Waiting to be caught out?! ??

You’ve achieved significant milestones in your career as a leader and director…….

However….? there’s still that lingering feeling of not being “good enough”.

Those gremlins kicking in ... .that ego that can railroad us!? ??

Telling you that at any moment, someone might expose you as a fraud…….

Knowing that this is holding you back from fully realising your potential.

I remember those feelings when.......?

Each time I got promoted, passed a course, wa awarded with another qualification, was clapped when I was speaking at a conference…..

My 1st thought was…..

‘Phew! I’ve got away with that one!’ ??

I didn’t know then that thought came from my ego, keeping me small, holding me back coming from a fear of rejection…..

I never celebrated each milestone…

Just relief I had got away with it and passed….

Then straight onto the next thing to challenge myself to prove to myself that maybe I was okay??! ??

I even saw my CV with my PhD as a tick box exercise ….

After being told at school I was ‘not intelligent enough to go to university!.

I didn’t know then……

This is Imposter Syndrome……where we allow our pesty ego to ride high.

A challenge that even the most accomplished leader like you can face.?

It can chip away at your confidence, your self-esteem, weaken your influence, and prevent you from leading as effectively as your intuition knows you can.

Not great for a leader who wants to make a difference in the world and who’s strongest values are integrity and authenticity!?

Overcoming this isn’t just about silencing self-doubt…..

?? It’s about embracing your unique leadership style….

?? Owning your achievements…..

?? Stepping up into your role powerfully….. ??

?? Listening to your intuition - the great sat nav always within you…. if you listen to it!?

?? Giving yourself permission to flourish by turning down the noise of that pesky ego!

Here’s how you can lead with more impact:

1. ?? Be aware how your ego shouts out to silence your intuition : Learning to quiet down the noise about ego Causing that destructive judgement, criticism and comparison. Instead listen to our curious, caring and compassionate intuition.
2. ?? Acknowledge Imposter Syndrome: This is merely your ego keeping you safe. Recognise that imposter syndrome is not a personal failing but a common experience, especially among senior leaders. Viewing these feelings as part of professional growth will help reduce their impact on your leadership.
3. ?? Reframe Your Story: The narratives we tell ourselves often shape how we lead. It’s time to rewrite yours. When you reframe your story from one of doubt to one of strength, you step into leadership with renewed confidence.
4. ?? Focus on how far you have come: Reaffirm your expertise by reflecting on challenges you’ve navigated. Focus on your key successes, strengths, and the value you bring to the organisation.?
5. ?? Embrace Vulnerability: Leadership is not about always having the answers; it’s about being real. Embracing vulnerability allows for stronger connections with your team and peers. When you’re open about the challenges you face, you foster trust and model authentic leadership that resonates far beyond authority.
6. ?? Build your Growth Mindset: Shift your focus from perfection to progress. Viewing challenges as opportunities to grow rather than proof of inadequacy will drive both your development and that of your team. A growth mindset fosters innovation, resilience, and an environment where continuous improvement thrives.
7. ??? Leverage Your Network: Surround yourself with trusted colleagues, mentors, and coaches who provide honest feedback and support. Building a strong leadership network will help you stay grounded and focused on your goals when imposter syndrome emerges.
8. ?? Lead with Purpose: Align your leadership with your organisation’s mission and values. Leading with purpose draws attention away from self-doubt and towards the broader impact you want to create. Purposeful leadership naturally inspires others, helping you build influence through alignment with what truly matters.
9. ?? Celebrate Small Wins: Leadership growth isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about steady progress. Celebrate the daily small victories—whether it’s a successful project, positive feedback from your team, or achieving strategic goals. Each win reinforces your capability and builds momentum for further success.
10. ?? Practice Self-Compassion: Leadership is not a straight path, and uncertainty is part of the journey. Be kind to yourself during moments of doubt, recognising that even top executives have their challenges. Self-compassion nurtures resilience, allowing you to approach leadership with empathy for yourself and others.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome doesn’t have to limit your leadership potential. You can transform those doubts into great strengths by acknowledging that your doubts are created by those gremlins/ your ego. Reframing your personal and inner narrative allows you to leading with purpose, curiosity and impact.

Remember, what makes you a great leader is your ability to rise above self-doubt that may crop up when you are feeling challenged.? Both your organisation and your team will thank you for it as lean into your confident resilient leadership.

A favour and a gift!

I’d love your help!???

I’ve been sharing lots of tools and techniques with leaders recently to support them to build high performing teams through owning their confident, resilient leadership.?

I would love you to introduce me to any organisations where leaders could benefit from this kind of support as part of my mission to end workplace toxicity. It could be if you are currently or have previously worked there. I’d be incredibly grateful if you could help make a connection for me - you are the best!!! As a thank you for the introduction I can send you my e-book "Cut out the noise: Getting rid of Imposter Syndrome!" Just send me a DM! ?????? ?

Take care,

Lizzy x

#Leadership #Resilience #ImposterSyndrome #HighPerformanceTeams

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Release Your Potential helps directors and aspiring leaders to top up their resilience to communicate with impact. We empower you to lead confidently, influence powerfully, and create high-performing teams. Let’s talk about how we can support your leadership journey.