The Boardroom Beat #39 - Coaching Is... an Imposter Buster

#2 Of the a Five Part Series “Coaching is…..”

Coaching is an Imposter Buster. Because identifying and nullifying the imposter voice is such a common coaching area, I have already published multiple articles and sponsored dedicated workshops on the topic. Here is an overview.

Prior Content

Imposter Syndrome (April 2021)

Objective: To inform and encourage

Synopsis: Although Imposter Syndrome first appeared on my radar in coaching sessions in 2017, this was the first article that I published on the topic. I characterized it at the time as the biggest least talked about topic in leadership circles, referring to it as “the elephant in the (board) room.” It ranges from worry about underperforming on assignments to more pervasive fear of being discovered as wholly inadequate. At best it detracts from enjoying life; At worst it impacts mental and physical health. This article offers self-reflection questions and encourages readers to address imposter feelings, noting that doing so often leads to rapid and meaningful breakthroughs.

Imposter Syndrome? You are Not Alone. (May 2021)

Objective: To normalize and equip

Synopsis: This article highlights key takeaways from a global Imposter Syndrome workshop attended by participants from around the world. The experience helped normalize the phenomenon, providing reassurance and a sense of shared struggle. Attendees learned specific behaviors to defeat the imposter voice. This article features the powerful story of CEO Indre Leleviciene who has since continued to share inspiring and practical insights on overcoming the imposter experience through her own thought leadership.

The Imposter Experience is Not a Syndrome (October 2023)

Objective: To challenge the “new normal” of labeling the Imposter Experience as a “syndrome” by critically examining the language we use.

Synopsis: The term “syndrome” implies a disorder, something pathological, that can leave leaders feeling helpless or ineffective. However, my coaching experience reveals a far more empowering reality. This article introduces three scales for classifying the Imposter Experience, emphasizing that most scenarios encountered in coaching lead to meaningful transformation. Progress typically occurs through:
a) identifying triggers,
b) normalizing the experience,
c) building a personalized response toolkit, and
d) minimizing the adverse effects of imposter thinking. 

Imposter Experience : When your ‘Inner Voice’ is Critical and Untrue (June 2024)

Objective: To illustrate the audacity of the Imposter Voice

Synopsis: This LinkedIN post shares a a client’s experience with a persistent “critical voice” that maintained an emotional stronghold despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The story highlights that overcoming the Imposter Experience often requires not just insight, but ongoing determination and vigilance.
 

What’s New?

*    The increased ease with which clients identify and address Imposter-related blockers.
*    The Increased speed at which imposter experience impact is minimized.
*    The increased percentage of male clients engaging with Imposter themes in coaching.
*    The Increased number of clients who report also working with a therapist on Imposter-related issues.
    

What’s Not New — And Not Going Away?

Terminology may evolve, but one thing remains constant: Coaching IS an imposter experience antidote. Personal and professional growth has long been, and will continue to be, accelerated through coaching partnerships in these related areas:

*    Building confidence in one’s unique personal brand,
*    Releasing limiting assumptions,
*    Daring to dream and think big!