TRAINERS IMPOSTER-SYNDROME: IS IT JUST AN EXCUSE?

In a recent conversation with my son, who was preparing to complete and present his dissertation to the university graduate committee, and interview for potential jobs, he explained his difficulties dealing with, what he called, his Imposter-Syndrome. As he was getting closer to the deadlines, he was having doubts about his skills, capabilities, and accomplishments after seven years of successful graduate school education. Despite the external evidence of his capabilities and competencies, he seemed to have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed to the unknown.

As I listened to him, I realized that throughout my life, I have encountered similar feelings from time to time, especially before conducting training programs, presenting at a conference, or doing job interviews. During these times, I doubted if I knew enough about the topic, or whether other people in the audience may know more than me, exposing what I was unaware of.