Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Leadership

Are You Feeling Like You Don’t Deserve Your Success?

Have you ever paused to wonder if you truly belong in your position? Maybe you’ve taken on new responsibilities, moved up the ladder, or entered a field that sometimes feels overwhelming. Do you sometimes catch yourself thinking, "Was this just luck? What if they realize I'm not as capable as they think I am?" These are the kinds of thoughts that can sneak up on even the most successful among us.

Have you ever hesitated to take credit for your accomplishments, brushing them off as no big deal? Do you feel like you’re just one mistake away from everyone, realizing you don’t have it all together? If you’ve ever found yourself in these thought patterns, it might be worth considering whether what you're experiencing is imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is not about being a fraud, but rather, it’s about feeling like one despite all evidence to the contrary. It’s that internal struggle where, despite your achievements, you just can’t shake the feeling that you don’t truly deserve your success. The pressure to maintain this perceived image of competence, combined with the fear that you’ll somehow be "found out," can be exhausting.

But here’s the truth: feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re inadequate. It means you’re human. Many people—leaders, innovators, and creatives alike—experience these feelings, and the fact that you’re questioning yourself might actually be a sign that you care deeply about doing a good job. You’re not alone in this; more importantly, there are ways to move past these thoughts.

Questions to Help You Identify Imposter Syndrome:

• Do you often attribute your successes to luck or external factors rather than your skills and effort?

• Are you hesitant to ask for help because you fear it might expose your "lack" of knowledge?

• Do you find yourself over-preparing or working extra hard to make sure no one discovers your "shortcomings"?

• Do you tend to brush off positive feedback, thinking people are just being nice or don’t really know the "real" you?

• Are you constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling short, even when there’s no basis for the comparison?

If these questions resonate with you, you’re likely dealing with imposter syndrome. And that’s okay. The good news is that acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it. Let’s explore some strategies to help you believe in your worth and owning your achievements.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Saboteur

Imposter syndrome, first identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, is the internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It’s that persistent fear that you’ve somehow tricked people into thinking you're more capable than you actually are, and that at any moment, your inadequacies will be revealed.

This syndrome doesn’t discriminate—it affects leaders across all industries, particularly those who have ascended

quickly or are navigating new and uncharted roles. According to a systematic review published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, imposter syndrome is especially prevalent among high-achieving individuals, including women and minority groups who often face additional societal pressures that exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.

The impact of imposter syndrome can be particularly acute for small business owners and leaders of teams with 10-15 members. The constant pressure to prove yourself can lead to decision-making paralysis, micromanagement, and, ultimately, burnout. However, understanding what imposter syndrome is and how it manifests is the first step towards overcoming it.

Common Setbacks in Leadership Due to Imposter Syndrome

Let’s talk about the real impact of imposter syndrome in the workplace, particularly for those of us leading small teams.

1. Decision-Making Paralysis: When you’re constantly questioning your own judgment, making decisions—especially big ones—can feel paralyzing. You may find yourself overanalyzing every choice, fearing that a wrong move will expose your incompetence. This can lead to hesitation, missed opportunities, and a slowdown in your business’s growth.

2. Micromanagement: Leaders with imposter syndrome often struggle with delegation. You might feel that if you don’t handle everything yourself, it will all fall apart. This can lead to micromanagement, which not only drains your energy but also erodes trust within your team. Your employees may start to feel undervalued or disengaged, which can further diminish your effectiveness as a leader.

3. Burnout: The relentless need to prove yourself can push you to work longer hours and take on more than you can handle. Over time, this leads to burnout—a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can have serious repercussions for both you and your business.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Practical Steps for Leaders

Imposter syndrome is not a life sentence. There are practical steps you can take to overcome these feelings and become the confident leader your team needs. Here’s how:

1. Recognize and Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognize when you're experiencing these feelings. It’s crucial to acknowledge that these thoughts are common and do not reflect your true abilities. Understanding that imposter syndrome is a shared experience among many successful leaders can help you begin to separate your feelings from reality.

2. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Challenge the negative thoughts that contribute to imposter syndrome. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I'm not qualified for this role," reframe it to, "I was chosen for this role because I have the necessary skills and experience." Positive self-talk can help shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-confidence.

3. Focus on Your Accomplishments

Keep a record of your achievements and successes, no matter how small. Reflecting on these accomplishments regularly can remind you of your capabilities and the value you bring to your role. This practice can reinforce your self-worth and counteract feelings of inadequacy.

4. Seek Support and Mentorship

Connect with mentors or peers who can provide guidance, reassurance, and perspective. Sharing your experiences with trusted colleagues can help you realize that you are not alone in feeling this way. Mentors can also offer practical advice on how to navigate challenges and build confidence in your leadership abilities.

As Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, once said, "The most important career decision you'll make is who your mentor is." Don’t underestimate the power of a strong support system.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that may set you up for failure. Instead, set achievable, realistic goals that allow you to experience progress and success. Celebrating small wins along the way can help build your confidence and reduce the pressure of needing to be perfect.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes or face setbacks. Instead of being overly critical, treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in a similar situation. Remember, no one is perfect, and mistakes are opportunities for growth.

7. Create a Positive Work Environment

As a leader, you have the power to influence the culture of your team. Encourage open communication, recognize and celebrate achievements, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. A positive work culture can reduce the prevalence of imposter syndrome among your team members—and yourself.

Practical Application for Small Teams

Now, let’s bring this home to your small team. How can you apply these strategies when you’re leading a team of 10-15 members?

• Promote Open Communication: Make it clear that your team members can talk to you about their challenges without fear of judgment. This transparency can help build trust and make it easier for everyone to admit when they need help or feel out of their depth.

• Encourage Professional Development: Provide resources and opportunities for continuous learning to build confidence and competence among your team. When your team members feel empowered and supported, it reflects positively on you as a leader.

• Acknowledge Achievements: Regularly recognize and celebrate individual and team accomplishments. Whether it’s a simple “thank you” or a more formal recognition program, showing appreciation can boost morale and reduce feelings of inadequacy.

Moving Beyond Imposter Syndrome: Your Path to Confident Leadership

Have you ever paused in the middle of a busy day, wondering if you truly deserve the success you’ve achieved? Maybe you’ve asked yourself, "What if they find out I’m not as capable as they think?" or "Was that last success just a fluke?" If you’ve ever had these thoughts, you’re not alone. These feelings are more common than you might think, especially

among high achievers and leaders. The good news? These thoughts don’t have to define your journey.

Identifying the Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is that nagging voice inside that makes you question your own success and abilities. It’s not about being a fraud—it’s about feeling like one despite all evidence to the contrary. If you’ve ever dismissed your achievements as luck, hesitated to ask for help because you feared being exposed, or brushed off compliments because you felt undeserving, these might be signs of imposter syndrome.

So, why does this matter? Because imposter syndrome can hold you back from truly embracing your role as a leader. It can lead to over-preparing, burnout, and even avoidance of new challenges. But recognizing these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them.

Reframing Your Thoughts

The next step is to start reframing those negative thoughts. Instead of thinking, "I’m not qualified," remind yourself that you were chosen for this role because you have the necessary skills and experience. Remember that nobody knows everything, and part of being a strong leader is being willing to learn and grow.

Building a Support System

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Connecting with mentors or peers who have been through similar experiences can provide invaluable support. Sometimes, just talking through your thoughts with someone who understands can help you see your situation more clearly. As Sheryl Sandberg once said, "The most important career decision you’ll make is who your mentor is." Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you struggle to believe in yourself.

Creating a Positive Work Environment

As a leader, you have the power to shape the culture of your team. By fostering open communication, celebrating achievements, and encouraging continuous learning, you can create a work environment where both you and your team can thrive. This not only helps you manage your own imposter syndrome but also prevents it from spreading within your team.

Join the Conversation

If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to dive deeper into this topic with me. On September 2nd, I’m releasing a podcast episode dedicated to overcoming imposter syndrome. We’ll explore practical strategies, share personal stories, and offer insights to help you build the confidence you need to lead effectively.

Connect with Me for Further Support

Ready to take the next step? If you’re looking for personalized guidance, I offer one-on-one coaching and mentoring

sessions, both on-site and virtually. For a limited time, if you mention "free training," you can get three mentoring sessions for just $999—a valuable opportunity to work together on turning imposter syndrome into a driving force for success.

You can learn more and connect with me at www.sarahbethherman.com or schedule a call at dentistrysupport.com/schedule. Together, we can work to build the leadership skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Remember: Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity, growth, and learning to trust in your own abilities. Let’s embark on this journey together and turn those doubts into strengths.

References:

• Journal of General Internal Medicine on Imposter Syndrome​

• Frontiers in Psychology on Contextualizing Imposter Syndrome

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Disclaimer:

To learn more about Sarah Beth Herman, the author of all free training content you can read her bio here. These materials are intended to provide helpful information to dentists and dental team members. They are in no way a substitute for actual professional advice based on your unique facts and circumstances. This content is not intended or offered, nor should it be taken, as legal or other professional advice. You should always consult with your own professional advisors (e.g. attorney, accountant, or insurance carrier). To the extent, Dentistry Support ®has included links to any third-party website (s), Dentistry Support ® intends no endorsement of their content and implies no affiliation with the organizations that provide their content. Further, Dentistry Support ® makes no representations or warranties about the information provided on those sites. You can view our privacy policy and terms and conditions by clicking those pages in the footer of our website.