How to Lead When You Feel Like an Imposter

When I was given my first formal role as a leader, I had a moment of thinking they had made a mistake.

I’ve always been drawn to leadership. Not for the title, but for the chance to make real change, to do things differently, to build something better. So when the opportunity came—when I got offered my first big leadership role—I wanted it badly.

And yet, the moment I stepped into it, I had a sinking feeling that someone, somewhere, had made a terrible error in judgment. And because I’ve had many leadership roles throughout my career, I had this feeling more than a few times! Not too many of my peers or colleagues would have believed that as I certainly conveyed confidence, but the truth is we can all have some inner doubt.

I remember sitting at my desk, staring at my inbox, thinking:
➡ Shouldn’t I feel more... in charge?
➡ What if they realize I have no idea what I’m doing?
➡ Do I even belong here?

It was this weird mix of ambition and insecurity. I wanted to lead. I knew I had ideas worth sharing. But I also had this nagging belief that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t actually cut out for it. That at any moment, someone would tap me on the shoulder and say, Oops, our mistake! We meant to hire someone else—please return your leadership badge at the door.

The funny thing? I now know this is exactly how so many new leaders feel. No one tells you that leadership doesn’t come with a magical surge of confidence. You don’t wake up on Day 1 thinking, Yes, I am now fully qualified to make important decisions and lead teams with unwavering certainty!

Nope. Instead, you walk in, sit down, and think, What have I done?

And yet—despite those doubts—I didn’t fail. In fact, I succeeded. I built programs, led teams, navigated change, and made an impact. And eventually, I started feeling like a leader. But I didn’t get there by waiting for the self-doubt to disappear. I got there by leading anyway.

You may not feel like a leader yet, but every time you help your team, you are leading

The One Small Step That Changed Everything

At some point, in the middle of all that second-guessing, I made one really good decision: I hired a coach.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I needed someone outside my own head—someone who could help me see past the self-doubt and into the reality of what I was actually capable of.

That decision changed everything.

Because here’s what I learned: I wasn’t lacking ability. I was just lacking the belief in my ability. And the only way to build that belief? Start acting like a leader, even before you feel like one.

Here’s how you do that:

How to Lead When You Feel Like an Imposter

1. Stop waiting to feel “ready.”
Newsflash: No one feels ready for leadership. Confidence doesn’t precede action—it follows it. The only way to feel like a leader is to start leading, doubts and all.

2. Talk to yourself like you’d talk to a friend.
If your best friend told you she felt like a fraud at work, would you agree with her? Of course not. You’d remind her of her skills, her experience, and all the reasons she’s actually good at what she does. Do the same for yourself.

3. Lead your way.
Think leadership is about being the loudest voice in the room? Think again. The best leaders aren’t trying to be someone they’re not. They lead by using their strengths—whether that’s deep listening, strategic thinking, or being the person who actually follows through.

4. Get support.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Find a coach, a mentor, a peer group—someone who can remind you, when you forget, that you are more than capable.

Final Thought: Lead Anyway.

Imposter syndrome is annoying, but it’s not a reason to step back. You don’t have to wait until you feel ready—you just have to start leading anyway. And it can really help to know you are not alone - that many, many leaders have self-doubt at times.

And before you know it? You’ll look back and realize… you were a leader all along.