Am I good enough?
Dealing with the imposter syndrome
Late 2008. I was working at a Fortune 500 company as a senior manager. I was 39 and I increasingly felt I needed to change the course of my professional life. My timing was terrible with the Financial Crisis raging through the world. And I was starting my own firm. But despite the external conditions, I went through with my plan. I founded my business in March of 2009.
I had just come back from the Chamber of Commerce and the telephone rang. On the phone someone I met during a workshop that I participated in a couple of years earlier. Her husband, she told me, was a general surgeon. They were doing great but could also benefit from adding more leadership and real-life management experience to their team. At first, I was completely surprised to receive such a request. It never came to my mind to be asked for something like this. Surgeons are often put on a pedestal. And I had no experience in this field of work. So, my first thoughts were: “Am I good enough for them?” And: “can I really make a difference?”.
Well, it turned out very different. Over the following decade we partnered in several projects. And still do! They help their patients as good as they can. And I add my business and leadership experience that enables them to optimize their practice. But, in all honesty, I had to overcome my self-doubt when I received that first call: was I good enough to work with them? What I suffered from is known as the imposter syndrome.
Most of us suffer from the imposter syndrome at some points during our professional lives. And that’s only human. So, what can you do if you experience the imposter syndrome?
- It’s completely normal to feel some insecurity. I learned that a moderate level of insecurity also keeps me sharp. I’ve learned to make peace with feeling a little insecure.
- Don’t avoid it but confront yourself. Break through your own barriers. If you get asked, just do it anyway and let others decide if you are good enough. You’ll often be surprised.
- Don’t let your emotions overwhelm you. Take some distance, place yourself in the shoes of the other person and try to see things from their perspective.
- Talk to someone. It’s therapeutic to share and none of us has all the answers! Use the soundboard of someone you trust and get perspective.
- See it as a building block for professional growth. You will experience that the more you expose yourself to challenging situations, your self-confidence grows with each step.
Now, we’d love to hear what your experiences are with the Imposter Syndrome. Join the conversation on our public channels or send me an email via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hope this inspires.
Paul Donkers
Paul P.J. Donkers is a sought-after global business coach and management consultant. More about his work and projects can be found via www.tencompany.org and via www.ikigaicoachinginstitute.com
Paul and his partners work since decades with leaders to assist them create more value. If you want to have a confidential conversation, just reach out to us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
