A new study claims imposter syndrome (the fear of being exposed as a fraud, often at work) exists for good reason.
Dr. Charles L. Barrett, a leading psychiatrist in Los Angeles and renowned author, has spent two years studying the phenomenon and says his research overturns recent articles attempting to normalize it.
“People often come into my office feeling they didn’t deserve that recent promotion, that they’re about to be “found out.” Unfortunately, they are right most of the time. These patients seek comfort and I can provide some measure of that, but most of them have good reason to feel like imposters.”
Dr. Barrett said a broader view of the world puts his findings into perspective.
“Look at any field, any profession, and there’s a hierarchy. People who really know what they’re doing comprise the top 10-20%; after that, it’s middling incompetence at best. All the way to the bottom,” he said with concern.
He continued to explain that ego and fear lead to cognitive dissonance, resulting in someone trying to make themselves believe two opposing things at once.
“If you feel like an imposter, you probably are. Those feelings are you telling yourself what you don’t want to consciously admit. “
Every day, in every office, he said, so called “qualified” individuals are making countless mistakes.
“You’d be surprised at how much people who are considered good at their jobs screw up. And I’m not talking about the bottom 10%. These are the people you are putting your complete faith in–doctors, lawyers, and law enforcement included. Deep down, they know they’re frauds.”
Dr. Barrett said the reason so many imposters exist is two-fold:
“People seek out positions they aren’t qualified for because they want prestige and status. That’s human nature. And a surprising number will get them. People will go to great lengths to make themselves appear qualified until they get what they want. Others move up the ranks through favoritism or nepotism. There are also older individuals in the workplace who are ‘owed’ a promotion due to their long tenure. Then, you also have people who are actually qualified but don’t put in the time, energy, and work to remain competent.”
Altogether, these factors contribute to ineptitude almost everywhere. According to Dr. Barrett, the widespread nature of imposterism has lead many of his colleagues to excuse and normalize a dangerous problem. As a counterpoint, his advice to imposters is to find work more suitable for their skill-sets and drives.
“I’m not saying that’s an easy thing to do, but in the long run you’ll be much happier. Once you become entrenched in a position you never should have had, it can be extremely difficult to leave. This results in you costing your employer, clients, and co-workers efficiency.”
In the end, Dr. Barrett’s findings come as a tough pill to swallow for many, despite the recent articles normalizing imposter syndrome.
“Just because it’s common,” said Dr. Barrett, “that doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing. It just means we have a lot of incompetent people out there.”
Dr. Barrett’s new book, How the hell did you get here?, is available in stores and on Amazon this week.
