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FEBRUARY 20, 2020
OVERCOMINGIMPOSTERSYNDROMEKyla Hunt & Cindy Fisher,
Texas State Library & Archives Commission
Presentation Outline
Ke
y top
ics for d
iscussio
n
MotivationDefinitionPersonal experienceWhat it looks likeStrategies for overcoming itFollow-up activity!
Intros
CINDY FISHER
Digital Inclusion Consultant.
KYLA HUNT
Library Management Consultant
To share knowledge and expertise, we all need to believe in our own
expertise and experience!
Why are we doing this?
What We’re Hearing
Kristin Chirico / BuzzFeed
What We’re Hearing
Kristin Chirico / BuzzFeed
What We’re Hearing
Kristin Chirico / BuzzFeed
What We’re Hearing
Kristin Chirico / BuzzFeed
What We’re Hearing
“I’m not an expert, I only…”
I’m not an expert, I don’t…”
“I’m not qualified…”
A real term for when people feel like they’re faking their expertise, but aren’t.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
How we’ve experienced
imposter syndrome
KYLA
How we’ve experienced
imposter syndrome
CINDY
Have you ever decided against applying for an opportunity (job, presentation, promotion) because you doubted your expertise?
Yes
No
I don’t remember
Poll
Have you ever felt not completely qualified to do your job?
Yes
No
I’d prefer not to say
Poll
… including library workers
Reasons people may feel like imposters
Or people expect me to know this already!“I should know this.”
(Don’t brag, don’t brag, don’t brag)
“I should be humble.”
People of color can feel a double burden of imposter syndrome.
“I don’t belong here.”
If feedback isn’t perfect, we must be a failure… right?
Perfectionism
Feedback is a gift!Difficulty managing criticism
What else?
Faces of Imposter Syndrome:Minimizing Expertise
Lurking / Not Joining in
Conversations
Dismissing the importance of a skill
or knowledge
(“everyone already knows this”)
Minimizing Success as “Luck”
Disbelieving Praise
Using minimizing language: “In my
opinion” or “Just…”
Internal pressure to be perfect
Faces of Imposter Syndrome:Examples In the Library Field
As a profession, we set very high standards because we want to help
ALL THE PEOPLE
Juggle many responsibilities [“wear many hats”] which leads to burnout
and not finishing projects which we point to as failures
Tendency to compare our work with others and be discouraged with own
accomplishments [“I’m not doing enough!]
Decide against applying for a job, scholarships or speaking engagements
because “others are more qualified”.
Lack of job scope
Wearing so many hats that you’re
not able to focus or complete
tasks
WHAT CAUSES IT
Lack of opportunities for feedbackNo way to check in if you’re on
course
Lack of expectations during onboarding
You never received a clear way to
evaluate your success
Lack of network
No way to receive affirmation that
you are doing a good job
Strategies for Overcoming It
Positive affirmations and self-talk
Find a community to share doubts and get buoyed when positivity is in
need
Establish achievable goals (long term, short term)
Monitor the language that you use with yourself – avoiding minimizing or negating language
Strategy #1
When someone apologizes, instead of saying “no worries” or “it’s ok” say “thanks for apologizing” or simply “thank you.”
When talking or writing, avoid words like “just,” “in my opinion,” or “I think.” Simply say or write your opinion or your thoughts - they’ll know it’s from you!
Strategy #1 Example
Collect and revisit positive feedback
Strategy #2
If you receive formal recognition, collect documentation in a drawer, revisiting on the 1st of the month.
If you receive informal recognition (a compliment, etc.), instead of dismissing it, say “Thank you!” and write it down!
Strategy #2
Share your knowledge - even if you aren’t sure it’s worth sharing.
Strategy #3
Speak out more at work meetings
Seek out an opportunity to share knowledge -propose a webinar or presentation topic to a professional organization or the Texas State Library
Strategy #3
Over the next month, brainstorm a possible presentation or webinar topic based on your knowledge and experience.
In one month we will email you a reminder, at which time we would like you to respond with a plan:
• How would you like to share your knowledge (on a TSLAC webinar, blog post, at your own local network, as a future TLA conference)
• What topic would you like to present on?
Challenge!
Resources• “Harvard Business Review – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome” by Jill Corkindale
• “Jumping into the Deep: Imposter Syndrome, Defining Success, and the New Librarian” by Sajni Lacey and Melanie Parlette-Stewart
• The Librarian Parlor, Imposter Syndrome Tag
• “Dealing with Imposter Syndrome and Feeling Like You Belong” by Clare Sobotka
• “Imposter Syndrome: When You Might Be A Fraud” by Alison Green
• “Do You Suffer From Imposter Syndrome?” by Olivia Fox Cabane
• “Do You Suffer From The Imposter Syndrome?” by Morty Lefkoe
• “The Imposter Syndrome” by Caltech Counseling Center
• “What is Imposter syndrome and how can you combat it” by Elizabeth Cox, Ted-Ed
• “Battling Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace” - LLAMA
• “9 Telltale Signs You Have Impostor Syndrome” by Melody Wilding
• 13 Charts That Will Make Total Sense To People With Imposter Syndrome by Kristin Chirico
• Imposter Syndrome Hits Harder When You’re Black by Jolie A. Doggett