One leader’s recipe for overcoming imposter syndrome

In this podcast, PA’s Sally Bibb, a strengths expert, discusses imposter syndrome, a condition where individuals feel unwarranted insecurity and self-doubt despite their achievements. She explains that imposter syndrome can range from minor feelings of lacking confidence to more destructive behaviours like overworking and burnout.

Sally explains that overcoming imposter syndrome can be achieved by understanding one’s strengths, which are different from competencies. Strengths are activities that energise and naturally draw individuals, while competencies are skills one can perform. By identifying and leveraging strengths, Sally believes that people can improve personal well-being and organisational performance.

Sally goes on to recommend exercises to uncover strengths, such as reflecting on times when you’ve been at your best and identifying activities that excite you. This approach helps individuals understand their unique contributions and combat feelings of self-doubt.

This episode was first broadcast in Management Today’s Leadership Lessons.