Embracing Imposter Syndrome in Your New Leadership Role
If you are in a new leadership role, you may find yourself worrying that others will figure out you don’t know what you’re doing, aren’t meant to be there, and should never have been given the role. In other words, that you are an imposter!
Starting a new, more challenging role is exciting. But it’s also stressful, because by definition it’s a step up and you don’t yet know if you’ll be able to pull it off. Impostor syndrome occurs when people feel like they don’t deserve their success or are fooling others into thinking they are more capable than they really are.
Imposter syndrome is not necessarily the problem we can assume it to be. Think about it – if you had a choice between promoting someone who knew they had a lot to learn, and someone who already thought they knew it all, who would you pick? I would suggest that a level of humility and teachability is a good thing.
As it turns out, there are ways to deal with these feelings of being an imposter that can actually help you to become a more successful leader, rather than an actual imposter!
What is the problem with imposter syndrome?
The problem with imposter syndrome is that, unconstrained, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, hampering you from being able to really succeed in your new position. If you’re sitting there thinking you don’t deserve you promotion or you don’t know what you’re doing, then chances are you will feel frozen. You won’t make great decisions, ask the right questions or learn quickly if fear of being discovered as a fraud is holding you back.
Feeling confident to make decisions and set direction is core to leadership success, and so it’s understandable that imposter syndrome, with the hesitation and doubt that go along with it, can be seen as a problem.
Leadership can seem incompatible with not-knowing... wrong!
You might know of the children's game "follow the leader". The front child marches confidently where they will, and the followers tread purposefully behind them. That’s easy, because the stakes are low. As a grown up leader who isn't sure of your footing in a world where your decisions have real consequences, how can you possibly presume to take on the mantle of leader, set a direction and expect others to follow?
It can certainly feel as though imposter syndrome is the very thing a new leader should not be experiencing. How can you expect to inspire confidence in others when you are full of doubts yourself?
The answer, as with so many things, is in the nuance. It is not a binary choice between knowing everything and therefore being able to lead and inspire on the one hand, and having a lot to learn and therefore being a terrible leader on the other. There is a fertile middle ground where you can indeed step confidently into the role, working with your team, and at the same time be learning.
Being ok with not knowing what you need to know
In many ways, imposter syndrome is a necessary evil. It’s impossible to learn everything you need to know before starting your new role. The key is knowing you’re on a learning curve and being ok with that. This means being open-minded, asking for help and staying humble so you can build on areas where you’ve got gaps. Seek out mentors, trusted colleagues or a coach (yes) who will provide constructive feedback on your performance and support as needed.
Remember that you’re not expected to know everything about your role before starting. The first thing you should do when you start any new role is listen and learn. Remind yourself that you’ve been given the role for a reason. People with influence clearly believe you can do it. What do they see in you? (Don’t know? Try asking!)
Accepting your shortcomings while still maintaining a strong leadership presence and confidence can be difficult. But there’s no better way to learn how to maintain that delicate balance than by simply putting yourself out there in your new role. That doesn’t mean fronting up to a town hall with all your team and telling them you’re terrified and have no idea what you’re doing… But appropriate vulnerability and openness with the right people at the right time begins to build the trust and mutual respect that is so essential for a strong, productive relationship.
Know that everyone feels like an imposter sometimes
If it helps, I’d estimate that close to 100% of people experience self-doubt from time to time. You’re not alone in feeling like you don’t belong or aren’t good enough, and it doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human, especially if you have a new job. It takes time to get up to speed on what is needed from your role.
Notice when that feeling of being an imposter wells up. Allow it to be there, don’t feed or squash it, and it will wash through and subside eventually. Remind yourself that feeling is normal. As time passes, you will learn the ropes and that sense of being an imposter will pop up less frequently…Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back from being yourself; embrace it enough to let it help you drive to improve.
Until next week,
Take care of yourself and others
Madeleine
PS. Want to work with me as you find your feet in a new role? Let me know. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.
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