We've all had times where we've felt like we just don't fit. Like others are so much better than we are at what we do, like we'd love to ask our peers questions, but gosh we don't want to bother them - they must be too busy to talk to us, right? Wrong. As our tongue-in-cheek title suggests, we're a pretty fun and open group. Join us for an honest, vulnerable, and heartfelt conversation about impostor syndrome and how higher education leaders can recognize it, manage it, and rewrite their own “impostor” dialogue.
At times, we all have rockstar moments of confidence, where we could move mountains if needed. Other times, our confidence blows in wind, feeling as if an avalanche is about to bury us as an “impostor”. Studies show that superstars like Jodie Foster, Albert Einstein, and Maya Angelou hold feelings of self-doubt in regard to their talents. Further, we've read a number of articles and publications that show up to 70% of people hold feelings of self-doubt or being “found out.” Look around the room. Calculate 70% of the people you see. They may be doubting themselves right now. Sometimes we believe hard-earned circumstances is really just luck. Coined “impostor syndrome," higher education and online learning experts, leaders, and visionaries are not immune to this mind trap.
Join us as we explore and share in spaces surrounding the following guiding questions:
- How does imposter syndrome manifest for you? Where are the anxiety points?
- What are common situations where you face impostor syndrome experiences?
- What strategies have worked for recognizing and managing “impostor feelings?"
- What are some examples of instances (such as connecting to a group of colleagues) has helped diminish impostor syndrome experiences? How has this been beneficial to your professional network, career, and future opportunities?
- Conferences like OLC can sometimes unintentionally encourage and support impostor syndrome feelings, especially for new attendees or those new to careers related to online learning. How do we overcome that perception and those possible experiences?
Participants in this session will:
- Identify at least one strategy they can use to build confidence in their professional lives
- Identify at least one person they will actively build a network with to further support and mentor one another within the structure and format that best supports their professional and academic goals.
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Find a like-minded support system of individuals to connect with beyond the conference event