Imposter syndrome
Posted on May 31, 2023 by Dr Iona Naismith, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
A tendency to doubt one's abilities or fear being exposed as inadequate, which can impact leadership confidence and credibility
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that I see very regularly in coaching. It describes a tendency to doubt one’s abilities or fear being exposed as inadequate, despite evidence of one’s competence. It can emerge at any time, but is particularly common after promotions or career pivots. In coaching, I use a number of strategies to help people overcome these unhelpful thinking patterns. Some things you can try yourself in the first instance are:
1. Acknowledge and understand that imposter syndrome is a common experience. Recognize that many successful individuals have experienced similar doubts and fears. You aren´t alone!
2. Challenge negative self-talk: Be mindful of internal narratives that reinforce feelings of being an imposter. Ask yourself: is this fair? is this helpful? Am I seeing the whole picture? Coaching can help you to identify these thoughts and challenge them or simply disengage from them.
3. Acknowledge achievements: Keep a record of your achievements, positive feedback, and compliments from others. Ask yourself: How often do you spend time reflecting on success? How often do you reflect on mistakes?
4. Share your feelings with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. Often, they will be able to provide valuable perspective and reassurance.
5. Embrace growth: Recognize that everyone is on a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Focus on expanding your knowledge, acquiring new skills, and seeking opportunities for professional development. Remember that mistakes are inevitable when we push ourselves to new challenges.
6. Challenge perfectionistic tendencies. Understand that perfection is unattainable, and nobody knows everything. By setting realistic expectations for yourself and focusing on the future rather than the past, you will be able to increase your motivation and confidence.
7. Others’ views of us are highly infuenced by how we talk about ourselves. Try to develop an image of confidence (alongside humility). Acknowledging mistakes in the right way can increase credibility.
Managing imposter syndrome is an ongoing process. It may not completely disappear, but by working on yourself independently or with a coach, you will find that these thoughts are easier to disengage from.
#leadership #confidence #impostersyndrome
