The age-old adage of 'fake it till you make it' is a polarising concept in professional circles. A recent discussion amongst readers has delved into whether bluffing one's way to the top is a legitimate strategy for success or a fundamentally flawed approach that undermines genuine skill and integrity.
The Psychology Behind the Bluff
According to Rachel Lewis, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, simply visualising success is rarely sufficient. Evidence indicates that techniques like mental contrasting—where a person considers a desired future alongside the obstacles in the way—are more effective. "Manifesting can support success when it combines mental rehearsal, realistic assessment, personally meaningful goals, and deliberate action, rather than relying on wishful thinking alone," Lewis explains.
Some readers point to neuroplasticity as a potential mechanism. "Presumably down to the brain’s ability to rewire itself; repetitive thinking or behaviours eventually become the norm," suggests commenter LellyJo, drawing a parallel with how athletes mentally rehearse improvements.
Real-World Successes and Spectacular Failures
The professional landscape is rife with examples. An often-cited Hewlett-Packard study found that men typically apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women tend to wait until they meet 100%. This suggests a gendered approach to 'faking it' at the application stage.
Reader Andy from West Oxfordshire observes, "LinkedIn is crammed full of people trying to find out. And I’ve had enough senior managers who have no skills other than an overpowering self-confidence... to suggest it does work." This sentiment is echoed by Veraanthony, who recounts working alongside senior academics whose intellectual prowess was questionable.
However, the strategy carries significant risk. One anonymous contributor shared a cautionary tale of a colleague who lied on his résumé and used AI to generate failed technical methods, resulting in a year of wasted work. "He has a different job in the same organisation. Has he 'made it'?" they question.
The Ethical and Professional Repercussions
For many, professional fakery is ethically bankrupt. "Nothing gives you the right to mislead the people who are paying you and to underperform while they fund your lifestyle," argues PRCA01. DubGirl adds that it's "an affront to every professional" who has honed their craft and can damage workplace relationships and commercial success.
Commenter Avatar offers a stark long-term view: "Fake it to make it... is not a strategy that provides long-term success." They argue it creates dependency on superiors for opportunities and limits individuals to roles where direct, verifiable results are not paramount, potentially leading to a life of regret.
Yet, a nuanced perspective from lycheefoxpup reframes the concept. They suggest the real meaning isn't about deceit but about not allowing superficial judgements or impostor syndrome to halt progress. "It is perfectly OK to tell someone: 'I can do it'... when you know that, given some time to learn, it is something you can accomplish. This is not deceit; this is good professionalism."
The consensus from the discussion is clear: while a degree of confident self-presentation can open doors, sustained success ultimately relies on developing genuine competence. As reader andya2015 succinctly puts it, "You can, but unless you are really good at it you won’t last long." The debate continues, but the message for professionals is to blend confidence with a commitment to authentic skill-building.
