Navigating Imposter Syndrome in a New Role

Congrats on the New Job! Now, Let’s Tackle That Imposter Syndrome

Starting a new job or stepping into a new role can be a really exciting time, both professionally and personally. It's a fresh start, a new chapter, and an opportunity to grow. But for many of us, it can also be the perfect time for our imposter voice to rear it's head. You might find yourself questioning your achievements, worrying about your performance, or feeling like you’ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you're capable.

How It Might Show Up

Imagine this: You've just been promoted to, let's say your first leadership position. Suddenly, you’re in charge of a team, responsible for making decisions, and everyone is looking to you for guidance. Instead of feeling proud and confident, you’re overwhelmed by a nagging fear that you conned everyone into giving you the job. Thoughts like, "Do I really deserve this?" or "What if they realise I’m not as good as they thought?" start to creep in.

Or maybe you’ve landed your dream job, but now you’re second-guessing every task you complete. You might spend hours perfecting a task that normally you might not, worrying it’s not up to scratch, or hesitating to share your ideas in meetings, convinced they’re not as insightful or as valuable as your colleagues'. This isn’t just self-doubt; it’s a deep-seated belief that you’re a fraud and that it’s only a matter of time before everyone else sees it too.

Perhaps you’ve taken on a project that’s slightly outside your comfort zone. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow, all you can think about is failing. You might even find yourself avoiding the project altogether, paralysed by the fear of making mistakes because you believe any success you’ve had so far was a fluke.

There are many other examples I could list here, so if you don't see here how imposter syndrome is showing up for you, don't worry! It's not that yours is any less impactful, I'd just be here all day listing every way it could show up as it does uniquely to different people.

Why This Happens

These scenarios are all too common because you're navigating uncharted territory. It's natural to feel some self-doubt in a new environment, as most people do. However, when you start questioning your self-worth and ignore the evidence of your competence, you're dealing with imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome makes you feel like you’re not truly capable and fear being exposed as a fraud. This often ignores factual evidence like your previous experience, achievements, how you performed in the interview process, and feedback from referees etc.

Why It’s a Problem

Imposter syndrome is more than just an hiccup; it can have real consequences, especially when you’re in a new role. It can:

Stifle Your Growth: If you’re constantly feeling like a fraud, you’re less likely to take put yourself out there or pursue opportunities that could help you thrive professionally. In a new role, this might mean missing out on projects that could showcase your skills or lead to future responsibilities and recognition.

Increase Stress and Anxiety: The fear of being "found out" can lead to chronic stress, impacting your mental and physical health. This is particularly tough when you’re trying to adjust to new responsibilities, a different work environment and potentially a different routine at home.
Undermine Your Confidence: Persistent imposter syndrome can chip away at your confidence, making it harder to perform at your best or enjoy your wins. In a new role, this can hold you back from fully embracing your potential and settling into your new position.

What It Can Take from You

At its worst, imposter syndrome can take away your joy and satisfaction from your achievements. It can make you feel isolated, as if you’re the only one struggling with these feelings, and can prevent you from fully engaging with your new role. Over time, this can lead to burnout and a decreased sense of fulfilment in your career. Not exactly what you were going for when you went for the new role!

Tips to Alleviate Imposter Syndrome

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognise that imposter syndrome is common and doesn’t reflect your actual abilities. Acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it.
Reframe Your Thoughts: Instead of focusing on what you think you lack, remind yourself of your accomplishments and the skills that got you to this point. Remember the factual evidence of your capabilities.
Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague about your feelings. They can offer a new perspective and remind you of how great and capable you really are!
Celebrate Your Wins: Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can help reinforce the feeling that you do know what you're doing and that you're more than capable for this new role.
Embrace Growth: Understand that making mistakes and learning from them is part of growth. No one expects perfection, and every experience is a stepping stone to becoming more experienced in your new role.

Take the Next Step

If you feel like imposter syndrome is holding you back in your role, let’s talk. Book a free discovery call with me to explore how partnering together can help you navigate these feelings and thrive in your career.

Or if you'd like more info or have a question, shoot me an email at amy@amycotterillcoaching.com.

Remember, you’ve earned your place—you belong here.