Imposter Syndrome: A Hidden Barrier for Capable Leaders
In the practice of executive coaching, one topic surfaces again and again—often quietly, sometimes sheepishly—but with surprising frequency: Imposter Syndrome.
It’s remarkable how many accomplished professionals, even those with years of experience and solid track records, privately question whether they truly belong in their roles.
What’s more curious—but well-documented—is just how widespread this experience is. Numerous studies confirm that many professionals, including executives, routinely experience feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness, often disproportionate to the reality of their performance. These internal narratives, while rarely spoken aloud, can meaningfully impact leadership effectiveness, decision-making, and well-being.
“Success in the knowledge economy comes to those who know themselves – their strengths, their values, and how they best perform.”
Peter Drucker’s classic essay, Managing Oneself, offers useful perspective on this issue. He encourages leaders to develop deep self-awareness—an understanding not only of their strengths, but also of how they learn, work with others, and deliver results. When leaders skip this introspective work, it’s easier for self-doubt to take root.
But there’s more to the story.
One of the root causes of imposter syndrome among leaders, especially those promoted from high-performing individual contributor roles, is the lack of structured support in making that leap from “doer” to “leader.”
Many organizations promote based on technical skill or business results, yet fail to provide the leadership training, coaching, or context needed for success in a broader, more ambiguous role.
The result?
Smart, capable professionals feel uncertain or inadequate—not because they are inadequate, but because they’ve been placed in a new arena without the tools to thrive. Over time, imposter syndrome can grow from a private doubt into a performance barrier.
But it doesn’t have to.
At Legacy Coaching & Consulting, LLC, we work with leaders and emerging talent to build resilience, develop authentic confidence, and grow into the kind of effective, grounded leaders their teams—and their organizations—need.
If you or someone on your team is navigating a transition, facing persistent self-doubt, or simply ready to grow in leadership impact, let’s have a conversation.
You, your leaders, and your organization deserve to thrive.
Explore more at Legacy Coaching & Consulting, LLC.
Lead with Confidence
Request a complimentary discovery call to explore how executive coaching can help you or the leaders on your team overcome imposter syndrome, build authentic confidence, and lead more effectively.
