Why Women Are Good at Imposter Syndrome (and what to do about it)

If you’re a woman in leadership, you’ve probably felt it. That nagging voice telling you that you don’t quite belong, you’re not good enough, or someone else could do this better. That’s imposter syndrome, and it hits women in leadership hard, especially as we move into new roles or industries. 

Studies show up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point, and it’s even more common among women in leadership roles. (Source: International Journal of Behavioural Science, 2020) It doesn’t matter how many years you’ve spent climbing the establishing yourself professionally, or how many achievements you’ve ticked off. That nagging voice is stubborn. 

As a leadership coach I see it in women all too often.  They step up into a new role, full of hope, nerves, excitement and commitment.  Yet there’s a part of them that wants to prove to others that they’re worthy of the job, even if they don’t believe that 100% themselves.  They overextend themselves constantly because they want to prove their worth.  However, they end up overstressing themselves and set a pathway to burnout.  Work gets the best of them, and people at home get whatever is left over.  

Then the thoughts or feelings of “You don’t belong here” start to show up again and again.  

The honeymoon is over. 

If you’ve been there too, here’s what my clients found helped them shut off that voice, that nagging imposter monkey, sitting on your shoulder.    

2. Don’t Use Over-Preparation as a Safety Net

Early on, those new in their role tend to think that if they over-prepared, they can stop feeling like a fraud. Instead, it fuels their anxiety and keeps that imposter voice alive. 

You’ve earned your experience. You have been recruited to that position because you are considered the best person for the job.  Own it, speak from that experience to tender your opinions, concerns or recommendations.  When doubt creeps in, remind yourself of the tough decisions you’ve made, the teams you’ve built, and the crises you’ve handled. 

Try this: List 3 past achievements when you feel insecure. It’s a simple way to ground yourself. 

3. Reflect on Your Impact and Value

Women often brush past their wins without a second thought. Alex Malley, author of “The Naked CEO – The Truth You Need to Build a Big Life” 

” mentors young aspiring leaders. There’s a chapter in his book called “The Black Box”. He says “You may have heard of the black box on an aeroplane.  If not, t is the piece of technology on a plane that records and protects precious data about t the plane’s in-flight performance.”   

He says “I have built a black box that represents the same concept.  But the precious data my black box records and protects is my confidence. I take the feelings of confidence and pride from my successes, put them in my black box, lock the lid and hide the key.”  

He recognises that it is very easy for comments, mistakes and other setbacks to steal our confidence.  He reminds us how important it is to store, record and remember those successes that have built our professional acumen and to recall on those when our confidence takes a blow.  

There are many ways to do this.  Some of my clients chose to keep a gratitude journal while others would keep a file of positive feedback, emails, and data showing what they’d delivered. When doubt hits, they’d look back at that file. It served as a reality check and a boost. 

Celebrate your wins, even quietly. If you don’t, who will? 

4. Be Unapologetically Yourself

Unlike men, I find that women tend to start thinking that their age and experience are liabilities.  When I chose to go grey, after listening to women being mortified by their grey hair daring to show through, I wondered if I would be disregard for my age. I wondered if I would not be taken seriously for understanding contemporary issues or methodologies. 

 Truth is, age and experience are in fact your strongest assets. Patriarchal style leadership is out, authenticity and emotional intelligence are in.  People can spot inauthenticity a mile off, and it damages your credibility. 

Be real. Speak your mind. Own your ideas. Trust me, that honesty builds respect and trust much faster. If you can speak your truth, own your mistakes and assert your wants and needs, you demonstrate a greater level of professionalism. 

Imposter syndrome might never fully disappear; however it doesn’t have to stop you. 

As a woman in leadership, you carry decades of resilience and wisdom. Stop waiting for permission. Own your seat at the table. Speak with confidence. You’ve earned the right to do so. 

Things You Can Do Today to Tackle Imposter Syndrome 

• Don’t expect perfection. Accept mistakes as part of leadership. 

• Stop over-preparing and trust your experience. 

• Keep a record of wins and feedback to boost your confidence. 

• Stay true to your leadership style. Authenticity wins respect. 

If you’ve felt imposter syndrome creeping in lately, what’s one thing from this list you’ll try first? 

Do you know a woman in leadership who could benefit from this pick-me-up? Share the love and forward it to them.