Imposter syndrome in High potential people

 The Inexact Imposture

 For those unfamiliar with the syndrome, it might seem surprising to discuss a sense of imposture when referring to high intellectual potential individuals (HPI). However, it's crucial not to misconstrue the term in the opposite direction it's intended. The Impostor Syndrome, by definition, is the frequent feeling of being an impostor in an area of expertise. For HPI individuals, this symptom is commonly observed. Understanding their functioning makes it clear why this syndrome often manifests in them. Despite their ability to connect elements quickly, comprehend complex subjects faster, and master various complexities, they often experience the opposite feeling.

The Impossible Lie

 For an HPI, zebra, hypersensitive, or gifted person, a consistent trait is the total incapacity to lie. Their implacable logic and deep-seated desire for truth make it unimaginable for them to lie. If they do, it's usually a minor lie meant to avoid triggering harmful chain reactions, unnecessary time wastage, or evident suffering.

 This incapacity to lie closely relates to the Impostor Syndrome. Let's use the professional sphere as an example to simplify the phenomenon's understanding. Knowledge in one’s field is not just essential; it's paramount. For an HPI, the task is more complicated than for most colleagues. A regular colleague can easily assert competence in their area, claiming mastery and confidence in their knowledge. Even when factually incorrect, they might not readily question themselves, letting ego play a significant role in their self-affirmation. Knowing they're deceiving themselves to maintain a facade, they might find it hard to admit mistakes, choosing to stand firm without impacting their self-image.

 For an HPI, the situation is much more devastating. At first glance, a gifted individual may assert their knowledge confidently in a meeting, perhaps even appearing arrogant. But if they haven't recognized their different functioning, a minor event can upheave an apparently controlled situation. If someone at the meeting happens to mention a minor detail the HPI overlooked, they will instantly plunge into an overwhelming wave of guilt. Even if 99% of their analysis was correct and sufficient, this small disturbance will totally question their competency, driving them to reassess their logic and double-check their entire presentation. Unable to accept lying, they will feel as though they have deceived their entire audience, resulting in imbalance for hours or even days. For others, this might seem trivial and inconsequential, but for the HPI, it can turn into a traumatic experience. They feel as if they've lied about their skills and knowledge, wrongly appearing as an impostor.

The Need for Justice

 Now that you understand how an HPI functions in knowledge management scenarios, their subsequent behavior becomes clear. The inability to lie, coupled with a need for justice and intolerance for unfair situations, also characterizes the Impostor Syndrome. For instance, if an HPI were financially rewarded for excellent work, they would immediately question whether the reward was justified. Even if it's obvious to everyone, a gifted individual will always wonder if the reward was indeed deserved and if others might have been more deserving. The Impostor Syndrome is, thus, a consistent and constraining companion for HPIs.

Accounting for All Parameters

 With ongoing changes in their profession, HPIs realize that new information is always emerging. Innovations, new standards, and technologies present a challenging but stimulating environment for their creativity. However, these also destabilize their evaluation of their knowledge. Even after decades of experience in a mastered field, an HPI might feel inadequate if new, seemingly minor information emerges. Beyond their thirst for knowledge and understanding, innovations either lead to denial due to fear of incompetence or an urgent need to learn to avoid feeling like an impostor.

Difficult to Identify

 As seen, the battle with imposture plays out deep within HPIs amidst a surge of truth-seeking neurons. It's challenging to imagine what an HPI emotionally experiences when confronted with knowledge challenges. They might appear aloof or disdainful, yet internally, they are battling hard. Constantly striving for perfection, imposing continuous quality control, and facing extraordinary pressure are part of their everyday life. Assurances of their competency take time to accept. HPIs often exhibit anxious profiles, sometimes with generalized anxiety disorders, due to lack of consideration, recognition, or validation from colleagues or superiors.

Recognizing Competence

 HPIs face the daily challenge of accurately assessing their competencies. They need to accept that their output and expertise are sufficient for their roles, not striving for perfection or flawlessness. Inherent to the Impostor Syndrome, HPIs will struggle with competency doubts in areas they excel in. They must be able to self-evaluate to avoid self-sabotage. The syndrome, manifesting in various ways, might also occur in social spheres beyond professional settings. Constantly questioning if they deserve their place in a group, friends circle, or even family, HPIs often ponder if they are at the right level.

Not a Fatality

 Despite its prevalence among HPIs, the Impostor Syndrome isn't inevitable. Brain plasticity and self-awareness are powerful tools for better understanding and adjusting how one views and tames oneself. If you're an HPI, learn to recognize and celebrate your victories and allow yourself to feel satisfied with your achievements, especially when everything around indicates you're in the right place, legitimate in your activities, and reasonably proud of your accomplishments.