Are You a Fraud? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Project Management

Have you ever felt like you’re secretly less capable than everyone thinks you are? Do you worry about being "found out," even after delivering successful projects?

If so, you might be experiencing impostor syndrome. This isn't a rare feeling; studies suggest nearly 70% of people experience it at some point, and project managers are particularly exposed.

Project management is a demanding role, involving leading teams, managing complex tasks, and being accountable for results. Sometimes, there is an unsaid expectation of knowing everything that is going on. Even when you rack up substantial expertise in an area, you will get put on a different type of project, or a new technology will crop up, etc. It's always something!

These unique pressures make PMs especially vulnerable to the persistent feeling that they are a fraud despite clear evidence of their competence. If left unaddressed, impostor syndrome can be career-limiting.

Why Project Managers Are Particularly Prone

Several factors inherent to the Project Manager role contribute to these feelings:

• Leadership Pressure: As a Project Manager, you're expected to have answers, make tough decisions, and guide your team through uncertainty. This constant visibility can amplify self-doubt.

• Perfectionism: Many Project Managers strive for flawless execution. When perfection isn’t achieved, which is common in dynamic project environments, they may internalise it as a personal failure.

• Rapid Change: Especially in sectors like IT and technology, the continuous evolution of tools and processes can make even experienced Project Managers feel like they are struggling to keep up.

• Shared Success: Project management is inherently collaborative. Project Managers may find it difficult to accept individual praise, attributing wins to luck or the team, which further fuels feelings of being an impostor.

Additionally, the role of a PM is such that one tends to hear more bad news than good. So it can be hard to feel like you or your team is progressing unless you get positive feedback on a regular basis.

How Imposter Syndrome Manifests

These feelings can show up in various ways for project managers:

• Self-Doubt: Constantly questioning your own skills and decisions, even after repeated successes.

• Fear of Exposure: Anxiety that others will discover you aren’t as competent as you appear.

• Avoidance: Steering clear of applying for promotions or new opportunities because you feel unworthy.

• Perfectionism: Never turning the ‘off’ button. Overworking and micromanaging details in an attempt to avoid mistakes often leading to burnout.

• Difficulty Accepting Praise: Attributing your accomplishments to luck or external factors instead of your own abilities.

  
  

The Impact on Your Performance and Well-Being

When unchecked, imposter syndrome can have significant negative consequences:

• Decreased productivity and innovation.

• Increased stress and anxiety.

• Lower job satisfaction and potential burnout.

• Missed career opportunities.

  
  

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

The good news is that you can challenge these feelings and build lasting confidence. Here are some strategies:

• Acknowledge and Name It: Recognising that imposter syndrome is common and not a reflection of your actual ability is the crucial first step. Simply being aware breaks the cycle of silent self-doubt.

• Seek Mentorship and Support: Find mentors or trusted colleagues who can offer perspective, encouragement, and honest feedback. Sharing your experiences often reveals that these feelings are widespread, not unique to you.

• Focus on Facts, Not Feelings: Keep a record of your achievements, positive feedback, and successful projects. Like a physical or digital jar through which you regularly review tangible evidence of your competence.

• Embrace Imperfection and Growth: Understand that mistakes and learning curves are a normal part of every project manager's journey. Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than proof of inadequacy.

• Develop Core Project Manager Skills: Continuously strengthen key skills like communication, delegation, risk management, and decision-making. Your confidence naturally grows as you master the essential tools of your trade.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same understanding and kindness you would offer a team member facing uncertainty. Remember that everyone has moments of doubt.

• Foster a Supportive Team Culture: Encourage open communication and psychological safety within your team. When team members feel safe to admit mistakes and ask questions, imposter syndrome loses some of its power.

Imposter syndrome is a widespread challenge in project management, but it doesn’t have to define your career.

By acknowledging these feelings, seeking support, and focusing on continuous growth, you can transform self-doubt into lasting confidence and capability.