Your lack of self-belief may shine through

Believing in yourself is crucial, but if you doubt your abilities, others will notice.

People can sense if you're not genuine even if you pretend to be confident. It's important to figure out why you doubt yourself—is it because of past experiences or uncertainty?

For introverted leaders, attempting to "fake" a persona leads to "Imposter Syndrome."

A recent study by the University of Zurich found that feigning confidence without the necessary skills or knowledge can increase feelings of imposter syndrome and self-doubt.

The researchers discovered that individuals who attempted to "fake it" experienced heightened levels of anxiety and stress compared to those who focused on developing genuine competence.

Here are 4 Steps to manage this

1?? Identify the Root Cause

Some people are great at pretending until they feel confident. But even if you're faking it, you won’t come across as genuine, which makes it hard to connect with others and gain their trust.

Where does your self-belief come from? Is it from past experiences or because you're unsure about what to do?

Belief shapes actions. Even with self-encouragement, deep-seated doubts persist, fueling anxiety and impostor syndrome. Expecting failure hampers performance, undermining confidence.

Others' assurances fall flat if self-belief is lacking.

Figure out where that belief comes from and question it. Acknowledge, explore, and rationalise fears to alleviate anxiety.

2?? Get ready and get organised, be open to learning

It's surprising how many people feel unsure about something but don't take the time to plan and prepare for it.

Take job interviews, for example. When they finally do start planning and preparing, they see a whole new result. Sometimes we're so busy that we forget to invest time in planning and preparing.

How about you? How much effort do you put into planning and preparing for the things you're unsure about?

A little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way toward boosting your confidence and success.

3?? Think about the worst-case scenario

What's the absolute worst thing that could happen if you go for what you want? Take a moment to really consider it. And if that worst-case scenario were to happen, what could you do about it?

Now, if you're well-prepared, skilled, and have a solid plan, how likely is it that your worst fear will actually come true?

Chances are, it's pretty slim, if not impossible.

By rationalizing the worst possible outcome, you'll realize that even if things don't go as planned, you'll still be okay. So, don't let fear hold you back—face it head-on and move forward with confidence.

4?? Sit with your Fear, Take Small Step

Confidence isn’t about banishing fear; they coexist. True confidence is embracing fear and then taking action. Dr. Ivan Joseph defines confidence as belief in yourself despite challenges. Confidence is not just a feeling, but an action: trusting your chosen path and persisting despite obstacles.

Each tiny stride improves your skills. What was once tough becomes effortless. But the journey doesn’t stop. New, grander goals await, along with greater responsibilities. Even when you think you've succeeded, fear returns. See it as a sign of meaningful progress and growth.

Act first; confidence follows.

Summary

Stepping out of your comfort zone is vital for introverted leaders to grow. But trying to pretend to be something you're not without a strong foundation won't work.

Instead, focus on self-awareness, developing skills, preparing well, being kind to yourself, and seeking help when needed. This way, you'll build genuine confidence that radiates in your leadership.