We had one of our Business Owners Round Table meetings today. It was a good and productive meeting as usual. What made this one interesting was seeing a common topic arise: imposter syndrome, but for some reason, it stuck with me into this evening. This topic has come up so many times over the years. I felt it would be good to share my thoughts.
You’ve been running your business for years – maybe even decades. Customers trust you, your team respects you, and your accountant isn’t worried about you (much.) And yet, there it is – imposter syndrome, lurking in the corner like an uninvited guest.
Here’s a secret: even the most seasoned business owners sometimes feel insecure. They often worry they’re just one bad decision away from being “found out.” That little voice whispers, “What if I’m wrong?”
Let’s be clear, feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It means you care and you want to do your best!
- Mistakes happen. Even the best CEOs make mistakes – and then they get back on their game and make adjustments. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re growth in disguise.
- Uncertainty is normal. Running a business means charting unknown territory. If you never feel a little nervous, you’re probably not innovating enough and you’re staying where it’s safe. Safe is nice but that’s not how you grow.
- You’re human – and so are your customers. People connect with authenticity. Owning your humanness and being up front with it builds trust, not doubt.
- Imposter Syndrome can really do a number on you emotionally. If it hits you hard and often, you may want to look at your emotional intelligence and EQ. Here’s a quick SURVEY that might give you an idea of if you need a little help in this area.
So, here’s a reminder: It’s OK to question yourself. It’s OK to feel anxious about big decisions. But don’t let those feelings stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone and growing. Get your superhero cape on and go to work.
Moral of the Story: You’re not an imposter – you’re a leader who’s brave enough to keep learning, adapting, and showing up. And that’s what success really looks like. That’s what a superhero looks like!
