Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Manager

Have you ever heard of imposter syndrome? It’s something that many managers know all too well. It’s the feeling that you are constantly on the brink of being exposed as a fraud and not living up to your role or title. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s talk about why managers suffer from imposter syndrome, and how they can overcome it. 

What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological condition that causes people to feel inadequate despite having achieved success in their careers. This can often lead to feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even depression. While anyone can suffer from imposter syndrome, it is particularly common among managers who may be tasked with taking on more responsibility than ever before in their career.

Why Do Managers Suffer From Imposter Syndrome?
Managers are often thrust into positions of leadership without any prior experience in management or team dynamics. This lack of experience can lead them to doubt their own capabilities and feel like they don't belong in the role they've been given. Additionally, some managers may struggle with the feeling that they got their position through luck rather than merit, leading them to doubt their own abilities even further. All these factors contribute to feelings of impostor syndrome for many managers.

How Can Managers Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
The most important thing for any manager suffering from impostor syndrome is to remember that everyone makes mistakes and nobody has everything figured out 100% of the time—not even experienced leaders! Acknowledging this fact will help you recognize your own strengths and weaknesses so you can focus on improving your skillset rather than worrying about what others might think of you or your performance. Additionally, building strong relationships with your colleagues and asking for feedback regularly can help build confidence in yourself as a leader and allow you to learn from others' experiences. Finally, make sure you take time out for yourself—whether this means going for a walk during lunch or taking regular vacations—to keep stress levels low and ensure that you're in the right frame of mind when tackling new challenges at work.

As a manager, it's important to understand and accept that impostor syndrome is something that you may face at some point in your career. However, by taking the necessary steps to manage it correctly, you can overcome it and become a confident leader capable of guiding your team towards success! If you want to learn more about how to build confidence as a leader, enrol in our 360 leadership confidence course today. It's never too late to start building the confidence you need to lead your team effectively!