Many people who appear to be doing well, and are successfully climbing the career ladder at work, have an underlying problem. They feel like a fraud and can’t help but think their fortunate position and achievements have arisen from pure luck.
This niggling self-doubt is actually a relatively common psychological phenomenon – imposter syndrome. This is when you believe that you are incompetent and inadequate at your job despite there being evidence to the contrary.
If this sounds familiar to you, it’s time to learn that you deserve more than you think. That job that you’d love but don’t feel good enough to go for, or that pay rise you want could be well within your reach.
The TEDTalks below should help you to fight your imposter syndrome and keep self-doubt at bay.
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Know your worth, and then ask for it – Casey Brown
Your boss probably isn’t paying you what you’re worth – instead, they’re paying you what they think you’re worth. Take the time to learn how to shape their thinking. Pricing consultant Casey Brown shares helpful stories and learnings that can help you better communicate your value and get paid for your excellence.
How students of colour confront impostor syndrome – Dena Simmons
As a black woman from a tough part of the Bronx who grew up to attain all the markers of academic prestige, Dena Simmons knows that for students of colour, success in school sometimes comes at the cost of living authentically. Now an educator herself, Simmons discusses how we might create a classroom that makes all students feel proud of who they are. “Every child deserves an education that guarantees the safety to learn in the comfort of one’s own skin,” she says.
How to speak up for yourself – Adam Galinsky
Speaking up is hard to do, even when you know you should. Learn how to assert yourself, navigate tricky social situations and expand your personal power with sage guidance from social psychologist Adam Galinsky.
Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid – David Burkus
How much do you get paid? How does it compare to the people you work with? You should know, and so should they, says management researcher David Burkus. In this talk, Burkus questions our cultural assumptions around keeping salaries secret and makes a compelling case for why sharing them could benefit employees, organizations and society.
Why we have too few women leaders – Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions — and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite.
The career advice you probably didn’t get – Susan Colantuono
You’re doing everything right at work, taking all the right advice, but you’re just not moving up. Why? Susan Colantuono shares a simple, surprising piece of advice you might not have heard before quite so plainly. This talk, while aimed at an audience of women, has universal takeaways — for men and women, new grads and midcareer workers.
What did you think?
Which of these talks did you enjoy the most? Do you think the speakers are right? Leave us a comment below with your thoughts.
