As a negotiation consultant with over a decade of commercial experience, I've worked with numerous professionals in various industries, helping them improve their negotiation skills and achieve their goals. Despite my expertise, there is a secret I've been keeping from my clients: I often suffer from imposter syndrome, just like many of them do.

Do you ever feel you are not worthy of the job position you are in, or that you are a fraud? Do you worry you may not be as competent as others believe you are? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome: a psychological pattern in which one doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. It can affect anyone, regardless of level of expertise, experience, or success.

Unsurprisingly, imposter syndrome can impact performance in business negotiations, so being aware of some common pitfalls and barriers is important for those that experience it. A related consideration is gender, which can also play a role in negotiation outcomes.

In this article I examine imposter syndrome and gender, as well as the implications of the rise in virtual negotiations. I conclude with practical tips and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and become a more effective negotiator.