Do you sometimes question your right to be leading operations? You’re not alone. In fact, I know that even though you are the backbone of your organization, it can be easy to feel out of place and question your own value.
In a role like yours, where precision and leadership converge, even executives with lots of years under their belt have self-doubt. It’s easy to forget in the moment, however feeling out of place doesn’t mean that you’re inadequate. It’s a normal part of stepping up and taking on new challenges.
What if you could turn doubt into a driving force?
It’s time to unravel the mystery of imposter syndrome so it’s no longer a burden but a badge of growth.
In this episode, learn what imposter syndrome is, what it isn’t, and how it can become one of the secrets to your success.
Unmasking Imposter Syndrome
We often hear about ‘imposter syndrome’, but what does it mean? It’s more complex than you might think. Imposter syndrome is a pattern of thinking that makes you doubt your achievements and worry you might be exposed as a fraud.
Psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes first identified imposter syndrome back in 1978. It’s about pervasive self-doubt. Moreover, it’s especially common among high-achievers across demographics.
Studies show that up to 70% of people will face imposter syndrome at some point. It is particularly common in academic and professional settings where high expectations are common.
Key traits include constant self-doubt, thinking that your success is luck, fear of being found out, and a habit of setting impossible goals.
It’s important to remember that not every self-doubt is imposter syndrome. It’s more than mere humility, It’s persistent and leads to stress and anxiety. Sometimes, imposter syndrome can push you to succeed, but it’s not a healthy long-term strategy.
Turning Doubts into Dynamic Leadership Tools
Recognizing how doubt affects you is so important, especially when you’re facing high-pressure moments. As a leader, handling stress and high pressure is part of what you’re getting paid for in your role. Here are some things to remember when the going gets tough:
- Self-doubt isn’t a sign of being inadequate. These feelings reflect your commitment, and they’re not the defining moments. You’re in the role you’re in because you’re capable and committed.
- Feeling nervous is normal. It’s the healthy, natural response to challenges. Particularly when you’re walking into tense situations where everyone is under pressure, often with limited resources, and knowing that all eyes are on you, it’s natural to have a heightened sense of awareness and anticipation.
- No one knows your internal thoughts, and they won’t. They see your calm, not your doubts, and they can’t tell how prepared you are. And they’re also not aware of the composure you have to drum up every time you step into a meeting.
- Don’t be too intimidated by other people’s reputations. No matter how many public achievements someone has, every leader experiences moments of doubt and fear. These emotions are universal.
Practical Strategies to Conquer Self-Doubt
To pivot out of self-doubt, consider these practical tips:
- Rituals for Focus: Create pre-meeting rituals, like deep breathing or visualization, to feel calm and ready.
- Preparation as a Pillar: Use your fear to drive preparation. Break tasks into smaller steps to focus in and reduce your anxiety.
- Reframe Your Mindset: Train yourself to see fear and imposter syndrome as growth opportunities. They’re signs that you’re stepping out of comfort zones.
- Strategies to Overcome: Challenge your negative thoughts, don’t assume they’re true. Seek coaching and mentorship, and celebrate your successes.
Your current position proves your skill and dedication. So today I’ll leave you with this homework: Think about one of your recent successes and identify what you contributed without attributing it to luck or what other people did.
Are you feeling the weight of past failures? Episode 31 is your roadmap to getting out from under them. Learn how to harness the power of cognitive tools, like the thought ladder, to shift from self-doubt to feeling empowered. It’s time to change your narrative. It’s called “How Operations Exec Can Overcome Failed Implementations.” Listen in at yourfuturerealized.com/31.
You can’t stop the chaos, but you can change the game.
