Avoid These 3 Phrases to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Advance Your Career
Career advancement can be impeded by specific phrases that might signify 'imposter syndrome', a prevalent issue among professionals, especially women. An Australian communication expert has pinpointed three problematic phrases to steer clear of in the workplace.
Imposter syndrome, the feeling of being unworthy or incompetent despite proven success, impacts many professionals. Women are more likely to experience this, leading them to use phrases that undermine their confidence and requests.
The first phrase to avoid is 'It'll only take a second'. This phrase sets unrealistic expectations and minimizes the request's importance. It can lead to others underestimating the time and effort required, potentially causing missed deadlines or increased workload.
Another phrase to avoid is 'No problem if it doesn't work out'. This phrase weakens one's position and can make a request a low priority. It signals to others that the request is not important, potentially leading to it being overlooked or ignored.
An Australian communication expert, whose name was not explicitly provided, has cautioned against these three problematic phrases. They advise professionals to use clear, confident language that accurately reflects the importance and complexity of their requests.
To advance their careers, professionals should avoid phrases like 'It'll only take a second' and 'No problem if it doesn't work out'. These phrases can hinder career growth and indicate 'imposter syndrome'. Instead, professionals should use clear, confident language that accurately represents their needs and contributions.