Ah, we all know folks who’ve exceeded their “Peter Principle”. Sure, I wish we didn’t, but…
It seems that those who manifest “imposter syndrome” may be a horse of a completely different color.
These folks find themselves in a new position, a higher position. And, their self-doubts and their feelings of inadequacy make the transition very difficult.
The terminology has been around for some 33 years. (It was first identified in women- which may have been a sexist study. But, it is still thought the syndrome is more prevalent among women.) These psychologists found that the women- in distinguished positions- believed they weren’t bright enough to have earned those positions. They worried they were there because of luck- or even error.
This doesn’t help them with their jobs, with their position. The “imposter’s” low self-esteem and anxiety was thought to hinder the subject’s performance. Except…
It seems that the opposite may be true. Those feeling like they’re imposters overcompensate- they strive to be empathetic, collaborative, and likeable. Because they are worried they aren’t good enough. .
That’s what Dr. Basima Tewfik (MIT Sloan School of Management) seems to have found out and reported in her paper, “The Imposter Phenomenon Revisited: Examining the Relationship between Workplace Imposter Thoughts and Interpersonal Effectiveness at Work”.
Tewfik examined two sets of subjects. In the first study, 155 folks working at an investment advisory firm were examined to determine their performance and if they manifested feelings of imposter syndrome. And, found out that those who manifested imposter system turned out to be the model folks- the ones we’d want on our team.
Then, it gets interesting. 70 interns (trainee doctors) were to take the case history provided by actors, claiming a migraine or a sexually transmitted infection. And, Tewfik found those who were more clearly suffering from imposter syndrome developed correct diagnoses as often and as well as those who didn’t manifest the syndrome. These folks were more likely to recognize the patient’s pain, effect eye contact, all the kinesiologic activities, and ask proper follow-up questions.
These studies indicate that folks who manifest the imposter syndrome also manifest better interpersonal skills- their coping mechanism for their feelings of inadequacy is to be more personable and “easier to get along” with others.
Obviously NOT the same results as for those triggering the Peter Principle.
Wow! I am not sure if I am surprised or not with the overall findings that, “It seems that the opposite may be true. Those feeling like they’re imposters overcompensate- they strive to be empathetic, collaborative, and likable. Because they are worried they aren’t good enough.”
On one hand, it makes sense that people that feel inadequate to handle the job/situation will do more to make it look like they know more.
I wonder what the correlation between I.S. and actually being skilled would be. I am sure there are folks that have the talent, skill, and know-how who may feel unprepared to handle their position thus bringing on a case of I.S.
Thanks for sharing!
Paul B. Taubman, II recently posted..SEO for National Businesses
Paul:
I think your discussion brings into total focus all the issues involved. It’s not that they are imposters- but their mental attitudes make them feel inadequate. And, as they compensate for those beliefs, they manage to deliver outstanding results.
Ha, interesting study. Sadly, many women have to work twice as hard in order to be taken seriously. We seem to believe that all those confident guys are really as smart as they act.
Especially among medical doctors there are too many individuals who won’t *listen* to their patients, therefore miss critical information.
Tamara recently posted..Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 26: Opinion
Great last sentence there, Tamara!
I suffered from imposter syndrome when I was suddenly made a manager some 20 years ago. If I had known about the upside of the syndrome it may have made me a bit less overwhelmed. Now a bit late, but I do know.
And, I’m sure you performed superbly- despite your internal misgivings, Alana.
How interesting. I imagine it has a lot to do with personality types too. That would be an interesting study to compare with this one.
Thanks Roy.
It’s possible that the personality type feeds into the feeling of being an imposter, Debi.
I’ve never heard of imposter syndrome and still not sure what it is.
Martha recently posted..The Wonder of Creation – Book and Giveaway
It prevails- primarily with younger staff and women- who worry that they are not worthy of the position into which they’ve been placed.
Wow! What a great study and results! Thanks for sharing another interesting topic!
Larada Horner-Miller recently posted..Two Team-Teachers: Thank God for Them!
Glad to share the latest info with you- and everyone else, Larada!