Imposter Syndrome is Good

Happy Thursday!  Here’s what you need to know in tech in under 2 minutes…

What tech leaders should be thinking about this week:  How to think differently about Imposter Syndrome.  I remember my early days at Microsoft … Harvard MBA to my left, Stanford grad to my right.  The question I was asking myself: “What the heck could I possibly add to this meeting?” Classic Imposter Syndrome.  While this is part of every tech professional’s experience, a recent NYTimesOpinion podcast featuring Pete Buttigieg inspired me to think differently about challenging, “I-don’t-want-to-be-here” moments like my conference room anxiety attack. Buttigieg spoke about using these situations as a call-to-action to think (and act) differently, with an eye for efficiency, creativity, and overall improvement. His thesis:  Difficult times call for us to not give into our insecurities; rather, to step-up, be brave, and push for a better experience.

Why this is important:  No one likes the feeling of Imposter Syndrome(me included). Clients at every level in tech struggle with the insecurity, shame, and risk-avoidance. In fact, according to a study by Korn-Ferry, over70% of employees suffer regularly from the impact(s) of Imposter Syndrome.  It’s affecting the bottom line too, costing billions of dollars in lost productivity, stifled innovation, and increased turnover. Thinking differently when experiencing Imposter Syndrome will not only help the employee experience, but also the productivity, products, and profits for the organization.

Where you’ll see impact:  When you ask yourself, “How can I use this insecurity to create something better” you’re not giving-into this main effect of Imposter Syndrome.  You’ll quickly get out of your head and start coming-up with solutions including:

1. More creative thinking. Simply asking the question “What’s another way to think about this?” will instantly create a new approach.

2. Better partnerships. You’ll have more authentic conversations with your co-workers when you don’t care what school theyattended (or anticipate what they’re going to contribute to the meeting).

3. Faster impact. Imposter Syndrome slows everything down. Acknowledging it and moving through it will allow you to solve the problem(s) in record time.

4. More fun. Who wants to feel bad all the time? Not me!

Value Add – Additional ways to show-up as a leader:  A good friend (and mentor) sent me a YouTube from Ryan Holiday (author of “The Daily Stoic”) on another way to tackle difficult situations (both on-and-off the job). It’s a great, 3-minute reminder of how much is in your control.  Take a watch (or listen) over your morning coffee tomorrow!

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Here’s to your Engaged Pursuit!