Let’s face it, unless we specifically planned our career path, we are rarely prepared for extra responsibilities and duties. In fact, 75% of women and 60% of men in leadership positions have expreienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Even now, in some circumstances, I feel that I am an imposter.
I got lucky in my mid-twenties – I got a job without ever applying for it. Not just any job, a sales job, which put me in charge of a small team. Suddenly, I was supposed to be a leader – not a manager, our Managing Director was in charge of that aspect. Not only was I the leader, but I had precisely 1 team member, a senior colleague around 35 years older than me, with vastly more life experience.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a feeling that you are a fraud (imposter) or that you don’t deserve your position or achievements. Everyone seems to experience, or at least 75% of women in leadership do, including several famous ones such as Michelle Obama
, Maya Angelou, Tina Fey and Tom Hanks… So, if you feel like one, you are in really great company.
Not embracing your successes, constantly doubting yourself, and falling victim to internal biases all lead to imposter syndrome. The feelings of self-doubt can sneak t at the oddest moment, whether while on a private call, right before falling asleep, or even during meetings. The last is possibly the worst time to experience such a feeling as often the emotional upswell prevents you from speaking up at a crucial moment.
What are the key traits for overcoming imposter syndrome in leadership?
Effective leadership requires confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. When facing imposter syndrome, it is important to recognize your accomplishments, embrace vulnerability, and seek support from others. These key traits for effective leadership can help leaders overcome feelings of inadequacy and lead with authenticity and purpose.
Acknowledge the moment
Too many people try to escape a feeling by drowning it out, distracting themselves, and subconsciously distancing themselves from that feeling. This is the wrong behavior pattern and will usually reinforce your imposter syndrome.
Hindsight is always 20/20, as the saying goes and it is especially so here. In the end, we are our worst critics.
alk about it
One of the best things you can do about these feelings is to make them known. Now, we’re not advocating blasting it on all social media channels but rather, finding one or two trusted friends who you can talk to openly. You might even find that sharing your feelings can take away some of the power of Imposter Syndrome.
Give yourself a break
If you feel like you should always know the answer — it might be time to give yourself a break. Recognize that being wrong doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent or worthy of success, it just means you’re human.
Picture your success
If you’re preparing for a presentation or a big project, take a few minutes to visualize your success. Think about what it would look like to deliver a seamless performance. Imagine the look on everyone’s face when you deliver a well-thought message. Whatever it is that you have to do, flip the script on your failure, and think about your success.
Quiet your inner voice
The next time you hear that all too familiar voice that tells you that you’re not good enough or that someone will find out that you don’t belong — quiet it. Try using an affirmation to put yourself back in control. Here are a few you can use:
- I am worthy
- I am talented
- I am smart
- I am enough
- I deserve this
Set a new goal
If you struggle with Imposter Syndrome on the daily, it might be unrealistic to think that it will just go away. It might be time to set and reach a new goal. Create a plan each day to get through the one specific meeting or presentation without these feelings. Just remember that it’s okay to have “imposter moments,” you just don’t want to live there.
What are some strategies for leaders to overcome imposter syndrome and own their success?
Imposter syndrome can be tackled by leaders through ego management. Accepting their achievements as earned and seeking support from peers or mentors helps in owning their success. Setting realistic goals and celebrating milestones are effective strategies to overcome the imposter syndrome hurdle.
Moving forward just as you are
You’re a smart, strong, successful person. You’ve earned every promotion, job, or kudos you’ve received. So, the next time your internal imposter dialogue rears its ugly head, use these strategies to quiet the beast and remind it just how qualified you are.