Edward Enninful | Should HR actually embrace imposter syndrome, as this iconic leader says?

To denounce imposter syndrome does not seem like a controversial choice.

Of course, organisations have a duty of care over their staff’s mental health and wellbeing, so why shouldn’t HR try to eradicate imposter syndrome wherever possible? Yet, according to Edward Enninful, perhaps one of the most iconic names in publishing and current Editor-in Chief at British Vogue, we shouldn’t be so quick to ditch it.

To understand Enninful’s comments, we must first understand imposter syndrome. Most, if not all, professionals will know acutely the effect that imposter syndrome can have on mental health and wellbeing. It may start as low-level anxiety, feelings of self-doubt or questioning your own credentials, however it can quickly ramp up into the internal narrative of believing yourself a fraud – an imposter, as the name so aptly suggests.

In fact, a study conducted in 2019 by the National Library of Medicine discovered that as much as 82% of all professionals have had to deal with imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. And, it’s not limited to younger professionals working their way up through the ranks. The likes of CEOs and world leaders have discussed their experiences with imposter syndrome.