5 Impostor Syndrome Myths Every Leader Needs to Stop Believing

When I first stepped into academic leadership, I was surrounded by smart, accomplished colleagues. Peers who, like me, had several degrees, countless published articles, and years of professional teaching experience under their belt. And yet, I constantly felt like I was one mistake away from being kicked off the team. Being "found out" as the academic fraud I surely was. No matter how many successes I had or how similar my credentials were to my peers, I questioned whether I really belonged.

That's the insidious power of impostor syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon): it convinces capable people they're frauds. And it doesn't just hurt individuals, it undermines entire teams and organizations.

The good news is this: you can fix impostor syndrome. But the first step is to stop believing the myths that keep it alive. Let's break down five of the most common ones.

Myth 1: Only Inexperienced Leaders Struggle with Impostor Syndrome

I used to think impostor feelings were something I'd eventually "grow out of." But here's the reality: even the most seasoned leaders feel them. I've known full professors, deans, and executives outside of academia who've admitted to doubting their competence behind closed doors.

Experience doesn't automatically erase impostor syndrome. In fact, sometimes the higher you climb, the louder the self-doubt becomes.

Want to start retraining your thoughts? Grab my free weekly impostor-busting mantras to help quiet the inner critic.

Myth 2: Confidence Will Make it Go Away

Confidence and impostor syndrome are not opposites. I've led meetings where I outwardly projected confidence while internally second-guessing every word.

Confidence is situational. It rises and falls. But impostor syndrome is a deeper pattern of thought that needs intentional rewiring.

Myth 3: Admitting Impostor Syndrome Makes You Look Weak

Early in my leadership journey, I kept my impostor feelings hidden. I thought if people knew I was struggling, they'd lose respect for me. What I eventually learned is that naming the experience doesn't show weakness, it shows humanity.

In fact, admitting to impostor syndrome often builds strong trust. Colleagues realize they're not alone, and teams open up about their own struggles. That vulnerability creates connection, not weakness.

Myth 4: Working Harder Will Fix Impostor Syndrome

One semester, I said "yes" to nearly every committee and extra project, thinking that if I just worked harder, I'd finally feel secure. Instead, I burned myself out.

Overwork never fixes impostor syndrome. If anything, it reinforces the belief that you have to constantly "prove" your worth. The real fix comes from reshaping how you view your value, not how many tasks you check off.

If this sounds familiar, my free weekly impostor-busting mantras are a simple way to start shifting your inner dialogue from "not enough" to "more than capable."

Myth 5: Impostor Syndrome Only Affects Individuals

When I became a department chair, I saw firsthand how my own self-doubt trickled down to my team. If I hesitated to take ownership, they hesitated too. If I questioned whether I belonged in leadership, others mirrored that uncertainty.

Impostor syndrome is contagious. And when leaders carry it, entire teams suffer. That's why addressing it isn't just self-care, it's leadership responsibility. In my post "How Impostor Phenomenon Could Be Holding Your Team Back," I dig deeper into how these patterns undermine team performance.

Breaking Free From the Myths

The myths around impostor syndrome keep leaders stuck in cycles of overwork, self-doubt, and silence. The truth is: you can silence impostor syndrome, but it requires more than surface-level changes. It requires consistent, intentional practice to reshape how you see yourself.

And you don't have to do it alone.

I've lived through impostor syndrome in academic leadership, and I know how exhausting it feels. But I also know it doesn't have to define you.

If you're ready to throw impostor syndrome where it belongs (in the trash), let's talk. I offer a free Discovery Call, a no-pressure conversation where we can explore what's fueling your self-doubt and how to start building the confidence you deserve.