Coffee Hour: Imposter Syndrome

August 31, 2021

On August 12, the E&I Committee hosted HSH’s monthly coffee hour. The topic was Imposter Syndrome. A couple of staff attended a virtual panel discussion on Imposter Syndrome put on by the Women’s Network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and felt that the information discussed was worth sharing with all HSH staff.

Research shows that up to 70% of people in the U.S. experience Imposter Syndrome in their lives. The definition of Imposter Syndrome is – the feeling that you are not actually qualified for the success you have or the work you are doing, and fear that you will be discovered as a fraud. During the coffee hour, we used Jam Boards to ask all attendees what they thought Imposter Syndrome means, when they have experienced it, and ways to combat it.

After the coffee hour, several people have said that they had never heard of Imposter Syndrome before but have experienced it in their lives. We hope this discussion helps our staff recognize this common issue and realize ways they can work through and combat these internal feelings and ideas. Don’t diminish your successes and speak kindly to yourself!