There’s a secret that most new managers share, but almost no one talks about: the quiet, persistent voice in the back of their head that says, “I don’t belong here. They’re going to find out I’m a fraud.”
That feeling has a name: imposter syndrome. It’s the gap between your past success as an individual and your current uncertainty as a leader. The pressure comes from the false belief that you are expected to have all the answers from Day 1. You are not. Your job is not to be a perfect manager; your job is to be a learning manager.
When that feeling of self-doubt creeps in, you don’t need a motivational speech. You need a practical tool. Here is a simple, 2-minute mental reset to reframe your thinking and turn your anxiety into action.
The Imposter Syndrome Reframe: A 3-Step Mental Reset
- Acknowledge the Feeling (Don’t Fight It): The moment you feel that wave of anxiety, simply name it. Say to yourself, “Okay, this is imposter syndrome. It’s a normal sign that I’m pushing myself into a new and challenging role.” By acknowledging it instead of fighting it, you take away its power.
- Shift from “Proving” to “Learning”: The pressure you feel comes from the belief that you must prove you are the perfect manager. Give yourself permission to learn instead. Your job is not to have all the answers. Your job is to find the answers, often with the help of your team.
- Ask a Learning Question: This is the most powerful step. Actively rephrase your fear into a question focused on growth and action. This simple shift changes your entire mental state from one of fear and pressure to one of curiosity and forward momentum.
Examples of a Learning Question:
- Instead of thinking, “I don’t know how to run this meeting,” ask yourself, “What would be one small thing I could do to make this meeting a success?”
- Instead of thinking, “My team knows more than me,” ask yourself, “What is one thing I can learn from my team today?”
This 2-minute reset is a powerful tool for managing self-doubt in the moment. To build a lasting foundation of confidence, you need a structured plan for your first 90 days. For a complete roadmap, be sure to read our main pillar post: The Ultimate Survival Guide for New Managers: Your Definitive 90-Day Action Plan.
To put this plan into daily practice, The First-Time Manager’s 90-Day Journal is the actionable companion designed to help you turn theory into confident leadership.
FAQ: Imposter Syndrome
Is imposter syndrome a sign of weakness?
Absolutely not. It is a sign of ambition and conscientiousness. It is most common among high-achievers who are pushing themselves into challenging new roles. The most successful leaders don’t eliminate imposter syndrome; they learn how to manage it.
What if my team finds out I don’t know everything?
Your team already knows you don’t know everything, and they don’t expect you to. They expect you to be a leader, not an encyclopedia. Your credibility comes from your ability to listen, facilitate solutions, and support them, not from having all the answers yourself.
Read more: How to Beat Imposter Syndrome: A 2-Minute Mental Reset for New Leaders Read more: How to Beat Imposter Syndrome: A 2-Minute Mental Reset for New Leaders