Are you haunted by imposter syndrome?

October welcomes all the spooky feels, with darker nights and pumpkins in abundance. But for many leaders, the real haunting doesn’t come from outside. It comes from within.

Nothing can be more chilling than that whispering voice that says, “You don’t belong here.”

Or the unsettling feeling that everyone’s watching and waiting for you to be “found out.”

That’s the essence of imposter syndrome: the feeling that your success is undeserved or temporary, and that sooner or later someone will discover you’re not as capable as they think. For leaders, this fear can be particularly intense. After all, leadership often means visibility, decision-making, and standing in the spotlight.

And it’s easy to feel as though every eye is on you.

When self-doubt creeps in

Many leaders experience moments where confidence falters:

• Stepping into a new role or promotion: questioning whether you’ve truly earned it.
• Leading more experienced or outspoken colleagues: worrying that your authority will be challenged.
• Making difficult decisions under pressure: fearing a single misstep will reveal a weakness.
• Speaking in high-stakes meetings: sensing that all attention is on you, waiting for you to stumble.

These scenarios can make leadership feel isolating. Yet these experiences are far more common than most people realise. Even accomplished leaders wrestle with the same insecurities behind closed doors.

Turning fear into confidence

The good news is that these feelings can be managed and even transformed into a strength. Confidence isn’t about never feeling fear; it’s about learning how to manage it.

1. Acknowledge the feeling. Naming imposter syndrome takes away its mystery. Recognise when self-doubt surfaces, and treat it as information, not truth.
2. Collect the evidence. Keep a record of your achievements, feedback, and milestones. When doubt creeps in, revisit tangible reminders of your capability.
3. Seek perspective. Talk openly with mentors, peers, or coaches. You’ll quickly learn that imposter feelings are not a sign of weakness; they’re a shared human experience.
4. Reframe the narrative. Instead of “I’m not ready,” try “I’m learning and growing into this role.” Growth is what leadership is all about.
5. Stay present. When you catch yourself worrying about how others perceive you, focus on the task at hand. Most people are more focused on their own performance than on scrutinising yours!

Leading beyond the shadows

Authentic leadership is not about never feeling uncertain; it’s about embracing vulnerability and leading with self-awareness. Confidence grows not from perfection, but from progress, preparation, and perspective.

So this Halloween season, as talk of ghosts fills the air, remember: the scariest stories are often the ones we tell ourselves. Trust your capability and own your place at the table.