The pressure for managers to showcase their problem-solving skills is ever-present in almost every organisation. As individuals ascend to managerial roles, they are thrust into the realm of responsibilities involving team management, supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
However, this significant leap often sparks doubts about their capabilities, giving rise to a phenomenon known as imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome, a pervasive mental challenge, manifests when individuals question their achievements, attributing them to luck. It breeds an incessant fear of exposure as frauds, undermining self confidence and hindering personal and organisational growth. Studies indicate that up to 70% of people, including CEOs and top executives, grapple with imposter syndrome at some point.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome
The negative impact of imposter syndrome extends beyond individuals, affecting organisational productivity. This mental struggle correlates with various detrimental outcomes:
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty in decision-making
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Emotional instability
• Anxiety
• Procrastination
Root Causes of Managerial Imposter Syndrome
Unhealthy Comparison: Constantly measuring oneself against colleagues leads to decreased work completion and organisational goal achievement. Unhealthy comparisons foster self-criticism, contributing to fear, procrastination, and low productivity.
Perfectionism Syndrome: While perfectionism can drive success, it also fuels anxiety, insomnia, and burnout. Managers fearing mistakes find decision-making challenging, impeding goal actualisation.
The Need for External Validation: Seeking approval from top management contributes to perfectionism and increased anxiety.
Managers may resort to acting confidently even when uncertain, jeopardising productivity.
Unhealthy Work Environment: Environments prioritising performance over growth fuel imposter syndrome. The pressure to overcompensate leads to low performance and morale.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Practical Strategies Get Hold of Your Thoughts: Recognise and challenge negative thoughts that stem from past failures. Understand their irrational nature and disconnect them from your qualifications and capabilities.
Own Your Achievements: Combat imposter syndrome by acknowledging and celebrating your achievements. Recognise that hard work, not just luck, contributes to your success.
Discard the Thought of Perfection: Cultivate a growth mindset over perfectionism. Embrace vulnerabilities, seek improvement, and understand that today’s perfection is tomorrow’s flaw.
Redefine Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Reframe failures and mistakes as valuable learning experiences. Acknowledge that success often emerges from daring to step out of your comfort zone.
Set Realistic Goals: Avoid undue pressure by setting realistic goals. Praising yourself for accomplishing milestones enhances self-esteem and confidence.
Avoid Self-Criticism: Mitigate the negative impact of self criticism by understanding its correlation with mental health concerns. Recognise failures and mistakes as part of life’s journey.
Seek out Help: Engage with a coach or mentor to break limiting beliefs and gain insights. Coaches provide assistance in overcoming self-imposed limitations, while mentors offer valuable advice based on shared experiences.
Embracing Confidence for Managerial Success
Overcoming imposter syndrome is crucial for managers as it directly influences personal and organisational growth. Seeking help when needed and adopting strategies to challenge negative thoughts are essential steps toward building confidence and fostering a positive work environment. As managers confidently navigate their roles, they contribute not only to their success but also to the overall productivity and success of the organisation.