Shared Shadows: The Imposter Syndrome Tango
What happens when you try helping a manager overcome imposter syndrome and start feeling an imposter by yourself? A journey through imposter syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect
For those of you who don't know, imposter syndrome is that sneaky little voice that whispers you're a fraud, no matter how much you've accomplished.
Some time ago, a relatively senior manager of a very large company asked me to help her prepare for an interview that would determine her promotion. I've known this person for many years; I've heard her colleagues talk about her in terms that I wish someone would use to describe ME. So, I was taken aback, thinking, "Here's a classic case of imposter syndrome": this manager is incredibly successful and deeply respected, and what could I possibly add to her game? But I didn't decline.
We had several sessions and one Zoom dry run. Two days after the interview, I talked to her, and she said the interview was fantastic and thanked me for the help. And then it clicked. Not only was she suffering from imposter syndrome, I was too, thinking that I had nothing useful to offer her.
Now I'm left wondering, did I genuinely help her, or did she excel on her own? Sure, I don't have formal training in psychology or coaching, but I've had my fair share of experiences in life and seen my fair share of job interviews (primarily from the interviewee's side). I've also mentored several professionals in the early stages of a new field. Being a podcast host helps a lot too. Perhaps these cumulative experiences allowed me to offer her some valuable insights.
The next time someone approaches me with a similar request, I will hesitate less. And if you think you need some help prepping for an interview, feel free to reach out (boris@gorelik.net). I'll be upfront and provide you with all the necessary information so we can decide if it's a good fit.
Having said that …
Dunning-Kruger Effect: Imposter Syndrome's Less Charming Cousin
Ever looked at someone and wondered, "How on earth did they land in that position? They're awful!"? Enter the Dunning-Kruger effect. It's a cognitive bias where people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, convinced they're more competent than they truly are, often due to a lack of self-awareness. The flip side of the Imposter Syndrom coin.
The most interesting trigger of the Dunning-Kruger effect is when a novice lands a job they're unqualified for, sails through it by sheer luck or because the task was too easy, and then crowns themselves an expert (spoiler: they're not). The remedy, in my humble opinion, involves a lot of humility, feedback from friends and colleagues, and learning, a lot of learning.
Humility requires that you resist the urge to declare yourself the undisputed champ every time you notch up a new success. Let imposter syndrome keep you in check. If you enjoyed the process and want more of the same, invest time and effort in learning the new field and find yourself a good mentor or a role model. When I discovered my love for interviewing people, I scoured every interviewing tip I could find, and read some books ("Stop asking questions" by Andrew Warner is a good read). The fact that I interview one person every week for my podcast helps me get better.
In conclusion, Imposter Syndrome and the Dunning-Kruger effect are two sides of the same coin, each problematic in its own right. Navigating the choppy waters of self-doubt and overconfidence requires humility and a commitment to continuous learning. And remember, it's okay to seek help.
If you're feeling out of your depth preparing for an interview or need someone to interview your prospective hires, don't hesitate to drop me a line (boris@gorelik.net). After all, I've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt to prove it.