Key takeaways

Helping your people manage feelings of
imposter syndrome and achieve their potential

Four key takeaways

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate something like imposter syndrome from the world of work, there are steps that organisational leaders can take to mitigate against the impact it has on their people.

Encourage the use of collaborative coaching:

In advocating for its usage, business leaders can:

Facilitate more regular interactions between a diverse group of employees, thus creating a more collaborative workforce
Ensure employees feel psychologically safe to discuss their vulnerabilities with colleagues
Provide people with the space and opportunity to connect and build support networks at work

2. Role-model the use of coaching at work:

By openly sharing their own experiences, leaders can:

Dispel the misconception that career interventions are exclusively for underperformers
Normalise both the experience of imposter syndrome and coaching as the solution
Alleviate the stigma surrounding both, ensuring employees feel comfortable engaging with the support they need to move forward and achieve their potential

3. Emphasise the importance of feedback:

Embedding a feedback culture will help to:

Verify individuals' competence and strengths by providing evidence of their contribution
Substantiate the talent and value each employee brings to their team and the wider business
Protect against individual and organisational stagnation by enabling employees to disprove feelings of self-doubt that would previously have stymied their productivity

4. Encourage a growth mindset in your people:

Through supporting employees in takings risks, leaders will:

Provide people with the courage to experiment with new ideas, without fear of reprimand should something fail
Help employees build confidence and develop new skills in response to change and new challenges
Build a more mobile and agile workforce, as employees feel empowered to work with different people, engage in stretch initiatives and pursue ongoing development

"Your coaching has been first class, and I have taken such value from our time together. You’ve supported me to transition effectively into a new role and organisation, while navigating the various complexities that came with this. You helped me to focus on my priorities and embed myself with confidence. A huge thank you for everything.”

- Coachee Feedback

Looking to unleash the full potential of your people?

Discover the Powering self-belief programme

Overcoming imposter syndrome to increase self-confidence & unleash potential

It’s not easy to be your best when you’re constantly having feelings of self-doubt. Imposter syndrome, or phenomenon, can impact people at all levels, causing feelings of inadequacy or uncertainty which can be huge blockers to both personal and organisational success. And it can be really challenging to manage someone experiencing these feelings.

The Powering self-belief programme is designed for anyone struggling with self-doubt. We use a combination of assessment, via the Hogan Forecast Series, and 1:1 coaching to increase self-confidence, helping your people to understand their personal barriers, find their voice and work towards their full potential.

Programme components
Duration	For individuals	For groups of 10
3 months	Hogan Forecast Series assessment Pre and post self questionnaires Unlimited 1:1 coaching Independent e-learning	Hogan Forecast Series assessment Pre and post self questionnaires 3 x group coaching sessions 2 x peer coaching for 5 people Optional individual coaching Independent e-learning

Outcomes

Improved individual and collective performance
Increased individual and collective well-being
Talent retention
Building talent from within