Imposter Syndrome vs. Growth Mindset

The most surprising revelation I have had in three years as a coach for business leaders is the prevalence of imposter syndrome. A number of the people I coach have a “Wow” factor of 12 on a scale of 1 to 10. I look at them and say, “They’ve made it. Starting with little, they have created a successful business and a wonderful life.” But many of them would say, “Just wait til they find out who I really am? I will lose it all.”

And I am stunned.  I see these people in their growth mindset, but they do not.

Here’s the difference put succinctly by Adam Grant, the renowned organizational psychologist: “Imposter syndrome says, ‘I don’t know what I am doing and it’s only a matter of time until they find out.’ Growth mindset says, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but I’ll get there.’”

Imposter syndrome is that feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, like you don’t belong or deserve your success.

For some time, I tried to logically argue against this feeling. I would carefully trace the choreography of their lives, their decisions and demonstrate their success against a measurable standard, such as operating profit margin or revenue growth.

Guess where that approach gets this “wise coach”? Yeah. Nowhere.

In his book, “Hidden Potential,” Grant tells me (well, not exactly me. He is not talking directly to Tim Gallagher, although I think he should do that from time to time.) that I am doing it all wrong.

Grant himself has struggled with imposter syndrome. But he says it is not a weakness. It is an indication that you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. You are taking risks. Challenging yourself and you are in a …. wait for it …. (trumpets sounding) “growth mindset.” Grant writes: “The mark of high achievers is not that they never feel like imposters; it’s that they accept those feelings as part of the process.”

It is a normal feeling to think you are in over your head, occasionally. But how do you deal with it.

To start with, share it with your peer group, or even your business coach (who can learn how to shut up and not try to argue with your feelings). It is more than likely that your colleagues have been right there with you and can support you and offer their perspectives. When you share your struggles, you relieve yourself of some of the burden of carrying this alone and you create connections and foster a culture of psychological safety.

Finally, you should give yourself a break. Think about progress, not accomplishment. Look at how far you have come. Yes, there have been failures, but success is rarely a straight line. A setback does not mean you are an imposter.

And I promise to listen more and argue less.