Initially, Riley was excited about being chosen by the CEO to lead an important project. Midway through the project, however, Riley was so full of self-doubt that sleep was impossible.
Riley tossed and turned, tormented by nagging thoughts like:
I’m a fraud. I can’t do this.
I don’t know what I’m doing.
Wait till everyone realizes putting me in charge was a mistake.
Riley isn’t alone in feeling “not good enough” and worrying that others will soon figure out they aren’t capable of X, Y or Z — despite having previous success solving challenges or earning recognition for being an effective leader.
Understanding Impostor Syndrome
Struggling with an inner voice that triggers feelings of being unworthy is more than being insecure.
American psychologist Dr. Pauline Clance is credited for identifying this psychological pattern where capable, successful people struggle with self-doubt and worry they don’t have what it takes, or that they’re going to be exposed as frauds. Back in the 1970s, Clance called this Impostor Syndrome.
Why high achievers get Impostor Syndrome
According to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), roughly 70 percent of people experience Impostor Syndrome during their careers, including leaders who are at the top of their professions.
It seems paradoxical that successful, capable leaders feel like impostors. Wouldn’t success give them confidence in their competence?
HBR theorizes that it’s harder for high achievers because the more successful they are, the more pressure they feel to prove they’ve earned it.
Impostor Syndrome is so widespread that Forbes magazine calls it a “silent epidemic” that erodes self-confidence, makes collaboration difficult and negatively affects teamwork and performance.
Impostor Syndrome changes leadership
Unfortunately, leaders who struggle with Impostor Syndrome exhibit behaviours that make leading others extra challenging.
Here are some signs that leaders feel like impostors:
- They avoid feedback and don’t handle criticism well. Why? Because asking employees for feedback could backfire and confirm what their inner voice is telling them.
- They overwork and micromanage employees. This is because they’re trying to compensate for what they perceive to be inadequacies. Their micromanaging gives them a feeling of control.
- They’re not good at delegating. Trying to prove they’re the best, brightest and most capable person makes delegating feel risky.
- They exhibit perfectionist tendencies. While striving for excellence can be motivating, trying to be perfect is demoralizing. Sometimes good enough is a better call.
Negative behaviours such as these can create a toxic ripple effect. Soon, team members will hold back on ideas, become fearful about failure or hesitate to share concerns. This undermines psychological safety, which is vital for building trust and innovation.
The good news is that you don’t need to eliminate self-doubt to lead well. You just need to recognize it—and keep going.
Practical strategies to move through Impostor Syndrome
The goal isn’t to ignore impostor feelings but rather to move through them.
That means you have to recognize the feelings of incompetence, challenge them and lead anyway—because doubt doesn’t disqualify you from leadership.
Here are strategies that help to deal with Impostor Syndrome.
1. Challenge the validity of that inner voice
Use self-reflection to examine the beliefs that are causing you to doubt that you’re capable.
Ask yourself: “What evidence do I have for this belief? What evidence do I have against this belief?”
Reframe what that nagging inner voice is saying: Instead of, “They made a mistake picking me” or “I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time,” tell yourself, “I worked hard and I have X, Y and Z skills.”
Record your reflections: This helps to separate feelings from facts, which can help you to identify patterns over time.
2. Name it and normalize it
Instead of calling yourself a fraud or impostor, name what is happening. It’s helpful to say, “I’m having impostor syndrome thoughts” rather than, “I am an impostor.”
Consider how many folks have these nagging thoughts (including heads of state, famous celebrities and corporate leaders). Struggling with self-doubt doesn’t make you less of a leader. Recognizing these doubtful thoughts and reframing how you view them is an opportunity for growth.
3. Leverage leadership tools
Take assessments to build insight and confidence in your strengths. At Padraig, we use the DiSC® Profile to help leaders understand their communication and leadership styles. We also use EQ-i 2.0® to measure emotional intelligence (which includes self-perception and stress management) and our own, in-house Resilience Assessment which will be launching in autumn 2025. Having data and language to define your strengths helps to combat Impostor Syndrome.
4. Model vulnerability
Leaders don’t have to be perfect. Be open with team members when you’re figuring things out. Encourage questions and normalize “I don’t know, but let’s find out” moments. There is power in finding the courage to make mistakes and learn from them. This builds resilience and trust, which in turn foster psychological safety—all of which improve innovation and success.
5. Ask for feedback because Impostor Syndrome thrives in silence
When you invite your team members and others to share openly (especially about your leadership), you get information that can counter thoughts that you are unworthy and an impostor. In your one-to-one meetings, try asking folks, “What do you appreciate about how I lead?” and “What’s an area where I could grow?”
6. Talk about feelings of Impostor Syndrome with someone you trust
Sharing your impostor thoughts with someone and talking it through can help you move forward. This might be a trusted peer, mentor or a certified executive coach. One-to-one coaching helps you identify and focus on opportunities and challenges and then develop solutions.
Remember that leading through doubt doesn’t make you less of a leader. It makes you a brave leader who will learn and grow.
Coach’s Questions
When was the last time you felt like an impostor? What did you do with those feelings of being a fraud? What can you do the next time you feel doubtful about your ability or whether you’re qualified?
