Over time, many accomplished leaders harbor a shared secret: a persistent sense that they haven't executed their tasks as effectively as they should. There's a prevailing feeling that they could have performed better and are receiving acknowledgment without truly deserving it.

These patterns can chip away at self-confidence and self-esteem, acting as stumbling blocks in both professional and also personal growth.

Feelings that may resonate with many of us, especially those seeking to lead in an uncomplicated manner: Impostor Syndrome.

In this newsletter, I share relatable examples and thought-provoking questions for self-reflection. It's a chance for you to connect with these experiences, possibly recognizing aspects of yourself, and find valuable suggestions to navigate these challenges.

Enjoy the read!

Understanding Impostor Syndrome

Impostor Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon, casts a shadow on the achievements of successful individuals, making them question their worthiness and feel like impostors in their own success.

Interestingly, this syndrome doesn't stem from a lack of skills or talent.

Rather, it often arises when individuals, well-versed in their abilities, face obstacles in execution — be it due to time constraints, feeling overwhelmed, or neglecting prioritized needs.

Identifying the Types

Experts categorize Impostor Syndrome into subgroups, including the Perfectionist, the Overworked Hero/Heroine, and the Lone Ranger. In this newsletter, we'll explore these types, providing relatable examples and self-reflection questions to help you recognize any tendencies you may have.

1. The Perfectionist 👌

Perfectionists set high goals, and when they fall short, self-doubt kicks in.

Success is rarely satisfying as they always believe they could have done better. Learn to celebrate achievements and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.

Not sure if this applies to you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you ever been accused of being a micromanager?

• Do you have great difficulty delegating? Even when you’re able to do so, do you feel frustrated and disappointed in the results?

• Do you feel like your work must be 100% perfect, 100% of the time?

Learn to take your mistakes in stride, viewing them as a natural part of the process. In addition, push yourself to act before you’re ready. Force yourself to start the project you’ve been planning for months. Truth is, there will never be the “perfect time” and your work will never be 100% flawless. The sooner you’re able to accept that, the better off you’ll be.

2. The Overworked Hero/Heroine 🦸‍♂️

Feeling like a fake, these individuals overcompensate by working excessively.

However, this can harm their mental health and relationships. Discover the balance between internal validation and external praise for a healthier work-life approach.

Not sure if this applies to you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you stay later at the office than the rest of your team, even past the point that you’ve completed that day’s necessary work?

• Do you get stressed when you’re not working and find downtime completely wasteful?

• Have you left your hobbies and passions fall by the wayside, sacrificed to work?

As you become more attuned to internal validation and able to nurture your inner confidence that states you’re competent and skilled, you’ll be able to ease off the gas as you gauge how much work is reasonable.

3. The Lone Ranger 🤠

People who avoid seeking help, fearing it reveals their inadequacy, are known as Soloists.

Independence is valuable, but asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Break free from the belief that you must do everything alone.

Not sure if this applies to you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you dislike the idea of having a mentor, because you can handle things on your own

• When you’re faced with a setback, does your confidence tumble because not performing well provokes a feeling of shame?

• Do you often avoid challenges because it’s so uncomfortable to try something you’re not great at?

Accomplishing great things involves lifelong learning and skill-building—for everyone, even the most confident people. Rather than beating yourself up when you don’t reach your impossibly high standards, identify specific, changeable behaviors that you can improve over time.

How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

In a world valuing uncomplicated leadership, it's crucial to recognize and overcome Impostor Syndrome for exponential career growth. Consider these strategies:

• Share Experiences: Break the isolation by sharing personal experiences, fostering a culture of support.

• Mentorship and Networking: Connect with other leaders, seeking mentors for valuable perspectives.

• Focus on Learning: See challenges as learning opportunities, emphasizing continuous development.

• Self-awareness: Understand your skills, strengths, and areas for improvement to build a solid foundation.

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, fostering a positive mindset.

Remember, your leadership journey is unique.

Sharing experiences and supporting one another can make a significant difference. If you have stories or strategies for dealing with Impostor Syndrome, I'd love to hear them.

Wishing you a journey of self-discovery and growth.

🖼️ Image of the Week: The Power of Believing in Yourself

📼 TEDTalks Every leader should watch

Thinking your way out of imposter syndrome

Valerie Young examines what causes imposter syndrome — and shares ways we can reframe our own thoughts to stop thinking like an imposter.

Click here to watch.