STEPPING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped to my chest , “ Excuse me ,” I said . “ You want me to be the next residency program director ?” I was in complete shock . The first thing that popped into my head was that they must be confused . They didn ’ t mean this , they must have me mixed up with someone else . But of course , that was ridiculous , they knew who they were talking to , and they were quite clear . But to be sure , I asked again and the then program director confirmed that he would like me to consider replacing him in the role as he transitioned to a new position . “ Ok ,” I said , in a quiet voice . “ Can I have a day to think about it ?” He laughed and told me that of course , I could . As I went home thinking about this and speaking with my husband about it , his response was equally baffling . “ Of course , you ’ re their choice ,” he told me . “ Think about what you have been doing for the last few years .” And so , I did . He was right , in fact , I had subconsciously been auditioning for this role for the last three years , but I never would have called it that , I was just doing what I thought needed to be done for the program and the learners .
10 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE by KIMBERLY A BOLAND , MD
How many of us have had this response to someone who is clearly trying to sponsor us as we move ahead in our careers ? Or to someone who has given us a compliment or praised us for our achievements . And yet , beneath our quiet “ Thank you ” or “ It takes a team , it wasn ’ t just me ,” lies an insecure soul , afraid to take the credit , to look at who we are through someone else ’ s eyes .
Psychology Today defines imposter syndrome as “ Someone who believes that they are undeserving of their achievements and the high esteem in which they are , in fact , generally held .” Nearly 25-30 % of high achievers may suffer from imposter syndrome and although it is more prevalent in women , men are also susceptible . The question is , once you recognize it , what can you do to help yourself move forward and realize that you really are that accomplished , successful and most importantly , worthy ?
That day in 2007 , when I was asked to be the program director , which I did say yes to , was not the last time I experienced this sense of inadequacy . It happened frequently . When I was accepted into the ELAM ( Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine for women ) program in 2017 , which required nomination by my Dean , I was horrified when I arrived in Philadelphia to meet the other 53 women who I would be working with for the next 10 months .