When Impostor Syndrome Surfaces, Understand Why
High-achieving leaders create immense value for the organizations and people they serve.
Along the journey to accomplishment, times of self-doubt and inadequacy can bubble up, causing a leader to question the validity of their success. Known as Impostor Syndrome, this spiral of doubt compromises both the leader's confidence and the leader's effectiveness. The feelings may not quell easily.
Impostor syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis, yet it is a topic that resonates with many leaders. Psychology Today defines Impostor Syndrome as 'the feeling of not being enough, and subsequently fearing this lack of being enough will be discovered by colleagues.' It is often accompanied by anxiety.
If this feeling sounds familiar, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone, and regain the confidence you have in yourself by following specific actions.
First, acknowledge the specific reason for the self-doubt without judgement. What or who caused it? Get clear on where the doubt comes from, what triggered it, and how long it has been impacting you and your performance. Understand why you are not allowing yourself to either celebrate the success or receive the praise that comes with a job well done.
Next, get clear on what you doubt about yourself. Work through the thoughts you have getting in the way of your self-confidence and self-reliance. Write them down, and after each one, write an alternate thought you can authentically adopt to foster self-confidence. Believe in yourself and in the positive feedback your colleagues give you. Revisit these thoughts when moments of uncertainty surface.
Finally, remember that you are human. It is natural to feel anxious, to be curious about a result you created, or to wonder why people believe in you with such conviction. Embrace each of these things as you grow in your leadership. Move forward, releasing the doubt and growing stronger in your effectiveness.
Working through times of Impostor Syndrome remind you of your strengths, encourage you to use them to the best of your ability, and ultimately enhance the lives of people and the results of your organization in the process.
Everyone benefits when you confidently lead into the future.
Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.