May 18, 2023 | By David M. Wagner

Some of the best leaders fall prey to self-doubt.

I have watched highly capable clients and colleagues hesitate to terminate a toxic employee. Or point out critical flaws in a system design. Or call out the cultural issues on their team.

Feeling like an unqualified outsider is debilitating. It can also be self-fulfilling, as doubt leads to hesitance leads to poor performance.

In addition to facing their own imposter syndrome, mission-driven leaders must also create the conditions for others to thrive without feeling doubted by others.

Leaders can accomplish both by reinforcing five truths that imposter syndrome makes us forget.

1. You belong here.

We feel like an “imposter” when our background or experience level differs from others’.

Remember that those differences do not make you less than – they make you unique. You bring a valuable perspective that others cannot.

As a leader, make sure that a sense of belonging is prioritized over efficiency. Seek out and overcome biases that may make team members feel excluded.

2. You have what it takes.

You were hired or promoted into your current position for a reason. You are already a capable, qualified individual.

Give yourself time to learn a new role, understanding that there are no shortcuts to becoming a seasoned expert.

Leaders can reduce the pressure to be an “expert” from the start by setting reasonable, progressive expectations for team members in new roles.

3. Your opinion matters.

When we hesitate to share our perspective, lest we be found out as “frauds,” we deprive our teams of our valuable insights.

It’s okay to caveat your thoughts when you are still building relevant expertise (“I know I’m new here…”). But trust your gut and speak up when something feels off. Fresh eyes often see issues or solutions that others cannot!

Use inquiry as a leader to ensure that everyone’s opinions are heard and valued.

4. You are enough.

Self-doubt amplifies our perception of the seriousness of small errors.

Rather than hold yourself to an impossible standard, have self-compassion. Mistakes signify risk-taking and often lead to faster learning and growth.

Give others the space to grow into their roles by embracing growth-minded leadership.

5. You are not alone.

Every great leader has started where you are right now. And most of them have also experienced self-doubt: the prevalence of imposter syndrome could be as high as 82%.

Remember that experiencing self-doubt is just part of being human. Reach out to peers and mentors for assurance when you feel like an imposter.

As a leader, build support systems to connect team members in new roles with others who are going through, or have already experienced, similar transitions.

Don’t let imposter syndrome blind you, or the members of your team, to the truth about your (their) worth. Schedule a free consultation to join the clients we have helped lead with confidence.