What if everyone at work realizes I have no idea what I’m doing?

I recently started a new position that I really wanted, but now I constantly feel like I’m in over my head. Everyone else seems like they know exactly what they’re doing, and I’m worried they’re eventually going to realize they made a mistake hiring me. How do I know if I’m actually struggling or if this is just imposter syndrome?

Thanks! Jane

Answer: 

Hi Jane!

That feeling is incredibly common, especially when starting a new job, taking on more responsibility, or moving into a role where you're expected to make decisions instead of simply follow a process.

One of the frustrating things about growing professionally is that the more you learn, the more aware you become of what you don't know.

That doesn't necessarily mean you're unqualified. It may mean you're stretching beyond what was previously comfortable.

A few questions can help separate an actual performance concern from self-doubt:

• What does the evidence say? Have you actually received negative feedback, or are you assuming what other people think?
• Are you comparing your beginning to someone else's experience? The coworker who seems completely confident may have been doing this for ten years.
• Are you expecting yourself to know things you haven't had an opportunity to learn yet?
• When you don't know something, can you figure out where to get the answer? Competence isn't knowing everything. A huge part of competence is knowing how to learn, ask questions, and problem-solve.

And remember: being uncomfortable in a new role doesn't automatically mean you're bad at it.

Sometimes discomfort is simply what growth feels like before the new role starts feeling normal.

It can be helpful to surround yourself with mentor's who have been in the same position as you. This can allow you to have someone to ask questions to and also someone who has been in your shoes before. They can also help ease your mind by sharing stories of when they felt similar (which I notice happens organically with these relationships). 

Tenacious Takeaway

Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. Sometimes it means you’re growing into something new.

Look for evidence. Ask for feedback. Give yourself permission to learn. And instead of asking, “Do I know everything I should know?” try asking:

“When I don't know something, do I know what to do next or who to ask?" 

Leverage your network and continue being a curious lifetime learner. 

Until next time, please remember to take care of yourself and be kind to your mind.