The deepest insecurities can be a source of credibility. Performance coach Giselle Ugardi argues her own "crippling anxiety" before speaking makes her more qualified to teach confidence because she intimately understands the struggle. This reframes a perceived weakness into a powerful tool for connection and expertise.

Harris suggests that feeling like an "imposter" isn't a flaw but can be a sign of leadership potential. It often stems from a deep, humble understanding of the seriousness of a role and the great responsibility one holds on behalf of others.

Instead of fighting imposter syndrome, Canyon Coffee's co-founder embraced it. He used the mindset of "not knowing anything" as a reason to stay curious and ask questions others wouldn't. This turned a common entrepreneurial fear into a powerful tool for growth and discovery.

To fight imposter syndrome, analyze your own resume and accomplishments as if they belonged to a friend. This perspective shift encourages you to be more objective and charitable towards yourself. You'd likely see a qualified person, not an imposter, helping to counter the harsh self-criticism that fuels the syndrome.

The feeling of being an "imposter" is often misinterpreted. It typically signals self-awareness about being new or inexperienced, not an intent to deceive. Recognizing this allows you to reframe the feeling as normal and reasonable, rather than a personal failing that requires self-flagellation.

A powerful way to combat imposter syndrome is to see undeniably competent people express it. This social signal reframes the feeling from a personal failing to a common phenomenon among high-achievers. Witnessing this helps you realize the feeling is not an accurate reflection of inadequacy, prompting you to re-evaluate your own self-doubt.

"Pedestal syndrome" is the habit of overestimating others' intelligence while underestimating your own, which fuels imposter feelings. Recognizing that even senior leaders experience doubt allows you to "pull the pedestal," own your unique talents, and speak with more conviction.

The self-doubt often felt by high-achievers isn't a debilitating flaw. It can motivate leaders to over-prepare, seek diverse expert opinions, and ultimately make more informed decisions, turning a perceived weakness into a strength.

Experiencing imposter syndrome is a natural human response, indicating you're humble enough to recognize you're not a finished article. The goal is not to cure it but to learn to manage and 'dance with' the feeling. It's a sign you're neither a psychopath nor a complete narcissist.