Selbstzweifel trotz Erfolgen: Bin ich gut genug? Was Frauen zu „Impostor“ wissen sollten

Despite achievements and often exceeding expectations, many people question their own competence. They attribute successes to luck and take criticism personally. This consistent feeling of self-doubt in the face of proven accomplishments is known as the Impostor Phenomenon. Both men and women experience it, but it often affects women in leadership roles more intensely.

Psychiatrist Prof. Petra Beschoner explains that traditional roles, lack of role models, biased leadership cultures, and structural career barriers may exacerbate these feelings.

Women in leadership positions must navigate the delicate balance of being professionally competent and confident without appearing arrogant, and demonstrating assertiveness without being perceived as unapproachable. Prof. Beschoner, an attending physician at Bad Saulgau Acute Clinic, notes that highly successful women frequently experience a stark contrast between their objective performance and subjective self-perception.

They often attribute their good results to luck or minimize their achievements, making it difficult to accept praise.

When facing failure and criticism, women tend to attribute it to personal shortcomings and weight it more heavily than objective reality. The cycle of compounding self-doubt can lead to increased pressure, demanding additional effort and high standards, often resulting in further acknowledgment of additional responsibilities and workloads.

This relentless pursuit can leave women "caught in a cycle of stress, self-criticism, and overexertion," which may lead to sleep issues, burnout, or increased anxiety, potentially contributing to other mental health conditions such as depression.

To combat these issues, Prof. Beschoner suggests three tips: 1) maintain a healthy self-image by acknowledging both strengths and personal limits, 2) set clear boundaries, as declining politely or not being constantly available does not signify weakness but professionalism, and 3) recognize success by understanding that not everyone needs to improve further; many simply need to realize they are good enough.

Women should stop confusing self-doubt with humility, as self-acknowledgment of competence is not an expression of arrogance but a crucial aspect of mental health.