Combating Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like you weren’t qualified enough for a position or didn’t deserve it? Have you ever felt like a fraud? These feelings are congruent with imposter syndrome, which can overwhelmingly affect a leader’s success. Let’s take a look at why leaders may be susceptible to getting imposter syndrome and how to combat it.

Why Leaders get Imposter Syndrome

Many factors can compel leaders to feel like an imposter or fraud. Some include the leader’s work environment, prior bosses, or parenting style. For example, if your parents focused on perfection, or you had a boss that tore employees down for small mistakes, you may still feel doubtful of your skills and abilities. Since there are so many reasons why imposter syndrome may occur, it is important to have knowledge on how to combat it.

How to Combat Imposter Syndrome

Acknowledge your Doubts: Opening up about your feelings of self-doubt can act as a stress reliever and may help you realize that you are not the only person that feels insecure about your abilities. If you feel like you aren’t capable of producing good work or being in a high leadership position, take a look at yourself and see if you are being too self-critical. Remember, you were picked for that position for a good reason. If colleagues compliment your work or abilities frequently, that is a good sign that you may be too hard on yourself.

Build a Support System: Allowing others into your circle of trust can help you feel more encouraged and supported. If colleagues or friends know you are feeling like a fraud, they may be able to reassure you and remind you that you have what it takes to succeed in your position. If you are obsessing over a simple task, procrastinating, or talking negatively about yourself, a good support system will help guide you back on the right track.

Don’t Make Comparisons: Every person has a unique set of abilities, including strengths and weaknesses. If you think you have to be the best at everything, you will obsess over every task and never get things done. Also, comparing yourself to others will turn into a never-ending cycle where you are constantly putting yourself down. It is important to remember that nobody is perfect, and comparing yourself to others will only stall you from reaching success. Focus on success, not perfection.

Recognize your Accomplishments: Countless leaders will feel incompetent without realizing that many of their accomplishments were only attainable with their expertise. As a leader, you need to look at your accomplishments and recognize that you had the ability to succeed regardless of luck or good timing. That could be easier said than done, so if someone has complimented you on your work, keep that in the back of your mind the next time you are feeling like an imposter.

Get a Coach or Advisor: Most C-level executives have an executive coach or executive advisor that they use as their go-to person when they are in doubt with a decision, or need a sounding board. Having this go-to advisor helps these executives confirm why they are there and overcome self-doubt.

We have all had imposter syndrome at one time or another in our lives. No one is confident 100% of the time. If they are, they are usually considered to be arrogant 40% of the time. Follow these tips to keep yourself on track, confident, and successful as a leader.