You’re Not Alone
As a leader, you have achieved great success in your career or are in the initial years. You have worked hard, taken risks, and sacrificed to get where you are today – you might be at the beginning of your career, but you still had to go to school and work hard to get into the position. Despite your accomplishments, you think you don’t deserve to be where you are. This feeling, known as Impostor Syndrome, affects many leaders today.
The Pressure to Perform
Leaders often experience Impostor Syndrome because of the pressure they feel to maintain their success. As a leader, you are expected to perform consistently at a high level, and any misstep or failure can be viewed as a setback. This pressure to be perfect can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and make you question your abilities.
It’s essential to remember that everyone experiences failure and mistakes, and it’s part of the learning and personal growth process.
Comparison Trap
Another reason leaders feel like impostors is that they compare themselves to others. It’s easy to look at other successful leaders and feel you need to measure up. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and comparing yourself to others will only make you feel worse.
Focus on your growth and development and celebrate your accomplishments.
High Standards
As a leader, you likely have high standards for yourself and those around you. While having high standards can be a positive attribute, it can also lead to feeling like an impostor. If you are constantly striving for perfection and feel like you never measure up, it can lead to burnout and decreased self-esteem.
Setting realistic expectations for yourself and permitting yourself to make mistakes is essential.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
The first step is to recognise that you are not alone. Many successful leaders experience these feelings. Talking with trusted colleagues or coaches is essential. They can help you put things into perspective and give you a boost of confidence.
Additionally, remind yourself of your accomplishments and the skills that have helped you get where you are today. Finally, reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. Instead of focusing on what you did wrong, acknowledge what you did right and what you learned from the experience.
Finally …
… remember that you are already whole. Yes, keep learning and growing, but shed this story, and it will liberate energy and resources for you to be that better leader.
