How the Impostor Syndrome is Holding You Back and How to Overcome It

#001 - 5 Tips to Eliminate It.

Too long to read:

• Intro: who I am and why I launch the Scaletter

• What is Impostor Syndrome

• 5 ways to overcome it

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Intro.

Bonjour! I'm Valentin Baron, Founding Partner at Leadnscale and professional Headhunter & Leadership and Team coach. I'm thrilled to welcome you to this first edition of the Scaletter, THE newsletter that gives you the tools to scale yourself and your team!

My goal with this is to help you develop leadership skills so you can succeed in any aspect of your life, whether it's your professional career or your personal life.

For me, leadership is not just about having a team to manage, but also about being a role model and having a growth mindset to positively face change. I hope you find inspiration and motivation in this newsletter to become the leader you want to be!

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Now, let's go!

Today I want to talk to you about Impostor Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which a person feels undeserving of their position. This feeling can arise in all areas of life, including the organizational world.

Often, the most successful leaders can feel like impostors, fearing they might be exposed as incompetent or frauds at any moment. This can lead to anxiety, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem.

I tell you this because I see it a lot in my coaching clients, and I've experienced it myself, especially when I decided to launch my own business LeadnScale!

I grew up in the suburbs of Paris, in a middle-class family where entrepreneurship was never an option. This made me think that entrepreneurship wasn't for me and that it was something you either had in your blood or not, so I always felt this impostor syndrome at the beginning!

After a long journey, I overcame it although it comes back from time to time, and I want to share the tips that helped me:

1. Acknowledge your achievements

Instead of focusing on what you can't do or what you don't know how to do, make a list of your achievements and the positive things you've done. It's important to realize that you've come as far as you have for a reason. You're probably more talented than you think!

2. Talk to other leaders

Find a mentor or a group of mentors who can help you realize that your feelings are common and natural. Learning from their experiences and seeing how they've overcome impostor syndrome can help you feel more secure. Also, being vulnerable with other leaders in your organization will allow you to build more trust with them.

3. Stop comparing yourself to others

Sometimes, impostor syndrome can result from comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we don't measure up. Remember that you are exceptional and that you have unique skills and talents, and that no two people are identical.

4. Practice self-transcendence

This practice involves looking beyond oneself to find a higher purpose and meaning. By finding meaning in what you do, you can increase your self-esteem and find more confidence in your ability to lead.

5. Seek professional help

If you're dealing with impostor syndrome and feel like you can't overcome it on your own, seek professional help. A coach or a psychologist can help you work through your feelings and find ways to overcome impostor syndrome.

In summary, it's important to acknowledge that impostor syndrome is common among leaders and that you're not the only person experiencing it. By accepting your achievements, learning from your mistakes, and seeking help from others and professionals, you can overcome impostor syndrome and have more confidence in your ability to lead effectively.

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I’m Valentin Baron, Founding Partner at LeadnScale. We focus on building High Performing Teams through Headhunting & Coaching.

Visit LeadnScale.com to know get more info about services and read what our customers say about us!

Feel free to reach out by email at valentin@leadnscale.com if you think we could be of help for you as an individual or a business.