Are you a senior generalist acting like a junior?

I’ve just come back from my final summer holiday and I have to tell you, it was so nice to walk away from the computer for a while. My mobile phone screentime went down by 68%! You never realize how much you need a holiday until you fully accept that you are on one. No distractions or emails, just good company, wonderful food, and lots of laughter.?

It was exactly what I needed.?

But now that I’m home, I’m ready to go, go, go. I finished my newest book a few months ago and we’ve done several rounds of edits. It’s finally about to enter the formatting stage - which means my publication date is just around the corner and I cannot wait!?

Every time I sit down and write a book (can you believe my third is in the making?!), I realize how much my life has changed since I started letting go of what society - and my parents - wanted for me and instead went after what I wanted. I’m no longer worried about what others think about how I spend my days. I know who I am, what I’m capable of, and how to go after the things I want. I’m comfortable in my skin - and that is a wonderful feeling. I’m a #creativegeneralist.?

I talk a lot about what a creative generalist is, but if you’re new here, let’s recap: You have specialists - people who are exceptionally talented in one particular subject - like a neurosurgeon or patent lawyer. Then you have generalists - people who are talented at more than one thing. Finally, there are creative generalists who are genuinely creative and talented in multiple disciplines - like the neurosurgeon who also happens to be an incredible plein air artist who also dabbles in creative writing, crochet, and sewing.?

Creative generalists are unicorns in the business world and we tend to work better as entrepreneurs, though there has been a recent surge in corporations recognizing the benefits of having a generalist on their team. Part of my work is helping generalists recognize their talents and how they can use those various skills to do the work they want to do - whether that’s starting their own company, freelancing, or working for someone else.?

Unfortunately, what I’ve started to notice is how hard it is for generalists to accept that they are also experts - even if they don’t feel that way. I have several coaching clients who are in senior roles but defer to the experience of their junior specialist counterparts because they are worried they don’t know enough. While this is viewed as sweet and humbling, the root of the worry is based in imposter syndrome. You can absolutely recognize that a more junior coworker has more experience or understanding in a particular niche, but that shouldn’t be done at the downfall of your own experience or know-how.?

If you understand an aspect of your work - even if you aren’t specialized in it - you should still feel comfortable enough to discuss it.?

So, what can you do about it? How do you accept that you are in a senior role and stop acting like a more junior employee because you are a generalist?

1. Recognize imposter syndrome for what it is: fear. First, you need to acknowledge that you are suffering from imposter syndrome. You did not “get lucky” and end up in this role. You worked hard for it. You deserve it because your skills and knowledge match the role. Imposter syndrome is simply fear manifesting. If you feel unworthy of your role and defer to a more junior coworker’s experience, you are letting imposter syndrome win. But if you see that this is imposter syndrome as it is happening and actively ignore it, putting your experience out there, you can start to take the steps necessary to embody that senior role.?

2. Let go of perfectionism. The biggest aspect of imposter syndrome is perfectionism. When you’re suffering from imposter syndrome, your work is being blocked by a fear that you don’t know what you are talking about, and part of that is because you think it has to be perfect in order to be true. The truth is, no one does everything perfectly - not even specialists. Holding yourself to such a standard just keeps you stuck and prevents you from seeing how incredibly talented you are.

3. Find a way to track and measure your success. Imposter syndrome makes you think you are in the wrong position and that people will find out. But if you can find a way to track and measure your successes in this senior role, you can start to change that mindset. Instead of focusing on how behind you are, or what you don’t know, start to focus on what you do know, how you fit into this role, and all the positive aspects of your work, which will help you ignore your imposter syndrome until it disappears completely.?

4. Combine your action and reflection to build momentum. If you’re focused on how you don’t fit into the role you’re in, reflect on how you got the role, who you are, and what you can do to take action. Once you’ve built the momentum, nothing can stop you from stepping into your full potential as a senior generalist.

5. Know that it is okay to ask for help. If you really feel like you don’t know enough about a particular subject, try collaborating with a (junior) team member. Take the opportunity to learn and use your own generalist brain to add to the problem-solving session. This whole piece is about stepping into your power and letting go of imposter syndrome, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help when you really need it. Choosing to come from a collaborative place will help you stay in the role of the expert, while still creating a safe space for others?to excel.

Imposter syndrome is pervasive, annoying, and rude. It’s that secret voice in your head that tells you you can’t possibly be in charge because you don’t know enough. And just like any annoying person in your life, it’s time to tell them to stuff it and let you get back to work.?

If you find doing these steps is harder than expected, or you have a lot of resistance, let me know. Reply to this email and we’ll find a time to talk it through together. Imposter syndrome is not an accurate representation of the world around you. It’s made up, which means it can be ignored and overcome. It just takes practice!

With curiosity and courage,

P.S.: I’m launching my Get Unstuck! Coaching Certificate this fall! Ever wanted to help your clients finally stop making excuses, and create the life they’ve always wanted? I’m looking for 15 coaches to become Certified Get Unstuck! Coaches. Hit reply if you’re interested!!?