Imposter syndrome is the belief that a person’s career achievements are undeserved, and they are somehow faking it. This sense of self-doubt and pressure often lingers in the minds of managers, especially those new to leadership roles.
Imposter syndrome is the belief that a person’s career achievements are undeserved, and they are somehow faking it. This sense of self-doubt and pressure often lingers in the minds of managers, especially those new to leadership roles.
Reframe your thoughts. Nearly 82% of people face feelings of imposter syndrome, meaning you are not alone, according to Ashley Abramson’s article for the American Psychological Association. Being a high performer in a competitive market is an admirable trait in a leader, but striving for perfection or shouldering the workload alone is a fast track to burnout. You can still uphold high standards while letting go of the illusion of perfectionism. “And when you don’t meet your standards, resist the urge to see your failure as an exposure. Instead, Orbé-Austin suggests reframing failures as opportunities to learn and grow, which will ultimately move you toward the success you’re seeking,” Abramson writes in her APA interview with Lisa Orbé-Austin.
Practice self-compassion. Being kind to yourself is essential. Actively practicing self-compassion can include sharing your feelings, seeking supportive mentors, and avoiding negative self-talk. It is important to remember you are human and mistakes are inevitable. One way to gain perspective is by learning from leaders you admire through their memoirs, interviews, or other reflections. This can reveal the lessons of others who have faced similar doubts, advises Rachel Barton in her article for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Focus on the fact. Fear can overwhelm reason, but pausing to focus on the facts rather than your feelings can make a powerful difference. “When in doubt, I try to find evidence of why I’m unique, talented, and qualified. If necessary, I draw on past experience or feedback others have shared with me. That way, when I feel like others think I’m unqualified or incompetent, I can compare those thoughts with concrete evidence,” Julia Martins writes in her article for workplace software Asana.
