Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace: Recognizing Your Worth

You just got a new role, a big project, or maybe even a promotion and instead of popping the champagne, your brain whispers, “They made a mistake” or “I tricked them”.

You’re in a meeting with super-smart colleagues, and you find yourself thinking, “I’m not really supposed to be here.”

You hit “send” on an important email, then immediately spiral into, “Was that okay? Did I word it the right way? Are they going to find out I have no idea what I’m doing?”

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Welcome to the club no one asked to join but so many of us secretly belong to: the club of imposter syndrome.

Let’s break down what imposter syndrome really is, how it shows up in the workplace, where it comes from, and most importantly—how to overcome it and start recognizing your worth (yes, you have plenty).

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that sneaky voice inside that tells you you’re not as competent, talented, or qualified as other people think you are.

It convinces you that your accomplishments are due to luck, timing, or other people’s help—not your own skill or hard work. And worst of all? It tells you that sooner or later, someone’s going to figure it out and expose you as a fraud.

Even though you’ve earned your place, worked hard, and have proof of your success, imposter syndrome makes you doubt yourself. It’s like carrying around a mental highlighter that only points out your mistakes, never your wins.

And it’s surprisingly common, especially among high-achieving, intelligent, empathetic people. The ones who care the most often doubt themselves the loudest.

What Is Imposter Syndrome at Work?

Let’s be honest: the workplace is one of the biggest stages for imposter syndrome to perform.

Why? Because work often asks us to show up, speak up, take risks, and be evaluated—and that’s the perfect storm for self-doubt.

Here’s how imposter syndrome might show up at work:

• You downplay your accomplishments or brush off praise.
  
  
• You feel anxious before meetings or presentations—even when you’re well-prepared.
  
  
• You avoid applying for promotions or new opportunities unless you meet every single qualification.
  
  
• You attribute your successes to luck, not talent.
  
  
• You overwork or over-prepare in an attempt to “earn” your place.
  
  
• You’re afraid to ask questions because you don’t want to look incompetent.
  
  

Whether you’re new to the job or a seasoned leader, imposter syndrome can make you feel like you’re always one small mistake away from being “found out.”

What Causes Imposter Syndrome?

There’s no single root cause of imposter syndrome, but there are definitely some patterns that make it more likely to take hold.

1. Perfectionism

If you hold yourself to impossibly high standards, you’re more likely to feel like a fraud when you inevitably fall short (because perfection doesn’t exist).

2. Early Messages About Success

If you grew up hearing that you had to “earn” love or worth through achievement, you may struggle to internalize success as an adult.

3. Marginalization and Representation Gaps

Being the “only” in the room whether it is only woman, only person of color, only person with a disability, only queer person, can make you feel like you have to represent your entire identity group, leading to heightened self-scrutiny and pressure.

4. Comparing Yourself to Others

Social media. Office culture. “Humblebrag” conversations. When you only see the highlight reels of others’ lives, it’s easy to assume they’re confident, flawless, and ahead of you—even when they’re not.

5. New Roles or Transitions

Starting a new job, switching industries, or entering leadership positions can trigger imposter syndrome, even for seasoned professionals. Because with change comes uncertainty—and uncertainty is where doubt likes to play.

Understanding what’s feeding your imposter syndrome can be the first step toward shifting it. You’re not broken. You’re human. And this pattern can change.

 

The Ways Black Women and Women of Color Experience Imposter Syndrome

For Black women and women of color, imposter syndrome doesn’t just show up as self-doubt. It often stems from real, lived experiences of being underestimated, underrepresented, or overlooked in the workplace. When you’re constantly navigating environments where you’re one of the only people who look like you, it can feel like every move is being scrutinized under a microscope.

Systemic bias, microaggressions, and a lack of mentorship or sponsorship opportunities all feed into the sense that you have to work twice as hard to get half the credit. Even well-intentioned comments like “You’re so articulate” or “You’re a diversity hire” can quietly reinforce the message that you’re an exception, not the norm. This can then fuel the internal pressure to prove your place.

On top of that, cultural expectations around strength, resilience, and not showing vulnerability can make it even harder to talk about imposter syndrome or ask for support. But here’s the truth: you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. What you’re feeling is valid, and it’s shaped by a broader context. It is not a personal failing.

Healing imposter syndrome for women of color also means healing from the systems that created it. That looks like safe spaces to be seen and heard, supportive networks that affirm your worth, and workplaces that actively dismantle bias not just in words, but in action.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

The goal isn’t to eliminate self-doubt forever. The goal is to stop letting self-doubt take control or call the shots. Here’s how to start taking your power back:

1. Name It When It Shows Up

The moment you hear that voice say, “You’re not good enough,” pause. Label it: “Ah, there’s my imposter syndrome again.” Sometimes just recognizing it is enough to loosen its grip.

2. Collect the Receipts

Keep a “You’re Amazing” folder. Save positive feedback, compliments, performance reviews, or thank-you notes. On tough days, revisit them. This is evidence that your brain’s narrative isn’t the full story.

3. Reframe Failure and Growth

Remind yourself: Being challenged doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re growing. You don’t have to know everything to be worthy. You’re allowed to learn as you go.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend in the same situation. Would you call them a fraud? Or would you say, “You’re doing the best you can. You’re learning. You belong here.” Say it to yourself. Often.

5. Share What You’re Feeling

Chances are, your coworkers, mentors, or friends have also dealt with imposter syndrome even if they don’t show it. Opening up can be surprisingly healing. It helps to hear, “You too? I thought it was just me.”

6. Redefine Success on Your Terms

Is success showing up perfectly every day? Or is it learning, growing, trying again, and staying true to your values? Let your definition of success include being human.

7. Take Brave Action Anyway

You can feel like an imposter and still apply for the job. Still speak up in the meeting. Still set boundaries. Courage doesn’t mean being fearless. It means showing up even in spite of fear.

Every time you act in spite of imposter syndrome, you chip away at its power.

Final Thoughts: You Belong in the Room—And You Don’t Have to Prove It

Here’s the truth: imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re inadequate, it means you care about your performance. It means you’re paying attention. That you have high standards. That you want to do well. And that makes you someone worth having on the team.

But let’s also be clear: You don’t need to hustle for your worth. You don’t need to wait until you feel 100% confident to take up space. You’re allowed to belong as you are, not just after you’ve “earned” it by over-performing.

So next time imposter syndrome shows up, try telling it:

“Thank you for trying to protect me, but I’m okay now. I’ve got this.”

Because you do. You are skilled. You are valuable. You are worthy—not because you’ve done everything perfectly, but because you’re showing up, trying, learning, and growing.

And that? That’s the real deal.

You’re not an imposter. You’re just a human in progress and you are doing amazing things. Keep going.