Imposter Feelings in Leaders: Why They Persist and What Helps

What is imposter feeling?

The term “imposter phenomenon” was introduced by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978. It describes a persistent sense of being a fraud, of having succeeded through luck or timing, and of being about to be found out, despite clear evidence of competence. It is not a medical diagnosis, and it is common among high achievers, including senior leaders.

How it shows up in leaders

• Over-preparing and over-working to avoid being exposed.
• Discounting wins and fixating on what went wrong.
• Avoiding stretch roles, visible presentations or tough conversations.
• Struggling to delegate, because you believe only you will get it right.
• Waiting to feel ready before speaking up, pitching or deciding.
• Comparing yourself with peers who seem more certain.

Why it persists

Imposter feelings are driven by automatic thoughts and habits, such as “if I relax, they will see I do not belong.” Success often does not fix them, because each new level brings a new bar and new people to be measured against. Rational reassurance rarely works, because the feeling is not driven by logic.

What helps

1. Name it. Recognizing the pattern reduces its power. You are not the only one.
2. Collect evidence. Keep a short record of results, feedback and decisions that worked, and review it when the feeling spikes.
3. Separate feelings from facts. You can feel like a fraud and still be well qualified.
4. Reframe mistakes. Errors are information, not proof you do not belong.
5. Talk to someone you trust. A mentor, peer or coach often reveals that others feel the same.
6. Change the automatic response. Work on the tension and self-talk that fire in the moment, so you can speak, decide and delegate from a steadier place.

If these feelings are persistent, distressing or tied to low mood or anxiety that affects your daily life, speak with a doctor or licensed mental health professional.

Where mental coaching and hypnosis fit

Robert Barnett works with executives and business owners on confidence and performance under pressure. Hypnosis, together with CBT techniques, NLP methods and visualization, is used to change the automatic self-doubt and tension that show up in key moments, such as presentations, board meetings and difficult decisions, and to build routines for those moments. Sessions are private and one-on-one by Zoom. It is mental performance coaching, not treatment for a clinical condition, and results vary.

Learn more about executive hypnosis coaching or hypnosis for public speaking. If you run your own company, see hypnotherapy for CEOs, founders and business owners.

Robert Barnett, C.Ht., PMP, MBA is a certified hypnotherapist and mental performance coach in Trumbull, CT, with 35+ years of hypnosis experience. He works one-on-one by Zoom with athletes, executives and business owners worldwide. About Robert

This article is for general education. It is not medical or mental health advice and does not replace care from a doctor or licensed clinician. Mental coaching complements, and does not replace, your coach’s training. Results vary.