Monday Musings -- Imposter Inside?

Readers who've engaged with my missives over the past many months are well aware I started working in the private sector for the first time in decades after closing out my 30-year career in Air Force uniform. That lived reality will always be a big part of who I am both personally and professionally.

No one spends the vast majority of their professional life somewhere without being deeply impacted and influenced by those experiences, engagements, and expertise developed along the way. Many of my Air Force, and sister service teammates, following separating or retiring from uniformed service, go directly back into either the Department of Defense as civilians, or join one of the many companies directly supporting our National Defense, like Boeing, Raytheon, or Lockheed Martin.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that! We need and benefit mightily from people choosing to continue that vastly important service, albeit in different roles. That well-conditioned experience and expertise carries considerable weight and worth in advancing our national defense. I considered doing the same, and there are several specific things I would love to tackle inside the Department of the Air Force. Those options and opportunities would have required me staying in Washington DC, which was not good for my family or me for the foreseeable near- or mid-term horizon.

My current roles in the private sector were fully fascinating to me when exploring and evaluating openings there. I wanted to join those teams when thinking about my professional chapter two. My current team is filled with amazing and accomplished professionals. It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. Here, those comparisons aren't competitive or caustic, rather contemplative about what talents I bring to the fold in comparison.

Frankly, I do sometimes think my capabilities and competencies pale when it comes to most, if not all of those teammates. I know I learn something in every single engagement with them. I have noted a ton of tips and tools on how to approach the service and support we deliver for, and to, our clients. My learning curve remains sharp and steep, at least in this current, still continuing transitory phase.

Good notes from Alisa following to help anyone with a bit of "imposter syndrome" to address those feelings, because they are most likely just that, more feelings than facts. We are all hired for good reasons!

Resisting Imposter Syndrome When You Weren’t the First Choice by Alisa Cohn

It’s not uncommon to experience imposter syndrome in a new job. When you know you weren’t the first choice for the role, your feelings of self-doubt may be amplified. Here’s how to rebuild your confidence.

Start by clarifying the gaps with your manager. Have a candid conversation about what was missing that didn’t make you the obvious first choice. Project humility, curiosity, and confidence. You can open by saying something like, “I’d love to know what you perceive as my gaps and what I can do to fill them.”

Use what you learn immediately. Some of the feedback may be difficult to hear, but it will be invaluable as you set out to prove yourself in the new role. Set targets and goals with your manager and create a game plan to ensure you hit them.

Promote yourself with your new peers. Set up informal, one-on-one meetings with these leaders as soon as possible. Your goal is to introduce yourself—or reintroduce yourself—in the context of the new role.