Boosting Confidence: How Tabletop Role Playing Games Help Managers Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Using Role Playing Games to Boost Self-Confidence and Reduce Self-Doubt in High-Stakes Roles

After coaching many project and product managers and entrepreneurs, I've noticed that imposter syndrome is a common issue among my clients. To address this, I have used mini-RPGs (role-playing games) in sessions and observed significant boosts in confidence. Currently, I'm developing an RPG that emphasizes project management and product management skills in real-world scenarios.

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What is Imposter Syndrome and How Does it Affect Project and Product Managers?

Imposter syndrome, a hidden but common challenge, affects professionals across various fields. It involves persistent feelings of inadequacy and fear of being seen as a "fraud," leading even high achievers to doubt their skills and success. Due to the unique demands of their roles, this is especially common among project and product managers.

Project managers often handle multiple responsibilities, tight deadlines, and team dynamics, which can lead to imposter syndrome as they manage complex projects and make significant decisions. The requirement for organization, along with frequent adjustments and resource allocation decisions, can cause project managers to question their capabilities, particularly when there is pressure to deliver.

Product managers often face imposter syndrome due to their accountability for product outcomes, stakeholder alignment, and customer needs. Managing strategic planning, feedback, and launches may make them vulnerable to judgment and criticism, increasing self-doubt.

How can project and product managers tackle imposter syndrome? One effective method is using tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). These games simulate real-world challenges, allowing professionals to address self-doubt in a safe and structured setting.

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Using Role-Playing Games to Combat Imposter Syndrome: A Unique Approach

Tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons blend collaborative storytelling with strategic gameplay. Players adopt fictional roles, face challenges, make decisions, and interact with others. As a therapeutic tool, RPGs help build confidence, improve decision-making, and overcome self-limiting beliefs in a low-pressure setting. When focused on real-world challenges, RPGs offer product and project managers the chance to develop skills, tackle uncertainties, and test their abilities without real-world risks. Here’s how it works.

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Character Creation: Exploring Strengths and Confronting Doubts

Character creation is key in therapeutic RPGs for managers. Players craft characters reflecting their real-life strengths and insecurities. For instance, a project manager might choose "Organizational Vision" as a strength but "Risk Aversion" as a weakness. This setup allows safe exploration of personal doubts and different problem-solving methods.

Players can practice assertive communication or quick decision-making by controlling a character with similar challenges. Success in the game provides a new perspective on their abilities, potentially helping to reframe self-perception and reduce feelings of imposter syndrome in daily roles.

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Scenario-Based Learning: Addressing Realistic Challenges within a Fictional Framework

After creating characters, players tackle scenarios that mimic challenges that project and product managers commonly face, such as stakeholder alignment, resource prioritization, and adapting to market feedback.

A product manager might role-play “Last-Minute Market Shift,” reassessing the roadmap with new customer insights. This game allows players to try different strategies, understand outcomes, and learn without real-world pressures. As players tackle these challenges, they hone skills and build confidence for professional scenarios. This practice demonstrates how their decisions lead to success, reinforcing their abilities.

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Feedback and Rewards: Building Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement

Constructive feedback helps combat imposter syndrome and therapeutic RPGs incorporate this through feedback and rewards that highlight players' strengths. Players earn "confidence tokens" for making good decisions, working together, and overcoming self-doubt. Progressing in the game mirrors real-life improvement, fostering a positive self-image.

Peer feedback is crucial. After each scenario, players reflect on each other’s achievements, reinforcing contributions and success. This collaborative feedback fosters support and reduces feelings of isolation linked to imposter syndrome.

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Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: Learning from the Journey

Reflective components are vital for the lasting impact of therapeutic RPGs. After each session, players engage in structured reflection to assess their decisions, strengths, and areas for improvement. Questions like “What worked well?” or “What did I learn about my abilities?” help players understand their growth.

This practice builds self-awareness and offers players insights into their professional lives. Viewing their character's growth as a reflection of their skills helps them internalize improvements and face real-world challenges confidently.

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The Benefits of Therapeutic RPGs for Combating Imposter Syndrome

Therapeutic RPGs provide a structured, flexible method for product and project managers to overcome imposter syndrome. Players build confidence and develop new skills by engaging in character-based play, realistic scenarios, feedback, and self-reflection.

1. Practice without Pressure: RPGs allow players to take risks without real-world consequences, building resilience and reducing the fear of failure associated with imposter syndrome.

2. Reinforced Growth through Positive Feedback: Earning points, unlocking abilities, and receiving peer feedback help players recognize their strengths, replacing self-doubt with accomplishment.

3. Teamwork and Support: RPGs promote collaboration, creating a supportive space where players feel validated and empowered. Through joint challenges, players understand shared success and reduce isolation.

4. Structured Reflection: Reflection sessions help players link their in-game progress to real-life situations, highlighting their potential in the workplace.

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For product and project managers dealing with imposter syndrome, tabletop role-playing games provide a unique way to build confidence and explore strengths in a safe setting. These games combine storytelling with practical learning and positive reinforcement. RPGs are becoming valuable tools in therapy, helping individuals overcome self-doubt and realize their potential. By adopting fictional roles and facing challenges, project and product managers can build confidence, resilience, and self-assurance both in the game and in their real-world roles.