Have you ever felt like a fraud in your own life? Like at any moment, someone might pull back the curtain and reveal that you're not who you claim to be – especially when it comes to leadership.

You're not alone. This feeling, my friends, is known as "imposter syndrome," and it's more common than you might think. It's like having a persistent, niggling voice in your head that constantly asks, "I don't feel like a leader, so am I even one?"

So you've just been handed a project at work. Instead of feeling empowered, you're inwardly panicking. "Why me? What do they see that I don't?" you wonder. Accompanying these doubts are palpable emotions – anxiety, fear, and a sense of being out of your depth.

The consequences of not confronting these feelings are significant: decreased motivation, stifled potential, and the risk of putting a lid on your own career progression. Addressing these self-doubt gremlins is more than a nice-to-have; it's a must-do for anyone on the path to leading better.

Shattering the Imposter Syndrome Glass Ceiling

When you're dealing with imposter syndrome, it all starts within you.

What you believe about yourself is always the starting point.

Start by acknowledging your value. Remember that you were chosen for your role for a reason. To build confidence:

  1. Remind yourself of your achievements and remind yourself of them regularly.
  2. Seek feedback and mentorship from your superiors – doing so can validate your contributions and help you grow.
  3. Remember, even your supervisors once stood where you are. Express your ideas boldly; for instance, say "In my experience, I've found that..." to assert your own expertise confidently. This doesn't mean you're going to be right, but it does mean you're contributing to the conversation by bringing what you've learned to the table.
Be self-aware enough not to get caught up in trying to prove your worth at every turn. This will take your eyes off doing what's best vs. doing what makes you look good.

One way to do this is to have the humility to say "I don't know".

But don't stop there.

You're there to solve problems.

You're paid to solve problems.

So keep the ball moving.

Suggest a next step.

"I don't know..." followed by "What if..." or "I'll...[look into it]".

A great (and humble) question to ask is "How can I serve you best?" When you do this, you position yourself as a valuable resource to all you ask it to.

Another way to change the unhealthy habit of comparison, which enforces imposter syndrome, is to genuinely acknowledge and celebrate the personal successes of those around you.

The more you celebrate others, the more you're seen as a leader.

For those you manage, feeling like an imposter can make you feel unworthy of their respect. To lead down:

  1. Embrace a growth mindset – let your team see that you value development by saying "Let's learn from this" instead of fixating on mistakes.
  2. Be transparent with your team. Admitting when you don't have all the answers can actually increase their trust in you (see above).
  3. Delegate effectively. Saying "I trust your judgment on this" not only empowers your team but also reinforces your role as a leader.

Stepping Into Your Leadership Shoes

By following these practical steps, you're well on your way to shattering the glass ceiling of imposter syndrome. It's not just about feeling like a leader; it's about acting like one, regardless of the doubts that may linger.

A more beneficial perspective on this topic:

Feeling like an imposter is a sign that you're levelling up.

Imposter syndrome is evidence that you're out of your comfort zone.

And that's a good thing because growth only occurs outside your comfort zone.

So instead of thinking that imposter syndrome is something to avoid, you'd do much better normalising it, as well as the accompanying feelings.

To leave you with a dash of wisdom:

"Believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic." - Brené Brown

Courage is needed to overcome those not-good-enough thoughts. Remember, being a leader isn't about feeling like one all the time; it's about acting like one, regardless of the doubts that may linger.

The good news is as your mindset and perspectives shift, you'll appreciate that those very same thoughts are telling you that you're growing as a person, and as an instant leader.