Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Eric Partaker Shares Strategies for Leaders

In a recent LinkedIn post, Eric Partaker addresses the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among leaders, sharing insights gleaned from coaching numerous CEOs. Partaker makes it clear from the outset that feeling like a fraud is a common human experience, not a sign of weakness.

He quotes Steven Bartlett, stating:

“Stop waiting until you feel qualified. Stop telling yourself you’re not ready. Stop demanding worthiness before you begin.”

Partaker argues that true growth is often stifled by the comfort zone, and significant development occurs when individuals engage in activities they may not yet feel fully equipped for. He shares his own past experiences with imposter syndrome, recalling moments in his early career where he felt out of place among his peers.

The Action-Oriented Approach to Leadership

According to Eric Partaker, the key differentiator for successful leaders isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the willingness to act in spite of it. He outlines four strategic shifts that can help individuals move beyond feeling stuck and foster continuous growth.

1. Replace Self-Talk with Self-Evidence

Partaker suggests that instead of debating one’s readiness, leaders should actively seek and collect proof of their ability to navigate challenges. He emphasizes that every successful action taken serves as evidence of capability. As he puts it:

“Every action you take becomes evidence for your capability.”

2. Redefine “Qualified”

Challenging the conventional notion of qualification, Partaker posits that readiness is a result of experience, not a prerequisite. He asserts that no one is truly qualified for their first significant role, and that the necessary skills are acquired through the act of doing. He elaborates:

“Qualification comes from doing, not from waiting. The job teaches you what no preparation ever could.”

3. Shrink the Gap Between Thought and Action

Fear, Partaker notes, thrives in the interval between a decision and its execution. He advocates for rapid movement from idea conception to implementation, stating that action is the most effective antidote to fear. “Action cures fear. Every single time,” he writes.

4. Normalize the Discomfort

Partaker encourages leaders to reframe the feeling of being a fraud as an indicator of operating at a new, higher level. He advises accepting this discomfort and continuing forward. He explains that imposter syndrome may resurface with new challenges, but a leader’s relationship with it can evolve, preventing it from dictating decisions or hindering progress.

In Partaker’s view, the fastest-growing leaders are not necessarily the most confident, but those who act before confidence fully materializes. He concludes by reinforcing that readiness is a byproduct of action, particularly crucial when one feels least prepared.