Feeling like an imposter in your Strategy career?

Imposter syndrome can vary with age. Younger professionals may feel inadequate due to inexperience, while older professionals might struggle with feeling obsolete. Despite age differences, imposter syndrome stems from common feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. Recognizing these dynamics is key to addressing and overcoming them effectively. Imposter syndrome is characterized by: Self-doubt Attributing success to luck or external factors Fear of failure Discounting achievements Comparing oneself to others

Imposter Syndrome, characterized by persistent self-doubt and the belief that one's achievements are unearned, can actually be a sign of growth and ambition in the realm of strategy. Instead of viewing these feelings as a negative, consider them an indication that you are pushing your boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace Imposter Syndrome as a natural part of the learning process, and use it as motivation to seek feedback, develop new skills, and continuously improve. By reframing these feelings, you can turn self-doubt into a powerful driver for personal and professional development.

Recognize and Understand Imposter Syndrome: It's crucial to acknowledge that what you're experiencing is a common psychological pattern known as imposter syndrome. This phenomenon occurs when high-achieving individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud." Understanding that this is a widespread issue can help normalize your feelings. Studies show that around 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. This includes professionals from all levels, including top executives, which demonstrates that you're not alone in these feelings.

Reflect on your accomplishments and the skills that have led you to where you are today. Recognize that your successes are a result of your capabilities and hard work. Documenting your achievements by outlining how they began and how they evolved can serve as a powerful motivational tool, reminding you of your progress and capabilities.

Embrace Your Achievements and Qualifications: Take the time to reflect on your journey and list your accomplishments, qualifications, and experiences that have brought you to your current position. This exercise can help solidify your sense of competence and remind you of your capabilities. Reviewing your achievements, no matter how small they seem, can reinforce your self-worth. Regularly updating this list and referring back to it during moments of self-doubt can serve as a powerful affirmation of your skills and accomplishments.

Seek Support and Mentorship: Engage with peers, mentors, or a professional coach to discuss your feelings. Sharing your experiences with others can provide new perspectives and reassurance. Mentors, especially those who have been in your shoes, can offer valuable advice and strategies to cope with imposter syndrome. Additionally, they can help you recognize your strengths and provide constructive feedback. Being part of a supportive community can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

Focus on Continuous Learning and Development: The field of strategy is dynamic, and it's essential to keep updating your knowledge and skills. Embrace a growth mindset, where you see challenges as opportunities for learning rather than as threats to your competence. By continually seeking to improve, you not only enhance your expertise but also build confidence in your abilities. Engaging in professional development activities such as workshops, courses, and conferences can also keep you at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.

Strategic skills are abstract and cannot be easily quantified. Skills such as stakeholder management, problem solving and communication are among the main skills of a strategic consultant, but they can hardly be translated into numbers and performance indicators. Therefore, it is important to keep up with constant feedback from leaders, customers and teammates.