Make 2023 a year for personal growth. This year we have a range of new workshops. Imposter syndrome is one of the popular workshops we offer.
Impostor syndrome refers to someone’s belief that they attained a prestigious position and employment not because of their abilities but rather as a result of an error or a fortuitous break. They therefore possess a sensation of fraud or impostor. According to a 2019 HRnews survey, 85% of employees in the UK feel inadequate despite having at least three years of experience. In the UK, Google searches for “Impostor syndrome” have soared by 511% since 2016.
I recently joined PCC and I was observing sessions and listening to delegates in my first few weeks, and I noticed a familiar theme – that people often question their skills for the job they’re already doing – often more doubtful at times of personal or organisational stress. So I designed a new three hour course – Combatting Imposter syndrome workshop. It explores the imposter syndrome and what intrusive imposter thoughts may look like, how they affect people uniquely, and how each person may develop coping mechanisms to lessen these impacts.
Top tips to help you minimise some of these intrusive thoughts.
- Accentuate the positive
We all enjoy success in our personal and professional lives. Make a note of all your accomplishments, no matter how small, think about what’s gone well and share those success with the people around you and reread them yourself. - Talk to others
Emotions related to imposter syndrome are common at work. Be aware that you are not alone. Try sharing your feelings with your colleagues; a problem shared is a problem halved. - Separate feelings from facts
You’ll occasionally feel foolish. We all do occasionally. Recognising that feeling, doesn’t necessarily mean you are foolish. - Develop a new script
When you are in a circumstance that makes you feel like an impostor, become conscious of your inner dialogue. This is your internal script. Instead of thinking, “Wait till they find out I have no idea what I’m doing”, tell yourself: “Everyone who starts something new feels off-base in the beginning. I may not know all the answers, but I’m intelligent enough to find them. - Visualise success.
Follow the lead of elite athletes. Spend some time in advance visualising yourself delivering a persuasive speech or politely asking a question. It will reduce the tension associated with performance and is always preferable than visualising an imminent catastrophe.
Remember that everything requires time, especially changing mind patterns and habits and these methods will become more natural the more you practice.
Imposter syndrome is just one of the new workshops on offer. Other new topics for 2023 include:
Exploring metal health at work
Professionals who wish to increase their confidence in their ability to identify the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and develop effective strategies to communicate with colleagues are the target audience for this workshop.
The workshop will provide a safe environment to discuss personal mental health situations and develop strategies for managing and controlling potential vulnerabilities and stresses that you may be currently experiencing.
Enhancing your emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is crucial in every professional environment. Given that we work with vulnerable people in the NHS, it is even more crucial. The target audience for this workshop is professionals who want to improve their level of emotional intelligence and comprehend why people may behave in certain ways toward them.
Participants will leave the workshop with a deeper knowledge of who they are and the reasons for their reactions in various scenarios. After the workshop, participants will know more about the recognised domains of emotional intelligence and how they may further enhance each one.
In our training sessions you’re likely to meet people from different parts of the country, different parts of the system and in different roles and this offers a richness of conversation as we offer the space for people to listen and share experience. Our personal and team development sessions are a blend of theory, group discussion and include time for self-reflection. For our full programme see https://www.pccevents.co.uk/calendar. We offer virtual and face to face workshops tailored for your organisation contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk to find out more.
