Overcoming imposter Syndrome

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August 29th, 2023

READ TIME: 2 minute 10 seconds

When I was 21 years old, I was called to become lead pastor at a church in Oklahoma.

I was one of the youngest lead pastors in America at the time and I felt it.

Everyone was coming to me for answers, for guidance, and direction and I didn’t have all of them. I still showed up everyday, I still led my community, but I couldn’t help but feel like I was an imposter in the place of who was really supposed to be leading the church.

No-one gives you a rule book on how to lead.

It took time to gain my confidence in the decisions I made, but ultimately I knew that I was called to be there so I leaned in and reminded myself that I was chosen and that if it wasn’t going to be me who else?

There many realizations and actions that were critical to becoming the leader I wanted to become and that’s exactly wan to share with you.

There isn’t a person reading this that hasn’t at times that felt inadequate to do something that they were tasked with. Big or small. We all face insecurities, lack, and doubt.

My goal is not to make you not feel that. That’s unrealistic and if anyone tells you you shouldn’t feel that way is lying to you.

What I’m more inspired by is how we can work through these emotions when they do come up in a healthy, productive way.

This tweet from Teddy Mitrosilis couldn’t be more accurate.

And here’s how I did whenever I was that young 21 year old lead pastor and even today as a hospital president.

Embrace Imperfection

Recognize that no one has all the answers, and it's okay to be imperfect; growth comes from learning and evolving.

Use this in real life: When faced with a challenging decision, remind yourself that no leader has all the solutions, and it's an opportunity to learn and grow.

Self-Compassion

Treat yourself kindly and remember that self-doubt is natural; talk to yourself as you would to a supportive friend.

Use this in real life: If you're feeling inadequate after a presentation, instead of criticizing yourself, acknowledge your effort and focus on areas to improve for next time.

Learning Mindset:

Approach leadership as a journey of continuous learning, where even mistakes contribute to growth.

Use this in real life:When a project doesn't go as planned, view it as a chance to analyze what went wrong, learn from it, and apply those lessons in future endeavors.

Mentorship and Guidance

Seek advice and insights from mentors or experienced leaders to gain perspective and learn from their experiences.

Use this in real life: When facing a complex challenge, reach out to a mentor for guidance and tap into their expertise to make more informed decisions.

Building a Support Network

Cultivate a network of peers who understand your challenges and provide a safe space for sharing experiences and seeking advice.

Use this in real life: If you're struggling with imposter syndrome, connect with fellow middle managers in your network to discuss common struggles and learn how they cope.

Until next time,

Pierre Inspires

Go Deeper on This Topic

📰 “Leadership when you have imposter syndrome”

📲 Teddy Mitrosilis tweet about imposter syndrome

📖 “Get out of your own way,” by Mark Goulston

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I hope this helps you or a leader in your circle.

Until next time, PierreInspires

P.S. If you have any questions, thoughts, or additional stories to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's support and learn from each other as we strive to become the best leaders we can be. Why every comic