Overcoming Imposter Syndrome -You Deserve Your Success
By VICKY BROWN
Have you ever thought, “I’m just afraid that one day, they’ll find out I don’t know what I’m doing!”?
That nagging feeling has a name: imposter syndrome. It’s that persistent voice suggesting you’re somehow a fraud who’s managed to fool everyone around you into thinking you’re qualified to lead. And if you’re a small business owner who’s now managing a team – chances are, you’ve felt this way too. It’s practically a rite of passage for emerging leaders.
But here’s something crucial you need to understand: imposter syndrome is lying to you. And it’s time we address it head-on.
The Reality Gap: How Your Team Actually Sees You
Your team doesn’t view you through the same critical lens you use on yourself. When you’re lying awake cataloging all your perceived shortcomings, your team members are thinking about how your guidance helped them solve problems. They’re reflecting on how your vision gives meaning to their work. They’re appreciating the opportunity you’ve created for them to have this job in the first place.
The truth is, your team isn’t expecting perfection – they’re looking for direction. They wake up each day and come to work with two simple questions: “What am I supposed to be doing, and why does it matter?” They want clarity and purpose, not a flawless leader.
What your team truly values is a leader who:
- Recognizes their strengths
- Removes obstacles to their success
- Helps them understand how their work connects to the bigger picture
- Makes decisions when needed
- Listens to their concerns
- Advocates for them when challenges arise
Surprisingly, your willingness to acknowledge what you don’t know actually builds trust. When you say, “I’m not sure about that approach – let’s figure it out together,” you’re modeling the collaboration and problem-solving that creates a strong team culture.
Building Real Confidence Through Action
Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room or having decades of experience. It’s about having a clear vision and bringing others along with you. Instead of fixating on what you lack, it’s time to recognize the strengths that got you here – they’re the foundation of your leadership.
But let’s be honest – simply saying “believe in yourself” isn’t particularly helpful. Real confidence doesn’t magically appear; it grows through consistent action.
Most first-time leaders feel completely unqualified, and with good reason – you’ve never done this before! Here’s the secret that experienced leaders know: you build confidence by doing the work, not by waiting until you feel ready.
Take Small, Decisive Actions
The path to overcoming imposter syndrome involves taking manageable leadership steps that might feel uncomfortable but aren’t catastrophic if they don’t go perfectly:
- Delegate that project you’ve been micromanaging because “no one can do it as well as you can.” Not only will it free up your time, but it demonstrates trust in your team.
- Have that feedback conversation you’ve been avoiding because it feels awkward. Be direct but kind. Your team member probably already senses something’s off and is waiting for your guidance.
- Make that decision that’s been lingering because you’re worried about choosing wrong. A timely decision that’s 80% right is usually better than a perfect decision that comes too late.
These actions are the practical equivalent of going to the gym – each rep makes you stronger and more confident in your abilities. And don’t forget to celebrate those small wins when they happen. When a team meeting goes well or you successfully navigate a difficult conversation, acknowledge it. These moments build evidence that you belong in this role.
Remember Why You’re Here
You were chosen for a reason. And yes, even if you chose yourself by starting your own business, that absolutely counts too.
You built something from nothing. Your vision, hard work, and determination created this opportunity – that’s remarkable. Instead of questioning whether you deserve to be here, focus on the impact you’re making:
- Are your clients better off because of your work?
- Is your team growing under your leadership?
These outcomes matter far more than whether you feel qualified every minute of every day.
“… That discomfort you feel isn’t proof you don’t belong – it’s proof you’re growing“
Stop Comparing Your Behind-the-Scenes to Others’ Highlight Reels
One of the biggest traps that feeds imposter syndrome is comparing your full, unedited experience to someone else’s carefully curated public image.
You’re experiencing your leadership journey in real-time, complete with the messy parts, mistakes, and self-doubt. But when you look at other leaders, you only see their wins, confidence, and polished presentations.
What remains invisible are their:
- 3 AM anxiety before important meetings
- Moments of complete uncertainty
- Times they needed to call a mentor because they had no idea what to do next
Behind every confident presentation, there’s often a sleepless night spent rehearsing. Behind every bold business decision, there might be hours of worry about whether it’s the right move. Behind every leadership success story, there’s usually a messy journey filled with doubt.
Leadership inherently involves making decisions with incomplete information, taking responsibility for outcomes you can’t fully control, and guiding others through complex situations. Of course that creates uncertainty, even in the most experienced leaders.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur jumping into a leadership role, a seasoned business pro with new HR responsibilities, or just starting your HR career – we’ve got the right path to guide you through your HR hurdles.
Check out the Leaders Journey Experience. This online education platform holds the LJE Masterclass, HR SimpleStart Academy and HR FuturePro Academy.
Not sure where to start – take the quiz!
Break the Isolation: You’re Not Alone
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about imposter syndrome is that it thrives in isolation. When you keep those feelings to yourself, they grow stronger, convincing you that you’re the only one who feels this way.
The truth? Almost every new leader has felt like a fraud at some point. The difference between those who overcome it and those who don’t is the willingness to talk about it.
Reach out to mentors, peers, or even your team about the challenges you’re facing. Not in a way that undermines your leadership, but in a way that normalizes the experience of growth. Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s actually a smart leadership move. The strongest leaders know when to ask for help, when to learn from others, and when to admit they don’t have all the answers.
Embrace Discomfort as a Sign of Growth
Imposter syndrome won’t disappear overnight. But with each decision you make, each challenge you face, and each time you choose action over doubt, it loses a little bit of its power.
You deserve to be where you are. Your success isn’t an accident or a mistake. It’s the result of your vision, your work, and your willingness to step into a role that isn’t always comfortable.
That discomfort? It’s not proof that you don’t belong. It’s proof that you’re growing. And that’s exactly what good leaders do.