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Knocking the Imposter Out of My Brain

side view of a business woman with a mask
Theresa Witham Photo
VP/Publications & Publisher
CUES

1 minute

Read about this and more in issue two of CU Management’s Advancing Women digital-only publication.

Up until about a year ago, I had never heard of imposter syndrome. When I did discover its meaning, I was so relieved. You see, imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are incompetent in your role and will soon be exposed as a fraud and failure, all despite evidence that shows the opposite, such as positive feedback from co-workers or strong performance appraisals.

I was relieved because I had felt this way and knowing that others did as well has helped me push away those negative thoughts. 

Imposter syndrome is not limited to women, but it does contribute to some of the barriers we women can be guilty of erecting in the path of our own success. This is one the reasons why we launched Advancing Women earlier this year and why we chose breaking down our internal barriers as the main topic for our newest issue, out last week.

To help us crash through some of those barriers, executive coach Laurie Maddalena offers her advice for asking for what you need at work, whether it’s more training, a flexible work schedule or more feedback. Read her six tips here. (And stay tuned for our August issue when she tackles asking for a raise.)

New this issue, we feature our first video. Lynette Smith, president/CEO of Washington Gas Light Federal Credit Union, Springfield, Va., discusses what it means to be a leader. It’s a must watch!

Check out all the above, plus lots more, in the second issue of Advancing Women. 

Theresa Witham is CUES’ managing editor/publisher.

CEO/Executive Team Network is coming up Nov. 5-7 in Nashville, Tenn.

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