Sunday, 15 June 2025

RD BK X Imposter Syndrome is the belief that one’s success is undeserved and achieved through luck or deception

 A

Here’s an SBQ-style summary of “Why Do I Feel Like an Imposter?” by Dr Sandi Mann, using bullet quotes and strategic insights:


🎯 Strategic Business Question (SBQ): What drives persistent self-doubt despite evidence of success—and how can we overcome it?


🔍 Key Concepts – Bullet Quotes & Insights

  • "Imposter Syndrome is the belief that one’s success is undeserved and achieved through luck or deception."
    → This pervasive mindset affects approximately 70% of people at some point (penguinrandomhouse.com).

  • "It involves thinking others overestimate your abilities, fearing exposure as a fraud, and attributing success to external factors."
    → These are the three core traits Dr Mann identifies (sobrief.com).

  • "IS isn’t a mental illness—it’s an experience many people go through."
    → Normalizing the phenomenon helps reduce shame and isolation (sobrief.com).

  • "The Perfectionist, the Super‑Performer, the Natural Genius, the Expert" are the main imposter archetypes.
    → Recognition aids self-awareness and tailored coping (sobrief.com).

  • "Mild IS can be beneficial—it encourages diligence and self‑improvement."
    → Reframing self-doubt as motivation rather than failure constructs (sobrief.com).

  • "Social media comparison heightens impostor feelings by showcasing others’ ‘highlight reels’."
    → Insight into how external validation cycles feed internal doubt (sobrief.com, storytel.com).


🛠️ Coping Strategies – Application Insights

  • “Acknowledge achievements: Keep a record of successes.”
    → Concrete reminders that success isn’t just luck (sobrief.com, newyorker.com).

  • “Challenge negative thoughts: Identify and reframe impostorish self‑talk.”
    → For example, turn "I just got lucky" into "I earned this through skill and effort" (sobrief.com).

  • “Embrace mistakes: View them as learning opportunities, not as proof of fraud.”
    → Cultivates resilience and growth mindset (sobrief.com).

  • “Seek support: Talk with trusted peers or mentors to gain perspective.”
    → Shared experiences reduce isolation and stigma (sobrief.com, newyorker.com).


💼 Strategic Takeaways (SBQ‑Style Questions)

  • How can organisations build systems that normalize failure and support vulnerability?
    → Encourages cultures of psychological safety.

  • Which archetypes are most prevalent in our teams—and how should development plans adapt?
    → Personalised coaching and feedback work best.

  • Can self-doubt be reframed into a professional asset, driving excellence and growth?
    → When managed consciously, it fuels continuous improvement.

  • What role does social media and peer comparison play in team morale—and how can we mitigate its effects?
    → Awareness campaigns, digital well-being initiatives.


Would you like a visual mind map, slide deck, or printable one-pager of this summary?

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