In the image above, I’m 39 years old. The photo was taken just before my first day at GLAAD where I accepted a position as the Executive Director. I might look calm and confident, but that expression was a decoy. I was riddled on the inside with imposter syndrome.
WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
Dorothy and her three friends find their way to meet the ‘great and powerful’ Oz. Lo and behold, Toto reveals that Oz is a meek fellow behind a black curtain. This meek fellow is riddled with imposter syndrome and is mortified when he is unmasked.
Yet, Oz is quite something and offers insights and wisdom that empower each of them and, in so doing, grants each of their requests.
Imposter syndrome is an epidemic in the nonprofit sector, regardless of an organization’s size or profile of visibility. Leaders are expected to be all things to all stakeholders—from explaining the ins and outs of a balance sheet to making a six-figure ask to delivering a gala speech that leads to tears and goosebumps.
If you are a leader riddled with insecurity, waiting to be unmasked and certain that nearly anyone can do a better job, you may suffer from Imposter Syndrome. Here is an infographic that tells the story:
I asked a few clients and the members of our Nonprofit Leadership Lab to share with me how imposter syndrome presents itself and what the symptoms are. Well, I hit a nerve and was barraged with an array of symptoms that are now part of an assessment. Take the quick self-assessment and see how you score. We will send your score to you, along with a few remedies.
Ready?
