HR Professionals Discuss 14 Ways To Defeat The Imposter Syndrome

In the business world, leaders are often anxious about their ability to make the best decisions and good impressions, as well as gain credibility among their colleagues and consumers in the public eye. One of the best methods for overcoming imposter syndrome is to be reminded that no one—including yourself—is perfect.

Rather than allowing the mind to be consumed with self-doubt or self-sabotaging behaviors, it’s wiser for leaders to focus on the facts about their strengths, contributions and ability to grow further for the better and improve on any weaknesses they may have. At the end of the day, we’re all human, so don’t be afraid of failure.

Below, 14 Forbes Human Resources Council members share their tips to help marketplace movers and shakers avoid mental stumbling blocks that may lead them to second-guess their own decisions and overthinking the perception of others.

1. Challenge Yourself To Improve With Each Day

Nowadays, a lot of leaders are more self-conscious rather than self-aware and confident about who they truly are. The fact is that everyone makes mistakes, so the point is to fail fast and learn from it. One way to not be caught in imposter syndrome, self-doubt or the perception game is to be in competition with yourself and challenge yourself to be better than you were the day before in all aspects. – Akhilesh Nair, Akhilesh Nair

2. Strive For Authenticity

Being authentic is the way to overcome imposter syndrome. Connectivity of empathy, accountability and the ability to motivate people toward common goals will earn people’s trust. Some decisions might not be popular, but there can be an understanding of why the decision was made. Authentic leaders understand the concept of Ubuntu (humanity) and accept accomplishments and accolades with humility and shared glory. – Awuese Oku, African Development Bank

3. Remember You’re Still Evolving

Always remember that we’ve all felt like impostors; it’s a truly universal feeling. Flip the perspective on it because it likely means you’re pushing your limits, learning or trying something new. Think about the best skill or achievement in your toolkit and remember what it felt to take that first step. You likely felt that feeling of doubt and anxiety but in hindsight, you were just evolving and growing. – Jonathan Reyes, Reejig Corp

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4. Accept That Everyone’s Human

Realizing that you will never be perfect is the first step. Accepting you are human, like everyone else, provides room for healthy discussion on topics and makes you more relatable. At the end of the day, however, it is your job to evaluate the facts, consider your options and move the team forward. Trust yourself, your experience and the people who put you in this leadership position. – Chatelle Lynch, McAfee

5. Be The Best Version Of Yourself

It’s important to trust yourself and your training and to remind yourself that you are a human leading other humans. It’s okay not to know or have all of the answers. It’s okay to ask questions and receive feedback and suggestions. It’s okay to be yourself. True authenticity is the gift of leadership that keeps on giving. If you’re humble and strive to be the best version of yourself, then others will respect you. – Omar Alhadi, Adobe Care and Wellness

6. Highlight Your Ability To Overcome Obstacles

For the lifelong learners out there, it can be hard to not feel like an imposter when there are always new things to master. For those inner critical moments, spend some time focusing on your accomplishments. If you highlight and reflect on what you truly know, you’ll be surprised by how many obstacles you’ve tackled in your career. When you learn to recognize what you have to offer, confidence will follow. – Cally Stanphill, PainTEQ LLC

7. Ask A Good Mentor For Feedback

Great leaders know themselves really well—including their strengths and their weaknesses. As a leader, your job isn’t to prove yourself but to be yourself because that prompts the best work and outcomes. When you start questioning yourself, leverage a good mentor to get fair, honest advice and then move forward. It’s not a perfect world but ultimately, the best people rise to the top. – David Tripp, Sage Dental

8. Focus On Your Contributions

Nix the idea of imposter syndrome because it rarely takes into account your experiences in the workforce or the world—especially if you’re a woman or a person of color. Instead, start focusing on the evidence that you belong where you are, like the data you’ve tracked and feedback you’ve received. Acknowledge the times when your leadership style drove success, even if your tactics veered from the norm. – Ursula Mead, InHerSight

9. Embrace Your Role As Leader

In the early days of starting this company, I struggled with imposter syndrome and even presented myself as a vice president of sales rather than the CEO of the company. It was a profound moment when I finally fully embraced my role as CEO. I knew I was capable of founding and leading a successful business. I advise others who struggle with self-doubt to be vulnerable enough to embrace their role as a leader. – Rick Hammell, Atlas

10. Build Courage To Own Your Decisions

Making and owning a decision takes courage. It also requires hard work, research, analysis and communication with those involved. Successful managers don’t make decisions in a vacuum; rather, the post-decision is prepared to adjust and make corrections as the plan plays out. Nothing is ever perfect and realizing that comes with experience. Make the best decision possible with the best data, then course correct. – Gordon Pelosse, CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association

11. Talk Through Your Symptoms Of Self-Doubt

It takes practice, practice and practice. Listen to your gut and know your symptoms when you start second-guessing yourself. Get a support system to help you with your imposter syndrome. Get a coach, mentor or a trusted leader to help you as you navigate your leadership journey. It always helps to talk and understand the worst that can happen, and it usually is not that bad. – Rohini Shankar, CIOX Health

12. Replace Fear With The Facts

Oftentimes, imposter syndrome is caused by fear of the unknown, which can be overcome with factual information. Leaders should set clear expectations with employees early on while maintaining open lines of communication and keeping progress notes whenever possible. The more information that is communicated to and documented for team members, the less reason there is for worrying about their perceptions. – John Feldmann, Insperity

13. Seek Inspiration Through Leadership Networks

Leaders who network with others within their industry and at their same managerial level are much more likely to recognize that everyone is human and has different strengths and weaknesses within their roles. Having access to a wide range of shared knowledge—including real-life examples of success and failure—can also help alleviate fears about making a wrong decision within your own role. – Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations, Inc.

14. Read And Watch Other Success Stories

Study the success stories of like-minded people. One of the best ways to get over self-doubt is by taking a journey through the life of the accomplished. Every great successful career person or entrepreneur speaks of their start being a challenging journey. Reading books and watching these interviews, especially when there is common ground, can be the encouragement for leaders to go for it anyway. – Tiersa Smith-Hall, Tiera Hall Impactful Imprints, Training & Consulting