The truth about impostor

feelings

Impostor Syndrome is a phenomenon that most of us will have heard of, and for good reason.

According to a YouGov survey, half of Britons identify with at least 2 out of 5 Impostor Syndrome characteristics with

- two-thirds saying they have difficulty accepting compliments and praise

- 6 in 10 (57%) saying they criticise themselves more than others criticise them

But Impostor Syndrome isn't just self-doubt. It’s that persistent feeling of being a 'fraud,' as if you'll be 'found out' despite your accomplishments. And it affects so many working professionals.

I’ve seen brilliant minds, from CEOs to recent graduates, hold themselves back because of nagging doubts about their competence. But it’s not just feeling uneasy about your capabilities; I’ve seen this phenomenon prevent truly talented individuals from reaching their full potential.

Remember, experiencing this doesn’t reflect your actual capabilities or accomplishments. I've felt it, too. It's a common occurrence, especially when we're pushing our boundaries.

If you think you’re experiencing Impostor Syndrome, get in touch and find out how you can start to overcome your inner critic.

Mary Leonard 10/07/2024

Take control of your story

Do you feel like you're playing a leading part in your success story?

Or is it pure luck that you’ve wound up in the role you’re in?

That's Impostor Syndrome, and if you’re feeling that way you're definitely not alone.

Since I posted my top tips for addressing impostor feelings I’ve had several requests for more information. So here’s what I’ve learned about this common phenomenon that affects so many professionals.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Many of us secretly worry that our achievements are just flukes and someday, someone will discover that we aren’t as competent as others think we are.

Ignoring these feelings doesn't just steal your peace; it can also steal your potential. When we fear being 'exposed,' we might hesitate to make changes or pursue new opportunities.

Here are my tried and tested strategies to help overcome this phenomenon:

1. Normalise the Discussion - Talk openly about Impostor Syndrome. The more we discuss it, the less power it has.

2. Record Your Successes - Keep a log of your positive feedback and achievements. When doubt creeps in, your track record can be your best advocate.

3. Mentorship and Support - Engage regularly with mentors who can provide perspective and validate your skills and contributions.

4. Continuous Learning - Invest in your professional development to solidify your confidence in your skills.

Take Action Today

Write down three things you did well this week. Did you handle a tough client call? Deliver a project on time? Each small victory is a building block to reaching your potential.

Want to explore strategies to overcome Impostor Syndrome or discuss how it's affecting your career? Send us a message to start the discussion.

Mary Leonard 11/08/2024

Stuck on a tricky problem

at work? 

You’re not alone.

Every day, we encounter hurdles that can stall our progress - a technical issue, a client conflict, or an internal team disagreement. Mastering the art of problem-solving is not just about finding solutions; it's about finding the right solutions.

Throughout my career, I've faced numerous challenges, from project roadblocks to having to pivot in high-stakes situations. Each problem has taught me that the key isn’t just solving them but also how we approach them. Once we learn to view problems as an opportunity to learn, it truly can change our outlook towards how we respond to them.

Here are the strategies I use to learn when facing a problem:

1. Define the Problem Clearly - Start by articulating what you’re actually trying to solve. This clarity can prevent you from going down unnecessary paths.

2. Break It Down - Large problems are less overwhelming when broken into manageable pieces. Tackle each piece one at a time.

3. Think Laterally - Sometimes, the straightforward solution is not the best one. Looking at the problem from different perspectives can uncover innovative solutions.

4. Gather Team Insights - Collaborate with others. Different viewpoints can spark ideas you might not have considered alone.

5. Reflect and Learn - Every problem solved is an opportunity to learn. Take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t for future challenges.

If you’re experiencing a problem at work, try applying  these strategies to a problem you’re facing.

Sometimes, a slight shift in strategy can dramatically change the outcome. Get in touch to find out one to one coaching could help improve your problem solving skills

Mary Leonard 13/09/2024

Dreading that difficult

conversation at work?

Over the years, I've learned that the dread of difficult conversations often comes from a fear of the unknown. Will they react badly? Will it harm our relationship? But here’s what I found: with the right approach, these fears can be managed and outcomes significantly improved 

Difficult conversations are more than uncomfortable moments - they are opportunities to solve problems, enhance understanding, and strengthen professional relationships. Embracing these conversations can transform potential conflicts into catalysts for collaboration. 

I've been through my share of tough discussions, from budget cuts, performance issues and project delays. Each conversation taught me that the right approach can change not just the outcome but also how you’re perceived as a leader, a colleague or strategic partner. 

Here are my top strategies for successful outcomes.

1. Frame the Conversation Positively - Begin with what you agree on and your shared goals. A positive frame can set the tone for cooperation.

2. Be Empathetic - Understanding doesn’t mean agreeing. Acknowledge the other person's feelings and perspectives to foster a more open dialogue.

3. Be Clear and Direct - Ambiguity leads to misunderstanding. Clearly state your concerns and the changes you believe are necessary.

4. Encourage Feedback - Inviting the other party to share their thoughts can reveal new angles and solutions you hadn’t considered.

5. Agree on Actionable Steps - End with a clear plan. What will be done, who will do it, and when?

Think about a recent or upcoming tough conversation.

Apply these strategies to plan your approach.

Notice how preparing with a clear, structured strategy can influence both your confidence and the results.

If you need guidance on handling a tough conversation or just want to refine your communication skills further, get and see how my coaching approach can transform your professional relationships.

Mary Leonard 11/11/2024

Settling for great instead of

fumbling for perfection

The New Year gives us an opportunity to look to the future and the things we hope to achieve. It’s also a time when we find ourselves reflecting on things that could have gone better.
So, I found myself today thinking back to a time last year when a friend and I were making chicken wings with buffalo sauce dip from scratch. We spent a while carefully crafting our dip and upon tasting it, we thought “This is great, but it could be better.” So, we continued, adding and mixing new ingredients. After about 45 minutes we realised in our quest to make our sauce perfect we had lost what made it great.

So today, in the spirit of the New Year, instead of striving for perfection in the future or obsessing over the mistakes of the past, I wanted to take the opportunity to invite you to be happy with the greatness of the present.

Sometimes we are so wrapped up in a project and wanting to make sure we show all of our best qualities through our work that we can overextend, burn out and be left feeling “If only I’d stopped tweaking this hours ago, I think I’d be a lot happier with the result.” 

Henry Taylor 04/02/2025

How to banish impostor

feelings

Some months ago posted about Impostor Syndrome and received a number of requests for advice on how to tackle it.

Many of the people I have supported in my coaching practice have experienced impostor  feelings so I wanted to share my top tips, based on what I know works.

Identify Trigger Points - Recognise your feelings and learn what makes you feel this way. 

Talk About It - Conversations can be powerful. Discuss your feelings with trusted peers, mentors, or a coach.

Document Your Wins - Put your wins, achievements and recognition into an evidence folder to review and remind yourself when you experience impostor feelings.

Set Realistic Goals - Many of our feelings of inadequacy come from feeling like we need to climb Mount Everest in a few days. In fact what we really need is to plan, practice and tackle the mountain section by section. Realistic goals ensure you’re working towards your objective effectively and realistically. 

If you want to explore your impostor feelings further or want to chat about your professional journey, please get in touch.

Mary Leonard 12/12/2024 

When you’re a coach….

When you’re a coach there’s an expectation that you have ‘everything sorted’, that you are supremely confident, highly resilient and always thinking mindful thoughts.

Well guess what….?

-          I sometimes feel like an impostor and question my abilities

-          I can have moments when I want to hide under the duvet and have a pyjama day

-          There are times I’m driven into a frenzy when organisations that are happy to take my money deliver zero customer service or show any empathy when things go wrong

My point is that no one is perfect. We are all uniquely special and at the same time beautifully imperfect. That is the human state and rather than striving for constant perfection, being a coach has taught me how to embrace my imperfections, celebrate my achievements and ask for help when I’m feeling overwhelmed. This gives me the strength and resilience to move forward and make a difference.

So thanks to everyone who accepts me for who I am – talents and all – and everyone who has believed in me, given me a break and been great to work with. There are too many to mention on what is a very very long list – you know who you are,

If you’d like to know more about coaching and how I can help you get to where you want to be please get in touch

Mary Leonard 02/05/2025