Banish negative thoughts and become the leader your team deserves

Words by Joanna Howes

Imposter Syndrome is extremely common for many of the leaders I work with and this is especially true for the female leaders.

So, why do so many leaders suffer with it?

I think there are three main driving forces behind imposter syndrome including the fear of not being good enough, the fear of not belonging and the fear of not being worthy.

Some leaders will experience these all at the same time, while others will only experience one.

Fear is the basis of imposter syndrome and each of these three fears lead toward feelings of being overwhelmed, inadequacy and being found out.

Are you good enough?

The fear of not being good enough is the fear I come across the most in my work and I also have experienced this one myself.

This fear is fuelled by comparing ourselves to others. From a very young age we get compared to others. These comparisons can stick and are taken into adulthood when you then compare yourself to your friends and peers and tend to go ‘they are better than me’.

Yes! And you can prove it!

Getting over this fear is simple, start by looking at the evidence that shows how you have achieved your role.

The great feedback you have received. How your team has worked for you for years and are loyal to you and follow you. Look for evidence that supports your greatness and not where you believe you are flawed.

Focus on your achievements and you will then learn to back yourself and trust you are good enough.

I like to start my day with affirmation telling myself that I am enough and this has really helped me and many of the women I work with. Try it yourself, look in the mirror and really see you and tell yourself how great you are.

Do you belong?

The fear of not belonging is a common feeling too, we all want to belong, to be liked.

When being overtaken with imposter syndrome it can make you feel that you don’t fit. That it’s been luck that has got you to this position and soon everyone will realise you don’t deserve that seat at the table - you don’t belong.

This feeling is very isolating and can cause you to hide and not ask for help, as you do not want to be found out.

You keep your head down, keep busy and hope that being busy will be enough to keep you in the team.

Of course you do!

To overcome this fear requires some inner work. You first need to connect with yourself and feel you belong to you. To know who you really are.

Reflect to discover where this fear first started and then access your courage. Be vulnerable and speak up, stand up for what you believe in, become the leader you know you can be.

The best way to start this is to ask yourself ‘what is the worst that can happen?’ and then ask if you could handle that.

Nine times out of 10 the answer will be you can. Step into your courageous zone and you will soon see your results change and the fear fade into the background.