5 Tricky Ways Imposter Syndrome Rears It’s Ugly Head in Leadership
Imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of showing up even when we’ve put in the work, earned the role, and proven ourselves time and time again. It signals that we’re not smart enough, experienced enough, or polished enough. It can convinces us that one day, everyone will “find out” we don’t belong (i.e. the dreaded imposter).
I think imposter syndrome doesn’t show up because we’re unqualified, it shows up because we care deeply, we hold ourselves to high standards, and we’re growing into new levels of leadership and impact.
Some of you may be saying, “Look Prudence, I dealt with imposter syndrome a long time ago, and I'm good.” But somehow early in the morning, or late at night you may find yourself feeling stressed or doubtful about the skills you bring. Which brings me to this, here are 5 tricky ways imposter syndrome can rear it’s ugly head:
Jealousy
Oh yes, jealousy, the green eyed monster. This monster has been around for a long time and it doesn’t care who it attacks, including leaders. Jealousy is tricky because we don’t want to admit it because that is a big human flaw. But the only way we fix or improve something is recognizing its there and trying to figure out why. Imposter syndrome is the fraud-like character coming to surface. Jealousy is feeding the fraud making it bigger. Imposter syndrome and jealousy often walk hand in hand. When we doubt our own worth, it’s easier to envy what others have instead of trusting what we bring to the table.
Disorganized
Imposter syndrome can make us feel disorganized because the constant self-doubt scatters our focus, leaving us second-guessing instead of moving with clarity. You can do “enough” work to get through the day, just so that same day will repeat itself tomorrow.
Sadness
You may lose the passion you once had for your career, feeling more and more dread as the days pass by. This feeling can creep in when you are exhausted by your own thoughts or if you don’t feel like you are worthy of any type of praise for a job well done. Sadness can be a slow creep, and can also signal addition concerns such as depression.
Heighten Frustration
When we don’t feel at our best or feel motivated to be productive, frustration can heighten. This frustration can likely be seen by others, but you will continue to deny it’s there. If we don’t feel like we are doing a good enough job, even if its only the imposter syndrome talking, we will become more and more frustrated with ourselves, other people, and with the job tasks.
Isolation
This same frustration can lead to more and more isolation, disconnecting you from the work environment. This isolation will lead you to listen to your own negative thoughts over and over again, likely believing the imposter’s voice.
3 Quick Tips
Skill audit #1: Write down the skills you currently have for your position and just in general. Remember, you have skills that people pay you for and this is not by chance, this is by intention.
Skill audit #2: Write down the skills you want to improve or the skills you need for your position. Continued learning and growth can only help you and improve your thoughts toward yourself. Its ok to say, “You know what, I need to improve in this area.” And you can say that without totally demolishing your own confidence, it will actually strengthen it because you are being honest.
Continue to show up for yourself and your team everyday because with practice you will only continue to improve. If you shrink or isolate, you may be in danger of reinforcing the fraud.
