Imposter Phenomenon - Are We Being Unhelpfully labelled?

When I experienced imposter phenomenon in 2014, not knowing then what it was or giving a name to how I was feeling, I felt that I didn't belong, that I wasn't good enough, had low self-confidence, and struggled with my anxiety. None of this sounds positive does it?! However, I was in a new role, in a new part of the business, and with new people therefore the opposite view of imposter phenomenon that I've learnt in recent years is that I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone, trying something new, challenging myself, and aiding my growth. I was learning and realising my capabilities and fulfilling my true potential. That all sounds a lot more positive!

My intention when exploring imposter syndrome/phenomenon in my work as a coach and trainer is always to raise awareness, educate, and empower individuals to consider what they think, explore their thoughts and emotions, and do something different should they choose to. I don't think it should be used as a label to pass responsibility onto the individual to fix issues which are actually external and not internal. But I find naming things can be helpful to us to acknowledge that something is wrong and to bring it into existence for us to then discuss, explore, and take action. This was what I lacked when I experienced it 10 years ago. At that time it was not known about on a broad scale, nor being spoken of, and so the feelings I had felt only true to me. I didn't have the support to understand what was going on. This made me feel very isolated, alone, and exacerbated my lack of self-belief and self-worth.

The terminology exists so we shouldn’t pretend otherwise but we can choose how to best use it and support others to consider how they feel about it and what’s true for them.

Read further on as I explore comfort zones and learning zones.

Get into The Zone

Last week I was privileged once again to join the award winning Women’s Network at Thames Water to lead and facilitate one of their invaluable lunch and learn sessions.

In the session we explored together the idea and practice of personal leadership and responsibility. This is a key priority for Thames Water as they continue to navigate a period of change to successfully manoeuvre the business forward positively.

Leading ourselves successfully means adapting to changes and events around us, often out of our control, in a way which best serves us and those we interact with, and which delivers the outcomes we want. It requires us to acknowledge opportunities for learning, development and growth despite set-backs. In the session I shared the skill of emotional agility and having a growth mindset which requires us to understand and challenge our comfort zones. Our comfort zone is that which we’re most familiar with and feel safe in but growth doesn’t happen here. To grow and develop we need to stretch and challenge ourselves to unlearn, and relearn, what we’re fully capable of. This means proactively spending time in our learning and growth zones. This may require us to step into our fear zone temporarily - for we’re often fearful of that which we don’t know or understand, yet - but with the intention of pushing ahead, and through, into the spaces where we expand and succeed. How can you help yourself, and your team(s), to spend time in the learning zone this week?

What I've Been Up To

October was a busy month juggling guests visiting us in Cape Town, prioritising my health, and exciting new work projects. This included the development of the brand new DRIVE management training programme from the Women’s Utilities Network (WUN) which I am delighted and excited to be a part of. We’ve already almost sold out our first two cohorts! Visit thewun.co.uk if you’re keen to learn more and to hear about future programme deliveries in 2025.

What I've Been Listening To

Coaches Rising: 221 - Peter Hawkins: Beyond Coaching

The Coaches Rising podcast is produced by Coaches Rising, a business dedicated to delivering transformative training to coaches globally.

In this episode Coaches Rising co-founder Joel Monk interviews Peter Hawkins. Hawkins is the Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School, as well as a leading consultant, writer and researcher in leadership, leadership development, and a thought leader in executive coaching, team coaching, and supervision.

In this specific episode Hawkins joins Monk in a conversation challenging the traditional notions and ideas of coaching. It’s a challenging listen but definitely got me thinking about my own style and skill as a coach and about being mindful of the systems at play for my clients which are informing and influencing their thoughts and decisions. Listen now on Spotify.

What I've Been Reading

Association for Coaching, Coaching Perspectives Magazine, October 2024 Edition 43

I’ve been a contributing writer to the Association for Coaching’s Coaching Perspectives magazine since June 2022 and in October they released their 43rd edition. For this edition I reviewed Tim Ludwig’s podcsst Transitions and his episode with Chris Powers which centred around Powers experience with embracing vulnerability, humility, and balance. This is a very personal insight into Powers story as a successful entrepreneur and the twists, turns, trauma, personal exploration and learning he has experienced.

The AC’s magazine is a rich resource of information containing a range of articles, reviews, tools, and references which can benefit individuals in coaching, mentoring, and leadership roles. Visit associationforcoaching.com to subscribe.

The Coaching Cast: Creating a Money Mindset with Ed Fraser, The Parent Money Coach

For our 93rd episode we are thrilled to be joined by The Parent Money Coach Ed Fraser to talk about creating a money mindset. In the episode we chat to Ed about his personal experience of growing his confidence with money and having financial conversations, how our parents and childhood influence our attitudes to money as adults, and how talking about money helps us to be better with it. Listen now across all major platforms and via our website thecoachingcast.co.uk

I'm The Middle Manager Coach

Being a manager shouldn’t be 💩. I work with managers, leaders, and their businesses using coaching and training to ensure that it isn’t. I support individuals to have the knowledge and awareness to embrace their roles with energy and enjoyment, connect with their confidence and capabilities, and take control of their development and growth, to ensure that they thrive for themselves, their teams, and their businesses. Because when we enjoy what we do, we do a great job. It’s that simple. Contact me to learn more about my coaching packages and training programmes or visit gripcoaching.co.uk.