How do you mentor someone with imposter syndrome? It’s hard to help an employee who doubts their skills or accomplishments, but a few strategies can help. One is to normalize their feelings. When your mentee worries that they’re a fraud, shrug your shoulders and warmly say, “You and everyone else in the building!” Remind them that those types of feelings are pretty common — and people who don’t have them aren’t necessarily more competent. You can even share your own stories of feeling like an imposter. Another approach is to challenge negative self-talk with concrete facts. If your mentee thinks they botched a presentation, for example, say, “I heard you did a great job. Do you actually mean there are a couple of things you want to work on for next time?” A third method is to remind them often that they do belong in their role. Look for opportunities to let them know you believe in them and affirm their achievements.
Adapted from “Mentoring Someone with Imposter Syndrome,” by W. Brad Johnson and David G. Smith
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