Unmasking the Impostor Syndrome

While these and a variety of other excuses are common, it may be productive to dig a little deeper to determine whether other factors are at play.

Throughout 30 years as an attorney mentor and professional coach, I have noted that one of the major obstacles faced by lawyers is a phenomenon first identified in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes: The Impostor Syndrome (IP). They describe it as a feeling of "phoniness in people who believe they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement." Attorneys affected by IP are held back because their confidence level is constantly and erroneously undermined.

Case Study

Roger, a senior associate in the tax department of a major law firm, consistently received positive reviews from supervising partners and proved to be a profit center. However, he falls short with respect to business development activities, which is jeopardizing his long-term prospects for advancement. I coached Roger and observed the following thought patterns and behavior, which are typical of those impacted by IP:

• Underestimates experience and expertise. When I suggested that Roger author an article for a professional journal on a hot topic in the tax arena, he replied, "Why would anyone care about what I have to say?"
• Feels unworthy of the success already achieved. Roger was recently honored by a community organization at its annual gala. He told me that the award was just a fluke and the organization had obviously run out of deserving people to honor.
• Minimizes achievements. During law school, Roger worked full time, was on law review and graduated magna cum laude. When I complimented him on his robust resume, Roger replied, "If I were really smart, I would have graduated summa cum laude."
• Attributes success to good luck. When I congratulated Roger on receiving a referral from a prominent accountant, he told me that he happened to be in the right place at the right time. Otherwise, the client would have been referred elsewhere.
• Holds self to unattainable standard of perfection. While we must always be mindful to maintain exceedingly high professional standards, Roger remembers every little mistake and constantly beats himself up over trivialities.

As Roger began to trust me, he confessed that since he was young, he has "lived in fear of being 'found out' or exposed as a fraud." He further related that he is amazed how he has been able to deceive so many smart people into thinking he is more intelligent than he really is.