Conquering Impostor Syndrome as a New Manager

Stepping into a management role for the first time can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Many new managers feel like impostors, questioning whether they’re truly qualified to lead. Depending on the makeup of your team, you may be managing people who are older than you, have more years of experience, or wanted the job for themselves. None of those things reflect on your readiness to be a manager, but if any of those scenarios resonate with you, know that you’re not alone. Here’s how to tackle impostor syndrome head-on.

1. Recognize It’s Normal

That nagging voice of doubt? It’s a common experience, especially when transitioning into leadership. Self-doubt is a natural response to growing outside of your comfort zone. It is also a little bit necessary in order to keep your ego from getting in the way of your learning. The inner critic only becomes a problem to solve when it’s all that you hear, and it starts to hold you back from trying something you’ve never done before.

2. Focus on Learning, Not Perfection

You don’t need to have all the answers on day one – or even day 30. No one is perfect, and no one expects perfection from anyone else. Leadership is a skill you build over time. Shift your mindset from “I need to be perfect” to “I need to learn and adapt.” When you find yourself beating yourself up over a mistake or a missed opportunity, think about what you would say to a friend or a direct report who was in the same situation. Apply that same grace to yourself.

3. Seek Feedback and Mentorship

Don't navigate leadership alone—engage with mentors, peers, and your team for insights and support. Seeking regular feedback helps you recognize your strengths, identify areas for growth, and reinforce that you *do* belong in your role. Honest conversations with trusted colleagues can provide perspective when self-doubt creeps in, reminding you that growth comes with challenges. By fostering these connections, you’ll build a strong foundation of support that will help you develop into a confident and capable leader.

4. Develop a Leadership Identity

Your leadership style is uniquely yours, and it doesn’t need to mirror anyone else’s. Take the time to identify the values and principles that resonate with you, as they will guide your decisions and interactions. My leadership style leans towards coaching, and I have a trusted colleague who leans into pace setting. These are leadership styles we find authentic to ourselves. When you embrace your own approach, you create a leadership presence that is both effective and sustainable.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Stepping into a leadership role is a transformation that lasts months or even years. With any big project, it is important to recognize milestones and celebrate along the way. Each challenge you navigate is proof of your capability. Acknowledge your progress, even if it’s small. Impostor syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you care. Embrace the learning curve, and over time, confidence will follow.

Stepping into a management role can feel overwhelming, and impostor syndrome often makes the transition even harder. But leadership is a skill you build, not a title you magically grow into overnight. By embracing a learning mindset, seeking support from mentors and peers, and developing your own leadership identity, you can quiet self-doubt and step into your role with confidence. If you’re looking for structured guidance, my 8-week Conquering Impostor Syndrome course provides practical strategies to help you navigate these challenges, while my 12-month IC to Engineering Manager program offers long-term support for those making the leap into leadership. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—invest in your growth, and watch your confidence grow with it.