Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Problem and Solution

Imposter Syndrome has become an increasingly prevalent issue in the workplace. When workers begin to experience Imposter Syndrome their productivity and satisfaction diminish, and if left unaddressed workers can potentially burn out and leave the company. This module is the first in a larger concept project that aims to educate employers, managers, and workers about the issue of Imposter Syndrome, and how it impacts both the mission of the company and the health and satisfaction of its employees.  

Theory

Bloom's Taxonomy

The module addresses three major skills in Bloom’s Taxonomy: Remember Understand, and Apply.

• Remember: Learners must first be able to define what Imposter Syndrome is. By learning about the syndrome and its affects, learners will understand the importance of addressing the phenomenon and may even make connections with how it impacts their own experiences. Once learners are able to define what Imposter Syndrome is, they will have the foundational knowledge necessary to begin recognizing signs of the belief in themselves and coworkers, and ultimately will be able to learn ways to address the phenomenon.

• Understand: Once learners are able to define what the syndrome is, they will then learn how to recognize at least three signs of the phenomenon in others and potentially within their own lives. When learners are able to recognize symptoms of the syndrome, they are then ready to find ways to address it. 

• Apply: Ultimately as a result of the eLearning experience, workers will be able to demonstrate three techniques that will allow them to combat Imposter Syndrome. It is essential that workers who engage in this learning experience will walk away from the course not only being able to recognize and define the phenomenon, but will actually be able to take action to address the syndrome within their own lives, or support coworkers who are battling the phenomenon.

Process

Action Mapping

Action mapping was used to determine the objectives of the project and the best way to address those objectives through the use of  eLearning. I began by consulting with employees and project managers who are currently employed in the technology sector. In speaking with these subject matter experts regarding the culture of their workplace and what they deemed as issues that needed to be addressed, it became clear that educating both managers and employees about Imposter Syndrome could make a huge impact on improving workplace culture and ultimately employee satisfaction and productivity. After discussing this issue with SMEs, I compiled the information utilizing an action map, and began breaking down the information that would need to be taught into digestible modules. 

Development

The video was developed using the Guroo eLearning development platform.  

Takeaways

After completing the first iteration of the this project I reconvened with SMEs in order to collect feedback, analyze and evaluate the project, and then create a plan for how to improve the project moving forward. Originally, this projected as a single module, but after discussing the first iteration of the project with SMEs I came to the conclusion that the material presented could be better administered in several modules so that each topic was given the proper amount of materials for learners to fully understand the concepts and have enough opportunities to apply them. As I move forward with redesigning and improving on the project, I plan to expand the course to including several modules: 

1. Understanding Imposter Syndrome and recognizing signs of the phenomenon 

2. Understanding the Implications of Imposter Syndrome 

3. Learning ways to address Imposter Syndrome in your own life

4. Finding ways to engage with coworkers to improve workplace climate.