How can you overcome imposter syndrome as a new people manager?

When Impostor syndrome hits, you may start having thoughts like “I cannot do this” or “I don’t know where to start”. Begin by isolating the topic or project that is making you doubt: look around at your peers or other teams in your organisation - some of them may be able to help or have faced a similar challenge before. Many companies also offer mentoring or coaching: this is invaluable help!

Hire a coach. No matter what position you have, title you hold, environment you find yourself in, or how accomplished you are - imposter syndrome can rear it's ugly head. That's because this isn't about the environment, or being in a new role. Imposter syndrome boils down to self-worth. Hiring someone who can help you pin point where this lack of self-worth stems from, while also equipping you with the tools to reframe this belief and move forward, will allow you to develop the sense of self-worth that is needed to release the belief that you are an imposter in any environment.

It can often be helpful to try to think of previous similar experiences that you may have successfully navigated. Even if the experience was different, try to find familiar aspects that you can latch onto.

Imposter syndrome often shows up in various ways like doubting oneself, fearing mistakes, or working excessively. It's essential to catch these feelings early on. Think of it like a sneaky little gremlin whispering doubts in your ear. By recognizing these signs, you're essentially saying, "I see you, gremlin," and taking the power back. Remember, these feelings don't define your worth or capability.

Overcoming imposter syndrome as a new people manager can be challenging, but it's definitely possible with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some tips to help you manage and overcome imposter syndrome in your new role: 1. Acknowledge Your feelings 2. Recognize Your Achievements 3. Seek Mentorship 4. Continuous Learning 5. Set Realistic Expectations 6. Celebrate Small Wins 7. Positive Self-Talk 8. Feedback and Improvement 9. Imposter Syndrome Support Groups 10. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion 11. Focus on Your Impact 12. Professional Therapy Remember, it's okay to feel uncertain in a new role, but with time, experience, and support, you can overcome imposter syndrome and thrive as a people manager.

I’ve dealt with imposter syndrome through varying degrees across my 11-year career in sales. What’s helped me combat these negative thoughts and emotions is giving myself credit for the accomplishments that have allowed me to be in a position of influence. A mentor, spouse, or someone who can advocate for you is also essential. They will remind you of the attributes and skill set that you have, which has enabled you to be successful. Finally, don’t fall victim to the comparison game. As the proverb goes, comparison is the thief of joy.

In my experience journaling and listing down your thoughts help us clearly identify dysfunctional thoughts. Once these thoughts are identified very next step is to create a plan around it. Affirmations must be incorporated at the earliest. The repetition of the affirmations has shown significant positive effectiveness.

It is always good to challenge the negative thoughts by reminding ourselves of the achievements and positive aspects we have. The key to build that confidence about ourselves is having a trust on our own abilities. Reading positive feedbacks, reviews and testimonials about ourselves also helps in this process.

Our brains sometimes act like overprotective parents, trying to shield us from potential harm, even if it's just imagined. But we can train our minds. Every time you catch a negative thought, picture yourself in a courtroom presenting evidence of your achievements and capabilities. Over time, you'll build a more positive, realistic self-image.

When doubts creep in, grab a pen and list all the amazing achievements from previous roles and how you overcame challenges: I guarantee you the list will be longer than you think.

Seeking support and feedback from mentors, peers, and colleagues aids in overcoming imposter syndrome. Valuing guidance and constructive criticism fosters growth and self-awareness, paving the way for recognizing strengths and areas for improvement. Well articulated, emphasizing the significance of external perspectives in fostering professional development and self-confidence.

Find an experienced manager in the organisation to be your mentor - they would likely have gone through the same process and would be able to help you with advice on some managerial decisions. Work with the most experienced person in your team and "make them your deputy". Delegate some managerial duties to them (e.g. rally some of the members of your team for some projects etc) and give them more responsibilities.

Ever heard the saying, "It takes a village"? Well, it's true! Getting varied perspectives can be immensely beneficial. This network acts like your cheerleading squad, reminding you of your strengths and helping you work on areas of improvement.

Absolutely, embracing learning and growth nurtures confidence and resilience in your managerial journey. Cultivating a growth mindset and setting SMART goals fosters continuous development through effort and feedback. Well articulated, highlighting the pivotal role of ongoing learning in bolstering competence and self-assurance as a new people manager.

Mistakes and challenges are not roadblocks; they're stepping stones. Adopting a growth mindset is like giving yourself permission to be a work-in-progress. It's like being an artist, chipping away, refining, and constantly evolving.

Be your biggest fan! Celebrate the small wins, and when things go wrong, treat yourself with the kindness you'd offer a dear friend. And always, always remember to count your blessings. It's a game-changer for perspective.

Practicing self-compassion and gratitude fosters resilience and contentment, alleviating stress and enhancing motivation. Embracing kindness amid challenges cultivates a positive outlook, acknowledging the value of opportunities and support. Well articulated, emphasizing the significance of self-appreciation in overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering emotional well-being in your role.

Give yourself the time and space to grow into the role. Reach out to the more senior members of your team (do it 1-1) and ask for their support and understanding as you ramp up - encourage them to take on leadership roles within the team as well, which will go some ways to helping you too.

Sharing experiences and supporting peers cultivates a sense of community and empowerment, dispelling feelings of isolation. Engaging in mentorship or community-building fosters mutual growth and reaffirms your value in making a positive impact. Well articulated, emphasizing the significance of collective support in overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering a sense of purpose in your role.

There's a beautiful cycle of growth that happens when we share our stories. As you open up, not only do you heal and grow, but you also provide a lifeline to someone else struggling with similar feelings.

Understanding that imposter syndrome isn't a permanent state is crucial. It might revisit from time to time, but with the right tools and mindset, you'll be equipped to face it head-on. Remember, everyone, no matter how successful, has had moments of doubt. But it's the resilience, support, and self-awareness that sets the path for growth and success. Consider journaling your feelings; it can be therapeutic and provide insight into patterns. And most importantly, remember you're not alone in this.