10 Experts Share Their #1 Tip For Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Deboshree Dutta
Product Executive, Entrepreneur (Y Combinator), Board Advisor, Keynote Speaker
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, despite evidence of one's competence and accomplishments. It's a phenomenon that affects people from all walks of life, from students to executives, and can have a significant impact on one's career and personal life.
While imposter syndrome can be daunting, it's important to remember that it's a common experience and that there are ways to overcome it.
We asked 10 Criya Experts for their no. 1 tip for effectively managing and overcoming self-doubt as a leader ↓
Embrace Self-Reflection
Embrace self-reflection and cultivate self-awareness by regularly assessing your strengths and areas for improvement. You don't need to have all the answers immediately for your team, and if you remain transparent, honest, and collaborative, you'll build the confidence needed to overcome the self-doubt/imposter syndrome that comes with being a new leader.
Mindfulness is Key
Mindfulness is one of the most important tools for tone-growth that you need to use. You need to be suitable to understand easily what’s causing your tone- mistrustfulness. What actually triggers your dubieties? Once you have figured out what's making you misdoubt your own capacities and capabilities, it'll be much easier to address them.
360 Degree Feedback
I find seeking 360 degree feedback from my team, trusted peers and leaders allow me to learn and make adjustments as a leader. Accept that none of us are perfect as a leader, but staying open, humble and having a growth mindset will move you in the right direction.
Self-Compassion & Empathy
The key is recognizing that you, as a person, deserve as much empathy and self-compassion you would offer to a friend or colleague in need. Once you start practicing self-compassion, and acknowledge and accept that your failures will be part of your learning experience, your confidence levels will rise.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Challenge negative thoughts: When you have self-doubt, challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your abilities. Are they founded on facts or suppositions? Examining your thoughts in this manner can assist you in challenging them and minimizing their impact on your leadership.
Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
The good news is self-doubt is a sign of success waiting to happen. Embrace it and trust that you will take on your next challenge and come out on the other side, accomplishing something new and being a better version of yourself. Recall and relive your past moments of accomplishments to fuel your motivation and stay comfortably uncomfortable because what got you here is not going to get you where you want to be.
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The Kudos Folder
I have what I call a "kudos" folder where I keep adding things that someone has shared with me about my good work or impact. It could be pictures, slack messages, emails anything your team, boss, CEO has shared (Collect this over time across work). Whenever I have self doubt, I go read from it and gives me the motivation to tackle whats ahead
Observe Other Leaders
Observe other leaders! Most causes of our self-doubt are a result of impractical expectations ambitious folks create for themselves. A simple reality check can flip the script. I have seen the most effective leaders ask basic questions, only to realize we didn't spend enough time on the basics. Self-doubt comes as a consequence of inaction. We need to outwork our self-doubts sometimes.
Daily Positive Affirmations
I strive to create a habit of setting aside time for positive affirmations daily. Whenever I sense a hint of self-doubt creeping in, I remind myself of my past accomplishments, such as my journey as an immigrant who arrived with just a bag, and the effort I put in to secure my first job without any handouts. In addition, I intentionally surround myself with individuals who exude positivity and offer motivation to push myself to grow. Taking breaks to recharge and care for myself is also crucial, and during these intervals, I focus on gaining knowledge and skills as they are invaluable and can never be taken away from me.
Failure is Part of the Process
As a product management leader with decade long experience, my advice for managing and overcoming self-doubt is to: 1. Use self-doubt as a tool for reflection and improvement 2. Build a support network for feedback and guidance 3. Stay focused on the end goal and take action, even if it means making mistakes. Remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process.
Request an Invite to CriyaCon'23
Want to learn more about establishing yourself as an expert and building your thought leadership brand?
Request an invite to CriyaCon'23, an exclusive invite-only event in the heart of San Francisco that brings together some of the most influential product & technology leaders to shape the future of work.
The conference will cover 3 primary tracks on the Main Stage: Thought Leadership & Personal Branding, Product & Technology trends, and Leadership & Coaching.
It's an excellent opportunity to get inspired, take chances on your leadership goals, and take a bold step in influencing organization-wide changes while doubling down on your brand. CriyaCon'23 is invite-only with limited spots.
Product Manager| Product Management, Strategy, Fintech & Marketing|
1 年Great insights Deboshree Dutta
Product Leader @Microsoft | Ex Amazon| Speaker| Women in AI| Product Management Coach
1 年Great insights Deboshree!
Product @Microsoft | Co-Founder @UnSQL AI | Author @RusticFlute
1 年Amazing insights Deboshree!
Helping L6+ Leaders Land in top Tech companies, Lead with Impact, and Thrive with Ease || Leadership Coach || Retired PM Director || Nearly 20 years of exp in Tech and Product || x Roku PM Director, Meta PM Manager
1 年Completely agree with all the advice! Love the perfect timing, and adding to Gaurav’s point on challenging negative thoughts, I just published my free workbook on Criya to work through and frame negative thoughts from imposter syndrome: https://www.criya.site/p/5e37496e-8aba-4129-94d1-2c0f66259bdb As someone who has has been working on managing imposter syndrome for decades, I understand that mindset is the first step to self-growth. My intention in sharing these prompts and this workbook is to empower Product Managers and anyone who wants to overcome the negative emotions associated with imposter syndrome or any other challenge hindering their personal growth.