A Tip for Managing Your Imposter Syndrome in the Boardroom

by | Jun 23, 2022 | InPower Moments

The worst feeling in the world is standing up to make a high-stakes presentation and hearing the voice of your inner critic or the imposter nattering in your ear. It can be deflating and it’s almost always anxiety-producing.

If you’re not careful the Imposter Syndrome will undermine your performance and credibility before an audience that needs to know how good you are.

There are lots of deeply introspective ways to reprogram your inner voices to support you, but in the moment you’re under pressure, who has time for all that?

Here’s a quick tip. When you hear your inner voice casting self-doubt, do this:

Don’t fight it or even pay attention to it. Remember why you’re there and who invited you to this table. Let their faith in you be real. “If they think I can do it, I believe I can do it.”

After all, when you’re playing a high-stakes game, a lack of faith in yourself is a lack of faith in everyone who genuinely believes you should be there.

You just have to let their faith carry you through the end of the event. And if it’s successful, allow the success in. Take credit for it. This will quiet down your inner voice of doubt.

Over time, this little trick will help you move beyond “fake it ‘til you make it” confidence strategies and build up an authentic belief in yourself that is always present.

Try it!

What are your tips for managing the inner critic? Share your ideas in comments below.

For more on the Imposter Syndrome check out this article: Imposter Syndrome: Not Just for Women Anymore

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Dana Theus

Dana Theus

Dana Theus is an executive coach specializing in helping you activate your highest potential to succeed and to shine. With her support emerging and established leaders, especially women, take powerful, high-road shortcuts to developing their authentic leadership style and discovering new levels of confidence and impact. Dana has worked for Fortune 50 companies, entrepreneurial tech startups, government and military agencies and non-profits and she has taught graduate-level courses for several Universities. learn more
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