How Can Coaches Overcome Impostor Syndrome?
Cath Daley ICF MCC Coach, Coach Mentor, Executive Coach
Demystifying the ICF Credential and Mentoring Coaches to Develop Coaching Excellence, Coaching Women Executives and Leaders to move from surviving to flourishing with ease
I find it interesting that for many of the coaches I work with, when they begin mentoring for an ICF Credential, a version of Imposter Syndrome shows up for them.
And it's something that I think many coaches grapple with at some point in their careers. I know I have!
As an ICF Master Certified Coach and someone deeply invested in coaching, I'll be honest- I have faced moments of self-doubt.The constant pressure to excel, coupled with the fear of being exposed as a fraud, can be overwhelming.
But the right sort of mentoring with the right mentor can shift all that.
I believe that mentoring can act as a powerful antidote in a number of different ways.
Mentoring provides a reassuring presence.
Having a mentor can be like having a guiding light in those dark times.
A mentor, ideally someone with more experience and expertise in coaching , provides reassurance, reminding you of your capabilities and accomplishments. They offer a reality check when imposter syndrome distorts your self-perception, helping you to recognize and appreciate your strengths.
Mentoring provides valuable perspective.
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges of coaching, especially if you are running your own business, and we can lose sight of the bigger picture.
An experienced mentor can offer a fresh viewpoint, drawing from their own experiences and insights. They can help you see beyond the immediate challenges, guiding you to understand that imposter syndrome is often a byproduct of a skewed perspective. Through open conversations and sharing their own experience the mentor can bring context, allowing you to see your progress and achievements in a more realistic light.
Mentoring provides effective constructive feedback
Constructive feedback is another way in which mentoring can help in overcoming imposter syndrome.
As a coach you're undoubtedly aware of the transformative power of feedback.
A mentor, with their wealth of experience, can provide constructive feedback that is both insightful and tailored to your specific challenges. This feedback becomes a powerful tool in dismantling imposter syndrome by addressing specific areas of concern and guiding you towards improvement.
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Mentoring acts as a catalyst for growth
A mentor creates a safe space for you to explore and acknowledge that everyone has faced moments of doubt.
The mentor may share their own challenges and how they overcame them and this transparency and openness can help to get rid of the expectation of perfection. It makes imposter syndrome seem like a natural part of the journey rather than a huge obstacle.
Mentoring helps you develop a resilient mindset
As imposter syndrome often stems from a fear of failure or of not being good enough, a mentor can guide you in reframing these perceived setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. This shift in mindset is instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome, allowing you to embrace challenges with confidence and resilience.
Mentoring provides the supportive environment to thrive
Being part of a mentoring programme means you can experience the supportive environment that I believe is necessary to thrive as a coach.
The reassuring presence, valuable perspective, and constructive feedback provided by the mentor not only help you navigate moments of self-doubt but also contribute to your continuous growth as a coach.
In conclusion....
As you continue your journey in coaching, the right sort of mentoring with the right mentor creates a network of reassurance, perspective, and constructive feedback that can be invaluable in helping you to tackle imposter syndrome so that it ceases to be an issue for you.
If you want to find out more about how mentoing can help you grow and develop as a coach let's have a conversation!
Click here to book a call with me.
About the Author
Cath Daley is and ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), Coach Mentor and Executive Coach. With over 22 years experience as a qualified coach she mentors coaches to gain their ICF Credentail as well as coaching Senior Women Leaders and Executives across a wide range of sectors globally.
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4 个月It's reassuring to hear that even experienced coaches like you have encountered Imposter Syndrome. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights. Mentorship truly makes a significant difference in overcoming such challenges. Your article is a valuable resource for coaches navigating through this. Cath Daley ICF MCC Coach, Coach Mentor, Executive Coach
Chief Executive Officer | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
6 个月Thank you for sharing such profound advice, Cath. Even after receiving my ICF certification, there are times when I still grapple with Imposter Syndrome. Starting conversations like this is a good reminder that none of us are alone and that feeling like an imposter doesn't diminish our achievements.
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7 个月Agreed!
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7 个月Mieke Schreuder ter info
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7 个月Imposter Syndrome is a common struggle for many coaches, but mentorship can make a huge difference. Can't wait to read your article