When I was growing up, this didn’t exist. It was simply called, “lacking confidence”. Doubting yourself.
Now, it’s a syndrome. Because everyone needs a syndrome, right? Or might that merely be an excuse to garner attention, or demand special treatment? Let’s save that little hot potato for another post.
Either way, if you’re affected by this – and typically for managers, it will be when you are younger and/or having to manage staff who are notably older than you – it’s something that people are selling books and courses on how to fix.
Please … save your money.
For 90% of managers suffering from this ‘affliction’, a simple solution will suffice. One I will share with you for free, no less.
During your leadership career, you will have plenty of moments when self-doubt, lack of confidence, or (now) imposter syndrome hits. It’s called life. It’s called developing, growing. Nobody starts a new job – and certainly, not your first manager role – and thinks, “I’ve got this in the bag.” I certainly didn’t. Those people peddling imposter syndrome are trying to convince you that something is wrong with you. It’s how they then sell you their pricey fix-it potion.
“I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t deserve this job. I’m a fraud. A phoney.” It’s okay; that’s you, wanting to be a good manager. That’s you, being human.
The solution, then? Here it is, with minimal (okay, zero) sugar-coating:
👉 Get out of your head and get on with the job.
That’s it? Absolutely.
It’s not easy; I’m not saying that. It takes time. Effort. It involves learning. Which often means failing. Try something; fail. Try again; fail. Try again; succeed. But it’s the actual “doing”, that’s the key. Because doing leads to achieving, to getting results. Doing creates the (work) scars that add character, knowledge, and experience. And experience is what builds confidence. Cheerio, feeling like an imposter.
More (should you need it?): remember you got this role because someone (likely, your boss) believes in you. Because you displayed the skills, traits, work ethic, and potential, to do the job well. Sure, you will make mistakes. Everyone does. I still do, some 40+ years later at work. This is about trying to get better, the next time you do something. Is there anybody on this entire planet who nails it every time? Even the elite athletes at the current Paris Olympics – the very best in the world, no less – question their ability. Are those that don’t win gold, losers? Those who finish last, have still beaten billions of other people just to qualify for Paris. As you were chosen over other candidates, to get the manager role in the first place.
In this age of the faux-offended, where many are looking for excuses, it’s nice to simply be an ordinary, unique-but-not-overly-special person. One of the many. There’s nothing wrong with you. No special syndrome required.
The next time those doubts go through your head, remember this post. And go be a manager.
The rest will take care of itself.
