Why calling it "Imposter Syndrome" is holding you back (and what to do instead)

THE ART & SCIENCE OF LEADING SELF
The Power of Emotional Awareness

My friend, let's talk about what's really happening when you feel like you don't belong in your leadership role.

In 1978, psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes identified what they called the "imposter phenomenon" among high-achieving women. Since then, this experience has been widely labeled as "Imposter Syndrome." Studies over the years have expanded the population of those impacted by “Imposter Syndrome” to include men, people of color, first-generation professionals, top executives, and more.

But here's what you need to know: labeling self-doubt, fear of failure, perfectionism, and many of the other commonly associated feelings as a “syndrome” might actually be holding you back.

Subject vs Object: It Matters 🤯

When you frame your experience as a syndrome, you cast yourself as subject to something beyond your control. It's as if you're saying, "This is happening to me, and I can't do anything about it." This framing diminishes your agency precisely when you need it most.

Instead, let's shift the focus to what's actually occurring: you're experiencing specific emotions. These might include uncertainty, fear, or self-doubt. By identifying and naming these emotions specifically, you transform your relationship with the experience.

This isn't just positive thinking - it's supported by neuroscience. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett's research shows that greater emotional granularity - the ability to precisely identify and label emotional experiences - leads to better emotional regulation and decision-making capacity.

Consider how differently these statements feel: "I have Imposter Syndrome" versus "I'm noticing feelings of uncertainty about my capabilities."

The first statement positions you as powerless. The second puts you in an observer role, creating space between you and the emotion. This space is where your power lies.

This shift in perspective aligns with Robert Kegan's work on adult development and the subject-object shift. When you can hold your emotions as object rather than being subject to them, you gain the capacity to work with them more effectively.

Even accomplished tech leaders grapple with these feelings. As Sheryl Sandberg shared: "Every time I was called on in class, I was sure that I was about to embarrass myself." But notice how she describes a specific situation and the emotions it triggered, rather than labeling herself with a syndrome.

In today's complex business environment, you're facing unprecedented challenges. You're called to do more with less, navigate increasing uncertainty, and lead through constant change. These circumstances naturally trigger emotions of doubt, anxiety, or inadequacy.

The Power of Reframing

Instead of wrapping yourself in the blanket of "Imposter Syndrome," try these reframes:

• From "I am overwhelmed" to "I am feeling overwhelmed right now"

• From "I don't belong here" to "I'm noticing thoughts about not belonging"

• From "I'm not qualified enough" to "I'm experiencing uncertainty about my qualifications"

Each reframe creates space between you and the emotion, empowering you to respond rather than react.

So, my humble advice: When it comes to labeling yourself with Imposter Syndrome, just say no. Label your emotions instead.

FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION
Putting It Into Practice

Start with this simple practice:

1. Notice when you're tempted to use the phrase "Imposter Syndrome"

2. Pause and identify the specific emotions present

3. Reframe your experience using "I am feeling" or "I am noticing"

4. Observe how this shift changes your relationship with the experience

Remember: You're not broken and don't need fixing. You're experiencing normal emotions that come with leadership challenges. Your power lies in how you relate to these emotions.

DEEPENING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Resources for You

💡 Looking for practical emotional awareness exercises? Susan David's work offers concrete tools. (Link) 

🎯 Why you should stop telling women they have Imposter Syndrome (Link)

🤔 Ready to explore imposter syndrome as a collective issue rather than an individual flaw? (Link)

🎤 This powerful TED Talk continues to reshape how we think about vulnerability in leadership (Link)

EXCELLENCE UNBOUNDED
How I Can Help You

Misalignment or Alignment? 5 Clues Reveal the Truth:

✅ Decisions Keep Coming Back to You as the CEO
✅ The Same Conversations Keep Happening Without Real Decisions
✅ Your Leadership Team Operates in Silos
✅ Your Best People Seem Frustrated or Disengaged
✅ You Have a Strategy, But Execution Keeps Stalling

Book a call to learn more about The Executive Alignment Playbook 🚀.

Realign your leadership team. Accelerate execution. Drive measurable results.

🎤 Speaking Engagements: My mom can attest to the fact that I LOVE to talk. 😂 Now, I put that talent to work delivering talks on Mindset, Courage, Resilience, & Innovation.

A few past clients include KraftHeinz, Amazon Women @ Payments, PAHEi, & the Panamá Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (I delivered this talk in Spanish).

If you are interested in having me speak at your event, please fill out this form.

Until next Sunday,

Shawnette