Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Executive
We’ve all been there: overshadowed by doubt during a pivotal moment, despite a proven capability of success. That nagging feeling of not belonging is called imposter syndrome, and a 2020 study shows up to 82% of the population has experienced it. This staggering statistic reflects a widespread challenge, especially among women, and executives are not exempt. In a leadership environment, where decisions are critical, these internal doubts can impact your effectiveness, self-perception, and even the success of your employees.
The first time I heard the term “imposter syndrome” was only a few short years ago. It was a huge relief to hear that I wasn’t alone and that it’s actually very common. I thought I was the only person in a meeting thinking “This might be the time they figure out that I don’t know what I’m doing.” But after I was able to recognize what imposter syndrome is and give it a name, I was able to start working on overcoming it. Over time, I've learned that overcoming imposter syndrome is about navigating these thoughts, not silencing them.
Here are 5 observations and strategies I’ve learned to help me overcome imposter syndrome, especially through my work with executives:
5 Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Validate your feelings. Executive positions can already be isolating, and imposter syndrome amplifies that. Understanding that it is a common experience among leaders is one more step in comforting and normalizing the feeling.
Talk about it. One of the fears of imposter syndrome is that we’re somehow getting away with not being enough. We may feel like we’re deceiving others and fear being exposed. The isolating aspect of it can lead to thought spirals that are best broken by trusted mentors and colleagues. Reassurance through similar experiences and valuable perspectives can go a long way in rooting out imposter syndrome.
Embrace recognition with grace. When we’re struggling with the belief that we’re not as competent as others perceive us to be, we might have trouble accepting praise. We could perceive it as insincere or mistaken, thinking, "If they really knew me, they wouldn't say that." See them instead as affirmations of your abilities. Practicing accepting genuinely is a great step in silencing negative self-talk and navigating imposter syndrome.
Document your success. Your achievements and the tangible impact you've made can be the reminder you need that you deserve to be where you at and that you earned it through hard work—but in order to remember it, you have to document it, and in my experience, those moments don’t always come quickly to mind when you need them. Maintain a record of achievements, positive feedback, and milestones. This success journal can be a powerful antidote to self-doubt.
Understand the journey. Managing imposter syndrome is ongoing. Recognize that occasional doubts are part of the leadership journey and are growth opportunities.
Feeling like an imposter occasionally doesn't undermine your achievements or capabilities. It often signals that you're pushing beyond your comfort zone, the space where true growth occurs. As executives, embracing our vulnerabilities and navigating through them strengthens us and sets a powerful example for our teams.
Have you experienced imposter syndrome in your leadership journey?
