How impostor syndrome can actually make you become a better leader

In 2024, an overwhelming 71% of US CEOs and executives admitted to experiencing impostor syndrome, and it’s not hard to understand why.

Impostor syndrome is often defined as a behavioral trait that involves persistent feelings of self-doubt and low confidence despite one’s success. In short, it can make you feel like a fraud.

Given the mounting pressure, leaders tend to be more self-critical and conscious of their actions. They can’t afford to make mistakes, not when people depend on them.

Because of this, most people view impostor syndrome as a crutch. But with a slight shift of perspective, you can actually turn this negative trait into a positive one. Here are some great habits you can develop from its usual symptoms that can help you become a better leader.

From perfectionism to excellent attention to detail

If you hold a leadership position, you’re probably even more of a perfectionist than the average person. You scrutinize every aspect to make sure everything’s flawless. After all, one mistake is all it takes to lose big opportunities in today’s highly competitive business landscape.

It is because of this rigidity that perfectionism is perceived negatively. It has its advantages, but it can also hinder growth — whether that be your own or your team’s. While it can be tougher to overcome when you have impostor syndrome, you can still turn things around by how you act on your perfectionist tendencies.

Think about this: You can’t expect the same level of perfection from everyone, but you have the freedom to demand it from yourself. When you look at perfectionism as an intrinsic motivator, not something required from others, you gain better control of how you execute tasks, as well as your relationship with employees.

Instead of demanding perfection 100% of the time, try to manage what you can. This sharpens your attention to detail and quenches the thirst to do all things right. See if all moving parts work or if adjustments can be made. If certain conditions can’t be met because of reasonable circumstances, learn to adapt instead of forcing strict ideals. 

A recent study showed that leaders who are “self-oriented” perfectionists tend to exhibit traits more geared toward servant leadership. In this case, perfectionism is used to better yourself — how you work, plan and delegate — instead of expecting everyone to be the same. This mindset allows you to have more control without overstepping your authority.

From self-criticism to humility

With impostor syndrome, you become your harshest critic. It can get dark sometimes, and you risk being swallowed by your own doubts and negative self-talk. As a leader who juggles several responsibilities, however, you simply cannot afford to shut down when the noise gets louder.

Leaders with impostor syndrome feel mistakes 100 times more. As mentioned previously, being a perfectionist seems inevitable, and flawlessness is a non-negotiable. However, constantly going over mistakes or what you should and shouldn’t do can affect the way you lead. Lower self-esteem can result in less involvement in decision-making and reduced confidence in leading a team.

The key to battling self-criticism is acceptance, and to do so, you need humility. Simple actions like acknowledging limitations despite the urge to be perfect and being open to learning can already help mitigate impostor syndrome. These might even allow you to improve your relationship with your team.

Leaders who see mistakes as learning opportunities instead of dents in their image positively influence team members and organizational improvement more. So, instead of drowning alone in self-judgment, reach out and seek help from your team. You’re there to guide them, but they’re also there to supplement what you lack. You don’t have to carry the burden.

From feeling like a fraud to embracing your capacity

By the name itself, impostor syndrome can make you feel like an impostor or a fraud, regardless of how much you’ve achieved or your high position. It’s the top symptom of this condition, which leads to developing the destructive habits mentioned before.

Unlearning this is easier said than done. It’s a battle against yourself, and it takes more than constant success to stop feeling like you don’t deserve your flowers. If anything, more success might make things harder — at least psychologically.

But at the end of the day, whether you feel deserving or not, you are where you are because of your skills. Practicing mindfulness can help lessen perceived fraudulence and allow for acceptance.

Group support or leader-member exchanges have been cited as good methods of intervention. At Digital Silk, we require managers to undergo further leadership training to set expectations for new and even seasoned leaders. This safe space also teaches how to handle teams and pressure. With this kind of community, leaders gain more self-confidence and reduce feelings of inadequacy.

Transforming “I can’t” to “We can”

Despite how common it is, having impostor syndrome is a lonely experience. This is even more pervasive when you’re a leader. After all, you wouldn’t want your members worrying and doubting your skills, so you tend to hide this part of you.

But the truth is, impostor syndrome weakens in the face of acceptance and community. When you allow other people to see your vulnerability, it’s easier to accept that you don’t always have to be perfect to be the best.

You’re in this position because others have put their trust in you. And those same people are perfect reminders of why you can,  and should, lead.

By transforming negative traits into positive, doable actions, you take away the fear that impostor syndrome imposes. More importantly, you are reminded that your leadership is something you earned and something you can control.