Kalender

Science scrutinises critically, values precision, requires outstanding skills at all levels and is highly competitive. That is vital for creating new knowledge. However, these conditions often impose immense pressure and expectations on researchers, with many feeling less qualified, less experienced and less confident than their colleagues. This imposter-feeling can have a wide-ranging impact on personal wellbeing and career progression, including:
Lowering career goals and lowering expectations of one's own career prospects because of the feeling that others are more capable/experienced/deserving of a role.

• A strong inner self-doubt and fear of failure, expressed in the need for perfectionism which can lead to procrastination.
• A strong fear of not being good enough resulting in people not speaking up and avoiding to share ideas/presenting alternative views/volunteering for projects etc.
• An excessive behaviour of modesty, resulting in not highlighting successes and abilities based on the fear of looking over-confident or bragging.
• A high level of personal stress and renunciation of joy.

Therefore, to lead a successful (academic) career, it is important to know how to deal with the common feeling of self-doubt and low self-confidence. We will reflect on gender differences of an imposter feeling, learn how to deal with self-doubt, and become aware how this is reflected in language and body language. The training material is based on neuro-scientific knowledge and uses techniques from improvisation theatre and mindfulness practice.