Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Insights from Teresa Sande on the Schmidt List Podcast
Navigating the Complexities of Imposter Syndrome and Leadership
In the latest episode of the Schmidt List podcast, host Kurt Schmidt sits down with Teresa Sande, CEO of Mirror Mirror Strategies, for an enlightening conversation about the intricacies of personality assessments, leadership, and imposter syndrome. With over 25 years of experience in corporate America, Teresa shares her invaluable insights on recognizing, addressing, and overcoming the psychological barriers many high achievers face.
The Reality of Personality Assessments
Kurt and Teresa start their conversation by critically examining popular personality assessments like Myers-Briggs and Strengths Finder. While widely used in corporate environments to categorize employee behaviors and strengths, these tools often lead to oversimplification. Kurt argues that labeling individuals makes it easier for organizations to "box" people" into predefined roles, limiting the potential for personal growth and dynamic behaviors. Teresa echoes this sentiment, noting how corporate environments often fail to account for the unpredictability and evolution of human behavior.
Imposter Syndrome: A Closer Look
Most of the podcast revolves around understanding imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds. First identified in the late 1970s, imposter syndrome predominantly affects high achievers, especially after notable successes like promotions or awards. Teresa discusses how these feelings are exacerbated during transitions from operational roles to strategic leadership positions involving high pressure and visibility.
Addressing False Narratives
One of Teresa's most impactful points concerns the false narratives our brains tell us. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these misleading self-perceptions to combat imposter syndrome. Her framework, "AIM" (awareness, Interruption, and Momentum), provides a structured approach to tackling these issues.
Awareness:
Understanding the origin and triggers of imposter syndrome.
Interruption:
Actively challenging and disrupting negative thought patterns.
Momentum:
Building positive behaviors and sustaining self-confidence over time.
The Role of Self-Perception & External Validation
Kurt highlights another critical aspect – the tendency of individuals to seek external validation. He encourages listeners to focus on self-selection and internal validation, particularly for those navigating job transitions. Teresa adds that self-awareness and self-care are crucial to managing imposter syndrome. A strong relationship between employees and managers, built on trust and shared experiences, fosters a supportive environment where individuals feel recognized and valued.
Gender Disparities and Cultural Norms
The conversation also touches on the gendered aspects of imposter syndrome. Teresa points out that while it affects both men and women, the experience and recovery process differ significantly due to various personal and environmental factors. Women, especially those in underrepresented senior roles, might experience it more intensely, owing to a lack of relatable support systems and representation. Teresa underscores the importance of creating tailored strategies and support systems to combat these challenges, particularly for women and people of color who often face unique barriers.
Foundational Leadership Skills in the Remote Work Era
Regarding the pandemic's impact, Teresa notes that the shift to remote work has exposed some poor leadership skills, highlighting the need for leaders to adapt and connect authentically with their teams. She emphasizes foundational skills like communication, empathy, and managing uncertainty as critical for future-ready leaders.
Seeking Help and Positive Self-Talk
Both Kurt and Teresa stress the importance of seeking help through mentors, coaches, or peer support. Teresa reiterates that combatting imposter syndrome involves acknowledging past accomplishments and fostering a positive and objective internal dialogue.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step
Teresa offers profound guidance for anyone grappling with imposter syndrome. By recognizing the issue, challenging false narratives, and building positive momentum, individuals can overcome these psychological barriers and thrive in their professional roles. For more information on Teresa Sande, Sande's listeners are encouraged to visit teresasandy.com and mirrormirrorstrategies.com or connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram @Fierce_not_Fears.
Teresa Teresa's from corporate America to entrepreneurship and her comprehensive framework for addressing imposter syndrome provide valuable takeaways for leaders and aspiring professionals. Tune into the full episode of Schmidt List to dive deeper into these topics and equip yourself with personal and professional growth tools.