Imposter syndrome is when a person doubts their skills, talents and accomplishments despite external evidence and lives in fear of being exposed as a fraud.
It affects both high achieving men and women, particularly in business and while we would not suggest that it is anything other than a very real condition, in the current circumstances we would argue that it is not a good time to be trying to assess it.
Why?
Because there are so many headwinds besetting businesses from supply chain issues and shortages, to escalating energy bills and the difficulty of recruiting sufficient staff that conditions are anything but “normal”.
All this in a context where various sectors of the workforce are taking strike action.
Consequently, many businesses are struggling and it would be understandable if their CEOs and senior management were to doubt themselves.
However, many of these factors are outside of their control and it would be foolish to blame themselves for the current situation.
Even if people lack confidence that is a long way from believing that they are imposters or suffering from imposter syndrome.
As long as executives make sure they are aware of the current state of their business and where they can go for help if they need it that is all they can do.
We have a cash management tool that can help you keep track and it is free to download.
In the meantime with the festive season on the horizon perhaps it is a good time to take a step back, try to relax and refresh mentally, reconnect with loved ones and return to full business activity in the New Year.