Issue 5 | June 14, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURED ARTICLE
What If I Really AM an Impostor?
THIS WEEK’S REFRAME
WHAT’S NEW AT IMPOSTOR SYNDROME INSTITUTE
Twenty-two countries!
FEATURED RESOURCE
“The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking oneself seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous.”
— Dame Margot Fonteyn
Ask Valerie: What If I Really AM an Impostor?
In this first installment of “Ask Valerie,” author, thought leader and ISI co-founder addresses a common fear.
What If I Really AM an Impostor?
Dear Dr. Young,
For me, it’s always been about achieving success when I have no business doing so.
That’s not to say that I exploit others, far from it!
Instead, it’s that I shouldn’t be in the position I am in because I don’t know these things, I don’t have the degrees, and I don’t have the experience.
When asked by the team or higher-ups what I think our next move is, I tell them what I think we should do, and the suggestion is met with high praise and acclaim!
We do it…we succeed…then they say, ’Brian, lead a larger team!’
But I have no idea how to lead a team and I shouldn’t because I don’t understand this stuff!
I have told them that I don’t understand it and that they should stop bringing me into higher and higher meetings.
But they laugh and say, ‘We need you in there.’
I go in, I succeed, and it scares the crap out of me!
I don’t belong here, and it’s only a matter of time until they all realize it.
I am charismatic, I speak with confidence, I am passionate, I am intelligent, but I am a fraud.
I don’t FEEL these things, I KNOW these things.
And this is the first time I have really written it down. So thanks for that.
Twenty Two (22) Countries!
Impostor syndrome isn’t just a “made in America” issue.
Speakers and coaches from South Africa, Turkey, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, England, Scotland, Ireland, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Australia, Canada, and the US have signed up to train with us.
And we’re pleased to increase our reach and impact with the addition of participants from Taiwan, Portugal, and Denmark for The Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach™!
Plus Taiwan adds a sixth continent to our list, too.
Everyone has gaps in their knowledge or skills.
Rather than judge yourself as lacking, make a plan to fill the gap.
This week’s featured resource is the power of education.
Are you (or someone you know) being moved into leadership before you feel “ready”?
Education to the rescue!
To start, see if your organization offers internal management training.
If you work for a large organization, see if there are opportunities to attend an external training program like those offered by for instance
-
- the Center for Creative Leadership
- one of the many university-affiliated programs (e.g. Stanford, Cornell, University of Minnesota, etc.) – some designed to address issues unique to women
- the more moderately priced on-site and online programs offered by the American Management Association
While anyone can attend these trainings, do a search for management/leadership training in your country or region. For instance:
Or train yourself for free! Listen to podcasts like:
Or read some of the many great books for new leaders.
Caution: Even with more education and training, you will never feel totally done.
There is no end to learning.
Do these insights resonate with you? What else should we be writing about now? Tell us by emailing info@impostorsyndrome.com.
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