So, you’ve just recently got promoted?
Doesn’t matter if you are an individual contributor or even a manager, promoting into a new management role is not easy.
Have you heard about the term "Impostor Syndrome"?
The term is used to designate an internal experience of intellectual phoniness, that appears to be particularly prevalent and intense among a select sample of high achieving people which despite their profound accomplishments, perceive themselves as less capable, hindering their sense of success.
Imposter Syndrome is not a diagnosable mental illness however varied among 70% of the population. Mainly is an endless loop of perceptual gaps around intelligence, achievement, perfectionism, and the social context.
According to KPMG, 73% of executive women report having personally experienced imposter syndrome at certain points in their career. So you are not alone!
Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome when aiming for success in a new management role requires a multifaceted approach.
1. Confusion: "What aspects of my role or responsibilities do I find most challenging or unclear?"
2. Overwhelm: "What specific tasks or situations make me feel overwhelmed, and how can I break them down into smaller, manageable steps?"
3. Comparison: "In what ways do I compare myself to others, and how realistic are these comparisons?"
4. Perfectionism: "Am I setting unrealistic standards for myself? How can I embrace progress over perfection?"
5. Procrastination: "What tasks or decisions am I avoiding due to fear of failure or self-doubt? How can I approach these tasks with more confidence?"
6. Impatience: "Do I expect immediate success in my role? How can I develop patience with myself as I grow into this position?"
7. Impostor thoughts: "When do I experience thoughts of being a fraud or not deserving of my position? What evidence contradicts these thoughts?"
8. Loneliness: "Do I feel isolated in my role? How can I build stronger connections with colleagues or seek out support networks?"
If you find the above resonate with your experience so far, here’s a deeper look into how each strategy can be applied:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Understand that feelings of self-doubt are common and natural in new roles. By accepting these emotions, you can better manage and address them as they arise.
2. Identify Your Strengths: Compile a comprehensive list of your skills, achievements, and positive feedback. Reflect on these regularly to boost confidence and remind yourself of your capabilities.
3. Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Actively seek out constructive feedback from peers, supervisors, or mentors. Their insights can provide a clearer perspective on your strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your objectives into manageable steps and set achievable goals. Celebrating small victories along the way can build momentum and bolster your confidence.
5. Commit to Continuous Learning: Invest in ongoing professional development through workshops, courses, or reading relevant literature. Enhanced knowledge and skills contribute to greater confidence in your managerial abilities.
6. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process. Treat yourself with the same understanding and encouragement you would offer to others facing challenges.
7. Build a Support Network: Connect with fellow managers or professionals facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and advice can provide mutual support and valuable insights.
These points encompass strategies to help you as a new manager to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome effectively. By implementing these strategies consistently, you can effectively overcome feelings of self-doubt, paving the way for success and fulfillment in your new management role.
Remember, you are not alone.
Understanding your self doubt feelings is the first step.
If you need any further support to take it to the next level, please feel free to reach out. I am here to provide additional insights and assistance.
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