Imposter Syndrome at Work: Why It Shows Up (and What to Do Next)

Imposter syndrome often shows up right when you're growing — new role, bigger visibility, higher stakes. The goal isn't to eliminate doubt forever; it's to change how you relate to it.

Common triggers

• Promotion or role change

• Presenting to senior stakeholders

• Comparing yourself to high performers

• Perfectionism and fear of being found out

A coaching approach: name the pattern, then shift the lens

• Perception: what does your inner critic say right before you hesitate?

• Perspective: what evidence would a fair observer use?

• Possibility: what's the smallest brave action you can take today?

3 practical steps you can try this week

• Write down the exact sentence your inner critic uses — then rewrite it as a neutral fact.

• Keep a “proof file”: wins, feedback, outcomes, and moments you handled well.

• Choose one visibility action (email, meeting contribution, ask) and do it before you feel ready.

Next step

If you want a one-off deep dive, book a 90-minute Standalone Session focused on imposter syndrome coaching with Mindshift202 (online, UK-wide).