By Sarah Lynas, Human design coach, retreat host & facilitator, Sarah Lynas Coaching.
Imposter syndrome is something I know a lot about. It’s followed me in my career for many
years. And not only followed, but often been one step ahead, blocking me from taking the next
step, holding me back on my quest for a leadership role. I could almost see it, but it’s subtle and sneaky, and difficult to own up to.
I say ‘own up to’ because it’s a bit shadowy isn’t it? Surely I’m the only one who’s ever felt like
this? Yet, as I began to tentatively share how I felt, I quickly discovered that it definitely wasn’t
just me. And I know it’s not just you either. In fact, over 70% of us have experienced imposter syndrome in our lives.
Once a fortnight I get to host peer coaching for charity leaders; we spend time in a circle sharing
challenges and supporting each other towards solutions & forward motion. They all look confident, competent and like they’ve totally got it together. I wonder if I’m experienced enough to hold this group of strong leaders. When will they catch me out? Oh, the irony.
I ask them why they’re here, what they need from the group. They’ve each arrived thinking
they’re the only one feeling it, so they’re surprised and reassured to hear each others’
imposter-y thoughts:
“I’m a new CEO and I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time, I’m just waiting to be
caught out”
“I’ve just been promoted but I’m a young female and the other leaders aren’t like me, it’s
knocked my self-belief, do I really belong here?”
“I only got the job because there was no one else”
The sharing brings them closer, and as the weeks go on, we experience the depth, the wisdom,
the sheer competence of each member of the group. How can they possibly feel like an
imposter? Because from the outside imposter syndrome can look like confidence. But it’s very
different on the inside.
Why does imposter syndrome show up?
As humans, our brains are wired to be alert to new things in order to keep us safe from anything
that could pose a threat; it’s a survival mechanism. We’re no longer worried about being eaten by bears, but in today’s world the perceived threats can show up as new job roles, new environments, or maybe new people or groups. And the biggest threat of all: not belonging.
For some people these situations may feel exciting, they might relish the challenge! And for others the same situations can raise feelings of discomfort, anxiety, uncertainty, and the deep fear that they’re just not ready and they’ll be caught out. Unable to relax, they might stay in this limbo for months or years, just waiting for someone to realise they are actually an imposter.
The difference is often found in our lived experience. How we’ve been spoken to over the years,
and how we speak to ourselves now. Our beliefs about ourselves and the world. Our levels of
self-trust, self-belief, self-worth.
The stereotypes might have us believe that imposter syndrome is mostly for women, or young
people just starting out in their career, but in reality it can show up in anyone, regardless of age,
experience, race or gender. The chances are most people you know have felt it at some point in
their lives.
So, what is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the feeling that is often found in new situations, especially those where
you’re asked to step up in some way, maybe that promotion into leadership, joining a new
network of peers or managing a team for the first time. It’s the feeling of not being good enough, of not deserving your achievements, perhaps passing them off as less, as ‘nothing’, perhaps crediting a promotion to luck, or ‘just being in the right place at the right time’.
It’s the fear that you’ll be caught out. That you’re not as bright or capable as your line manager
or your staff think you are. That you need to over-achieve in order to meet the standard. And it’s a feeling that you don’t quite belong, that you’re not quite safe. What it isn’t, however, is an official diagnosis or a label you need to hold on to, if you’re ready to let it go.
What can we do about imposter syndrome?
- Shine the light on it: admit to it, talk about it, share with your team – you won’t be the only one and
your conversations will help others and you too. - Recognise the gift in it: it shows how much you care about the people you’re leading and the role you’re
doing – you’re actually more likely to do a great job than someone more
confident, even if you can’t yet see it. - Let it go, gently: instead of telling yourself you “have imposter syndrome” try changing the
message “oh, I noticed a little bit of imposter just then” so you can leave it in the
moment and move forward.
