How to build confidence as an executive leader: Move from self-doubt to self-belief

Executive leadership is hard. The pressure to perform and the weight of responsibility can often lead to self-doubt. Even the most accomplished leaders are not immune to imposter syndrome—the pervasive feeling of being a fraud despite clear evidence of success or being unworthy of where you’re at in life or at work. 

In a previous article, Jenn discussed the increasing recognition of imposter syndrome and the encouraging trend of more people talking about it. However, we've found that these conversations are more common among new leaders. As professionals climb the corporate ladder, conversations about imposter syndrome and self-doubt become fewer and farther between, which is concerning.

While you can't completely prevent feelings of self-doubt, you can raise your awareness and take some action to transform those feelings into self-belief. This work is essential for executives to lead effectively and inspire confidence in your team. Here are some practices to help you shift from self-doubt to self-belief.

Talk about it

When you are feeling intense feelings of self-doubt, research from UCLA suggests putting your feelings into words. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and sharing your experiences with people you trust can provide relief and perspective. Start by talking to peers, mentors, and coaches. Ask them about times they've felt in over their heads and experienced similar feelings of self-doubt. This will normalize your feelings and offer valuable insights into how you might be able to navigate them.

Build a support network

We’ve found that the circle of trust often becomes smaller for executives and they often experience a sense of isolation. There are fewer mentors and peers at your level with whom you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. As we mentioned above, talking about your experiences and challenges with others is one of the best antidotes for self-doubt and isolation. Building a support network is an important step to take to regain your sense of competence and belonging.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable with those who have earned your trust. These could be long-term mentors, individuals who have faced similar situations, or peers in similar roles but different industries. Coaches and mental health professionals can also be valuable members of this network. It's important to build a diverse support network where you can freely express your feelings.

Mentor others

Mentoring shifts your focus from your own self-doubt to helping others. Self-doubt can cause you to forget or overlook your knowledge and experiences. Mentoring allows you to reconnect with your wisdom, and remember that you have something valuable that not everyone has. People look up to you for a reason, and sharing your knowledge and experience can strengthen your own confidence and sense of worth.

Celebrate your achievements

Executives who struggle with imposter syndrome often move quickly from one accomplishment to the next without taking the time to celebrate their successes. It prevents you from truly accepting that you have done a good job and are deserving of praise. But you have and are. You have earned where you’re at through your skills and efforts, so create a habit of regularly reflecting on your achievements, both big and small.

Practice self-compassion

Having witnessed it ourselves in our executive coaching clients, you are often your own harshest critic. We know that you feel more pressure to be perfect and to deliver. Be kind to yourself. Challenge your expectations of yourself, especially where they might be unrealistic. It's okay to experience challenges and make mistakes; it’s simply a natural part of growth and leadership. How would you treat a friend going through similar experiences? Start there.

Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are more common than you think—you’re not the only one who feels this way. But by talking about your feelings, building a strong support network, mentoring others, celebrating your achievements, and practicing self-compassion, you can transform self-doubt into self-belief.

At Incito, we operate with the knowledge that executives are people first and their roles second. We understand the doubts and challenges that come with your responsibilities, and we’re passionate about helping you build more confidence. If a fresh perspective on leadership is what you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!