Malaysia (2024)

Resume Writing Tip: How to Perfectly Describe Your Work Experience (2024)

9 Tips to Attract Recruiters to Your LinkedIn with Job Offers (2024)

5 Effective Strategies for Managing Job Search Anxiety

How to Bounce Back After a Job Rejection (2024)

6 Things to Find Out About a Company Before Your Job Interview

How To Prepare for an Online Job Interview in Malaysia

6 Great Questions You Should Ask in a Job Interview

The Ultimate Job Interview Dress Code Guide for Men

Salary Negotiation in Malaysia: Get the Salary You Deserve

How To Follow Up After A Job Interview In Malaysia

50% Money Saved, 100% More Impact: Storytelling for Smarter Recruitment

Top 5 Legal Skills For a Successful Law Career in Malaysia

How To Become A Lawyer In Malaysia

How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome At Work in Malaysia

How To Manage Your Manager For Your Career in Malaysia

Top 3 Traits Employees in Malaysia Look For In Companies

5 Powerful Ways For Employers To Stand Out at Career Fairs

5 Employee Engagement Ideas for Ramadan Month in Malaysia

Do Employers in Malaysia Prefer Hard Skills or Soft Skills?

How To Reply To A Job Offer When You Have Pending Interviews

Top 10 Companies Hiring Data Analysts in Malaysia (2024)

Data Analyst Job Scope and Salary in Malaysia

How to Become a Data Analyst in Malaysia

4 Things Malaysia Employers Notice During Video Interviews

Can I Bring Someone To My Job Interview?

How To Impress Potential Employers in Malaysia

How To Be A Creative Designer In Malaysia

Top Accounting And Finance Jobs In Malaysia 2024

Top Copywriter Jobs In Malaysia 2024

Pre-screening Interview Questions to Find Your Next Talent In Malaysia