A Crisis of Confidence: CEOs Also Experience Imposter Syndrome
Photo by Nicola Barts
Have you ever started a new job and immediately felt that you did not belong, or weren’t smart enough for your position?
We tend to think that being a newbie in an organization can lead to imposter syndrome. However, low confidence and feelings of doubt are battles that people in all stages of employment grapple with. A new Korn Ferry survey of 400 executives revealed that 71% of CEOs and 65% of other senior executives experience imposter syndrome. Both figures are significantly more than the 33% of early-stage professionals who exhibit imposter syndrome.
Mark Arian, CEO of of Korn Ferry Consulting, explained that executives are dealing with the emergence of AI, remote vs. returning to the office challenges, and an uncertain economy — the confluence of which causes heightened levels of pressure for business leaders. That pressure creates a “crisis of confidence” in one’s ability to manage all the issues and support all employees.
Increased workloads and changing business landscapes are hitting leaders hard and knocking some over. Leadership Advisory Firm Russell Reynolds Associates reported that “Global CEO turnover spiked in the first quarter of 2024, with 51 departures and 68 new appointments among companies tracked in global stock indices such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and others.”
Here are four tangible strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome:
Recognize the problem. Self-awareness and self-reflection is the first step to overcoming imposter syndrome.
Reframe negative thoughts to take stock of and magnify your accomplishments when self-doubt creeps in.
Treat failure as necessary to the process of learning and growing.
Find a mentor or establish a Career Advisory Board (C.A.B.) to help you process your feelings, recognize the truth, reframe your thoughts and move forward successfully.
Continue to be bold and DO. This is the most important thing. Don’t let feelings of doubt stop you from taking action at work.