Yesterday, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I found myself reflecting on his extraordinary life. It made me wonder what it must have been like for him to be thrust so suddenly into the spotlight. At the time he began leading the Montgomery bus boycotts, he was only 26 years old. The rest, as they say, is history. But in that pivotal moment, when he decided to become a vocal leader in the Civil Rights Movement, did he ever think he was in over his head, not the right person for such a monumental cause? Did he experience what we now know as “imposter syndrome?”
For those unfamiliar with the term, imposter syndrome essentially describes the feeling of inadequacy despite a proven track record of past successes. Many people encounter this when starting a new job where they lack extensive experience, or when promoted to a role with significantly greater responsibilities than before—for instance, transitioning from a team member to a leadership position.
Needless to say, feeling like an imposter isn’t a pleasant experience. However, this very feeling can surprisingly offer significant advantages.
Why? Because individuals who enter a new role with overconfidence are often the least prepared and most ill-equipped when confronted with unforeseen challenges. They frequently disregard the input of others. And when they encounter an obstacle during implementation, they are quick to give up. While this isn’t universally true, I’ve witnessed it enough times to suggest it’s at least a 50/50 probability.
Contrast this with someone who either lacks excessive confidence or is simply realistic about their current capabilities. These are the individuals who strive to be thoroughly prepared. They dedicate time to thoughtful planning, ask pertinent questions, actively listen to advice, and persevere through initial difficulties because they are motivated to disprove their own feelings of inadequacy.
The crucial caveat here is that if you are experiencing imposter syndrome, you must not allow your fear to dictate your decisions or prevent you from making any decisions at all. Ultimately, we must possess sufficient self-belief to follow through with our plans and make timely, yet sound, judgments. It’s also essential to grant yourself permission to make mistakes. In almost all instances, a single misstep will not derail your career.
So, if you step into your new job or promotion and the thought crosses your mind, “Why on earth did they choose me?” don’t despair. Don’t lose faith in your abilities. Recognize that you were selected for a reason, and now is your opportunity to validate that decision. You might feel like an imposter now, but in due time, you’ll realize that this temporary feeling doesn’t define your true capabilities.