Articles by Temi Adeniyi
What we misunderstand about imposter syndrome as design leadersTemi discusses imposter syndrome and argues that we often misunderstand its causes. Feeling like an imposter can sometimes simply be a result of being a beginner or experiencing temporary self-doubt. Her experience in a pottery class showed how beginners often compare themselves unfairly to experts. Environmental factors like non-inclusive work cultures can also contribute to imposter feelings by making some people feel like outsiders. To move past imposter syndrome, organizations need to focus on psychological safety, inclusive teams, and accountability. On an individual level, identifying the root causes, comparing yourself to your own past performance, and self-advocacy can help address feelings of inadequacy. She then provides an example in the form of a story about a talented designer experiencing temporary self-doubt in a high-profile project.