To celebrate National Mentoring Month, we are featuring a series of guest posts reflecting on mentorship. This week’s feature from Katherine Murphy, Employee Development Lead with the Argonne Leadership Institute, provides tips for overcoming imposter syndrome as mentors.
Have you ever thought about becoming a mentor, only for thoughts such as, “You’re not qualified enough” or “You don’t know enough” to pop up? If so, you’re not alone. These thoughts are a product of imposter syndrome, and they can sneak in at any point in your career, no matter how many accomplishments you have. The good news is that we can overcome this! Let’s look at how to tackle imposter syndrome and own your unique journey to be able to share all the incredible experience you have with a potential mentee.
Imposter Syndrome in Mentorship
Imposter syndrome is the inability of a person to see their successes and accomplishments as a result of their own effort.* They fear being exposed as a “fraud.” In mentorship, questions like “Do I have enough expertise?” or “What if I give the wrong advice?” are typical, as imposter syndrome plays on self-doubt. We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves and think that as mentors, we need to give the perfect advice and guidance. And then, doubt that we can do so. In reality, being a mentor isn’t about being perfect and inspiring, and these doubts can undermine the real value that you bring to a mentorship relationship.
You Are Uniquely You – Your Experiences Are Valuable
In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” One of the best ways to fight imposter syndrome is to embrace all the components that make you, you. No two mentors are alike. Your experiences, the good and the bad, have equipped you with insights that no one else has. Whether you’ve navigated complex career transitions, overcome personal challenges, or developed niche expertise, these experiences can be invaluable to a mentee.
Every mentor offers different perspectives, and that’s good, as every mentee has different needs. Consider this: a mentor who has recently navigated the early stages of their career may offer fresh, relatable advice to a mentee just starting out. On the other hand, a mentor with decades of experience can provide long-term strategic insights. Both perspectives are valuable and can significantly impact a mentee’s journey.
Tips for Addressing Imposter Syndrome
If you are contemplating becoming a mentor or are currently a mentor but doubt your effectiveness, here are a few things you can do to change your mindset and see the value you bring to a mentorship relationship.
- Acknowledge Your Doubts: An important step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge it and realize that many others share this experience. Recognize that these doubtful thoughts are not true.
- Focus on Your Strengths: Make a list of your strengths and accomplishments. When doubts creep in, review this list to remind yourself of the amazing skills and experiences you can draw from.
- Seek Feedback: Feedback from your mentee and peers can provide valuable insights you wouldn’t otherwise have and help you understand your positive impact more clearly.
- Share Your Story: Open up to your mentee about your experiences and how you got to where you are, including where you may have doubts. This vulnerability can strengthen your connection and show your mentee that being less than perfect is okay.
- Keep Learning: Remember that mentorship is a two-way street. Being open to learning from your mentee relieves some of the pressure you may feel from thinking you need to be an expert.
Conclusion
Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about sharing your experiences, offering guidance, and providing a new perspective. Your mentee will benefit from your unique insights, even if your initial thought is doubt.
Don’t let imposter syndrome take away your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Your perspectives and willingness to pour into others are what qualifies you to be a great mentor. The best mentors continue to learn and grow alongside their mentees, recognizing that imperfection is part of the journey.