#ImposterSyndrome #HRProblems #HRGeneralist #CompanyExpert #OnePersonHRDepartment
Do you ever get imposter syndrome as the company’s HR expert? 🤔
As an HR Generalist with over 15 years of experience in various HR roles, I’ve encountered a common challenge that many of us face – imposter syndrome. This feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt can creep in, especially when you’re the sole HR representative in your company, responsible for everything HR-related. It’s completely normal to have moments of overwhelm and uncertainty, wondering if you’re truly qualified for the role or if you’re just faking it till you make it. Trust me, you’re not alone in feeling this way.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome in HR
Imposter syndrome can manifest in different ways for HR professionals, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities like talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, and payroll all on your own. The pressure to be an expert in every aspect of HR can be daunting, leading to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. It’s essential to recognize these feelings and address them before they start affecting your confidence and performance.
Practical Solutions for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Here are some practical tips to help you overcome imposter syndrome and regain your confidence as the company’s HR expert:
1. Embrace Continuous Learning: Remember that it’s okay not to know everything. HR is a constantly evolving field, and there will always be new things to learn. Take advantage of resources like webinars, workshops, and HR certifications to stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
2. Seek Mentorship and Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to other HR professionals for advice and guidance. Having a mentor or a supportive network of peers can help you navigate challenges and gain valuable insight into your role.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your accomplishments. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the skills and experience that make you a competent HR professional.
4. Break Down Tasks: When faced with a new challenge, break it down into manageable tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. This approach will help you tackle overwhelming projects one step at a time.
5. Focus on Your Strengths: Identify your strengths and leverage them in your role. Whether it’s your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, or empathy towards employees, use your unique qualities to excel as the company’s HR expert.
Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience that many HR professionals face, especially when operating as a one-person HR department. By implementing these strategies and embracing your capabilities, you can overcome self-doubt and thrive in your role. You are not a fraud – you are a capable and valuable asset to your company’s HR team.🌟
So, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and continue making a positive impact in your HR role. You’ve got this! 💪 #HRProfessional #YouGotThis #HRSuccess
I totally get this. I have spent 6 out of my 7 years in the field at the organization, starting as a coordinator, growing to a specialist, and in the last 4 months, backfilling my previous manager when she left for a director role. I am onboarding my replacement (she’s fantastic so far!)
Not having the “safety net” of someone above me onsite has given me the most imposter syndrome. Everyone has said I’m doing an impressive job, but I don’t believe them. So much impostor syndrome.
We’re all frauds. Nobody’s a repository of all knowledge, especially when things change based on state/county, etc., and changes _often_ in terms of labor and employment law.
I think part of being experienced in the field is knowing where to look for information and resources to stay up to date with mandates and laws, and executing those to the best of your ability and the resources you’re given.
Otherwise it’s just administrative work, and anybody can do it with enough exposure.
Since I have been in HR, I’ve always been a one person HR in the company. You can always tell them let me get back to you. It’s always overwhelming when you’re doing it by yourself because you don’t have anyone to consult. But any question you may need answers to is one click away unless it’s something company specific such as policies and procedures or benefits. You got this!
YES! I have been in some form of HR for the past 20 years (L&D, generalist, Business partner) and I still get impostor syndrome. Keep going, it happens to a lot of us. HR is the intersection of so many things it is easy to get lost and feel like you do not know enough about a subject.
Daily
Here the thing. Most of the time the people that actually are imposters never call out that they feel that way. They have faked it so hard they themselves believe they are competent.
Those who can self identify that they don’t have every detail, every answer, or know how to navigate every scenario are the one who learn and grow. No one can answer everything all the time, and expecting yourself to know every answer all the time isn’t fair to yourself and your many years of experience.
The key is following up and getting the answer. I find that people really appreciate the candor of being told let me look into it for you, and being given a timeline of a response. Especially as a department of one. Keep your head up, and keep learning. You’ll be surprised just how fast you get to the point of being able answer 60-70% of things quickly.
I assumed a new Lead role just recently and I have the worst case of Imposter syndrome. I just keep telling myself that it’ll get better soon. 😜
“Let me double check this before I give you an answer”- Pretty much my go to phrase. It’s okay to not know the answer to everything.
Always. It’s kind of exhausting and is why I’m in therapy. I highly suggest it to ANYONE with a high stress job.
I have a Masters in HR, a SHRM-CP, and over 5 years experience. I’m in my 40s and still shocked every time someone reaches out to me because I’m the one with the knowledge.
Like if I’m considered the HR expert, and I feel I know nothing. Are all “experts” like me? If so, I have news for you. No one knows anything. We all feel like imposters, and that’s OK, recognize it, and use it as motivation to continually improve and learn.
Get as good as you can as soon as you can in looking things up.
The old saying applies: ” A specialist knows everything about nothing – a generalist knows nothing about everything”.
Every day. Every single day.