Executive Coaching for Imposter Syndrome
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According to the?British Medical Association , imposter syndrome, or imposter phenomenon, is?“a feeling of inadequacy that persists despite evidence of success…”???
Imposter syndrome?is?also defined?as?a behavioural health phenomenon described as?self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals .?
If?you’ve?ever experienced imposter syndrome,?you may know it as that niggling voice in the back of your mind telling you things like:?
Types of Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome?isn't?a one-size-fits-all experience; it manifests in various forms,?each?impacting?our lives differently.??
In our?‘Overcoming Imposter?Syndrome’?workshop in earlier this month, Director of Coaching and Learning Ian White shared that the four different types?of imposter syndrome?are:?
1. Perfectionism:?A leader experiencing perfectionism imposter syndrome may constantly second-guess their decisions, believing nothing they do is good enough for their team or organisation. They might stress over details in their presentations or reports, fearing?any?imperfection will undermine their credibility. Similarly, a leader?working?in people development might excessively critique their training programmes, convinced?they're?not impactful unless flawless.?
2. Mastery:?A leader grappling with mastery imposter syndrome may hesitate to delegate tasks or seek input from their team, fearing it will expose gaps in their knowledge or expertise. They might feel pressure to know everything about their industry or market, even though?it's?unrealistic.??
3. Giftedness:?Leaders experiencing giftedness imposter syndrome feel like they should be more naturally talented, but they don’t?feel as though they are. Instead, they have to?work at it, often not getting it right the first time and needing regular practice. They assume that this comes easily for other people, leading to feelings of imposter syndrome.?
4. Independence:?Leaders experience this type of imposter syndrome when they need to ask for help. Seeking support causes them to feel as though the work isn’t?their own, leaving them feeling as though they are an imposter?because they cannot do it by themselves and must ask for help.?
Who Experiences Imposter Syndrome??
Imposter syndrome impacts?people from all walks of life?–?yes,?even the most seasoned?of?people in C-suite roles or leadership positions.??
Research shows that?in the UK,?75% of female executives experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.?Meanwhile, 45% of British men have experienced imposter syndrome at work.?
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How Can an Executive Coach Help??
Whilst you may not have considered it yet, if imposter syndrome has been impacting?you or your people, working with an executive coach comes highly recommended.?
Many executive coaches, such as those within our team, have a wealth of experience in leadership roles and understand the challenges?that leaders face.??
But?that’s?not all. Having an executive coach and progressing through executive coaching:?
1. Provides Psychological Safety:?Executive coaching offers a safe and non-judgemental space for leaders to explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. In this supportive environment, leaders can openly discuss sensitive issues, address vulnerabilities, and confront fears without fear of repercussion.??
2. Offers a Private and Confidential External Voice:?Leaders often face complex decisions and high-stakes situations where seeking guidance from an impartial external perspective can be invaluable. An executive coach serves as a confidential sounding board, offering insights, perspectives, and constructive feedback tailored to the individual?leader's?needs. This external voice provides clarity, objectivity, and perspective, helping executives?navigate challenges with confidence.?
3. Builds Change Over Time:?Executive coaching is not a quick fix;?it's?a process-oriented approach to personal and professional development. Through regular coaching sessions and ongoing support, leaders can gradually implement sustainable changes in their behaviour, mindset, and leadership approach.?Over time, this leads to lasting transformation and?growth, both personally and professionally.?
4. Allows Vulnerability to Face Barriers and Limiting Beliefs:?Executive coaching encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability as a catalyst for growth.?By acknowledging and confronting barriers, fears, and limiting beliefs,?many people find that they can unlock their full potential and overcome self-imposed limitations.???
5. Creates a Learning Space for Setbacks:?In the fast-paced world of leadership, setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Executive coaching provides a supportive learning environment where leaders can glean valuable lessons from failures, setbacks, and mistakes. By reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, executives develop resilience, adaptability, and a?growth mindset ?that fuels future success.?
6. Brings Challenge with Safety and Support:?Effective executive coaching?strikes a balance between?challenging leaders to stretch beyond their comfort zones and providing unwavering support throughout the process.??
Coaches ask probing questions, challenge assumptions, and encourage self-reflection to stimulate growth and innovation. At the same time, coaches offer unconditional support, encouragement, and empathy, ensuring executives feel empowered to tackle challenges head-on.?
Contact Us Today?
At The Leadership Coaches,?our team of executive coaches ?are on hand to support you and your people in overcoming imposter syndrome.?
Whether you’d?like to discuss your needs or the needs of your people and organisation with us to determine?how coaching can be transformational, contact us today by calling 03450 950 480.
Alternatively, [email protected]?to arrange a no-obligation call with a member of our Senior Leadership Team.?
To read the full version of this blog, visit our website here .