Imposter Syndrome in Leadership: How to Break the Cycle

If you’ve ever stepped into a leadership role and felt a quiet voice whisper, “I’m not sure I belong here,” you’re far from alone.

In fact, I don't think I’ve coached a single professional who hasn’t, at some point, experienced some form of imposter syndrome. It’s far more common than most people admit, especially when you're trying to grow your leadership confidence or navigate a new level of responsibility.

And here’s the important bit: Imposter feelings don’t mean you’re not capable. They usually mean you’re stretching, growing, and stepping into something that matters.

But they can still drain your energy and hold you back from leading with the clarity and confidence you know you’re capable of.

Let’s explore how imposter syndrome shows up in leadership, why it sticks around, and how you can break the cycle and lead authentically — in a way that feels true to who you are.

What Imposter Syndrome Sounds Like When You’re a Leader

It rarely appears as dramatic self-doubt. It’s often far more subtle and internal:

• “I should probably know this already.”

• “Everyone else seems more confident than me.”

• “I’m winging it and someone’s going to notice.”

• “I don’t deserve this role as much as others.”

Recognise any of these?

• Overthinking decisions

• Second-guessing your judgement

• Hesitating to speak up

• Playing down your achievements

• Comparing yourself to colleagues

These are some of the most common signs of imposter syndrome in leadership, and they show up even in the most accomplished people.

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Why Leaders Experience Imposter Syndrome

Stepping into leadership puts you in situations with:

• Higher expectations

• More visibility

• More ambiguity

• Fewer clear markers of success

You’re required to make decisions without always having full information, guide others, take responsibility, and navigate complex dynamics — all while maintaining your own direction and confidence.

It’s a lot.

Clinical psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd, author of The Imposter Cure, notes that these feelings of self-doubt often appear precisely when you’re growing — not when you’re failing.

So feeling doubt isn’t a weakness — it’s a very normal response to doing something important and stretching your leadership capability.

A Helpful Reminder (and One People Often Overlook)

When you’re doing anything difficult or challenging, it’s natural that you're pushed out of your comfort zone. It’s normal to experience a bit of fear. That feeling is normal.

But we often misinterpret it. Try to remember that these thoughts aren’t facts.

Your thoughts and feelings are absolutely valid — but when you’re anxious, insecure, or simply tired, those feelings can heavily distort how you think.

The key is recognising when this is happening.

That’s the moment to take a step back and look at what’s actually going on:

• What’s the evidence?

• What’s the true story?

• Are you judging yourself fairly?

Building up the facts — and yes, talking them through with someone you trust — helps quieten that voice that’s working against you, not for you.

This is where leadership coaching can be incredibly grounding, giving you space to separate the negative voice from reality.

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What Keeps the Imposter Cycle Going

These familiar patterns can quietly reinforce self-doubt:

Overworking to “prove” yourself

Trying to do everything at 110% to avoid being “found out.”

Perfectionism

Setting the bar so high that success never feels enough.

Avoidance of visibility

Holding back ideas, saying less in meetings, downplaying your strengths.

Relying on external validation

Feeling confident only when someone else approves.

These patterns don’t reflect a lack of ability — just a lack of reassurance from yourself.

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How to Break the Cycle and Build Authentic Leadership Confidence — Your 5 Top Tips

You don’t need to become louder, bolder, or someone you’re not. You simply need to get back to a grounded place where self-doubt doesn’t take the lead.

Here are some practical shifts:

1. Separate the feeling from the facts

   Shift from:

   “I’m not capable enough.”

   to:

   “I’m feeling uncertain because this is new — not because I’m not good enough.”

   A tiny reframing can stop a spiral before it takes hold.

2. Anchor yourself in real evidence

   Keep track of:

   • Things that went well

   • Positive feedback

   • Decisions you handled well

   • Strengths you naturally rely on

   This isn’t forced confidence. It’s balancing out an unhelpful inner narrative.

3. Step into discomfort on purpose

   Confidence doesn’t magically arrive first. Action creates confidence and it takes practice.

   Choose small steps:

   • Speak up a little earlier in meetings

   • Share an idea you’d usually keep back

   • Ask for clarity instead of assuming you should know

   These micro-moments build leadership presence far more effectively than aiming to “feel ready.”

4. Drop the idea of the ‘perfect leader’

   Authentic leadership isn’t about flawless communication or constant certainty.

   It’s about:

   • Being steady and clear

   • Communicating honestly

   • Asking for input

   • Being willing to adjust

   • Leading from who you are, not who you think you should be

   Your team needs someone human, grounded, and consistent — not polished perfection.

5. Get perspective, not perfection

   Ask yourself:

   • How would I view someone else in my shoes?

   • Would I judge them this harshly?

   • What expectations am I creating, rather than others placing on me?

   Perspective shifts are powerful. They stop thoughts from turning into full stories.

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How Coaching Supports Leaders Navigating Imposter Syndrome

Leadership coaching offers a confidential, non-judgemental space to:

• Understand what’s triggering your self-doubt

• Build confidence without pretending to be someone else

• Strengthen decision-making

• Navigate difficult conversations

• Develop your leadership style

• Step into roles with clarity and purpose

It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you access the grounded, capable version of you that gets overshadowed when imposter syndrome takes over.

If imposter syndrome is holding you back, leadership coaching can help you strengthen your confidence and develop a leadership approach that feels authentic and effective. You’re welcome to book a free discovery call if you’d like to find out more.