{"id":12119,"date":"2023-04-06T08:12:33","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T16:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rangeme.com\/blog\/?p=12119"},"modified":"2023-04-10T05:57:32","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T13:57:32","slug":"unmasking-imposter-syndrome-for-better-business-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rangeme.com\/blog\/unmasking-imposter-syndrome-for-better-business-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Unmasking Imposter Syndrome for Better Business Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A few years ago, I was moderating a training conference with the senior leadership of a small, emerging company. During the meeting, I asked the CEO to share a moment that had transformed how he now leads. This individual was truly loved, admired, and respected by the members of his team because he was known for inspiring others with both his head and his heart. His response to the question shifted the atmosphere immediately, bringing tears to some people\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a successful prior 10 years at a company, he had lost the support of his team and had grown apart from his boss. He recalled walking the city streets until 4 AM, feeling bewildered and empty as he assessed leaving the company because he felt he no longer fit the culture. Tears filled his eyes as he shared the story, recounting the feelings and stress it put on his family. He paused and shared, \u201cThat emotion is still with me.\u201d It was a moment of truth and openness. Everyone recognized the authenticity of this remarkable leader because he had removed his mask.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Many of us have had these moments and empirically understand this feeling. It has been estimated that 70% of people suffer from the \u201cImposter Syndrome\u201d at some point in their lives, that internal belief that one day we will be discovered as a \u201cfraud\u201d<\/a>. When we don\u2019t feel genuinely confident, we fall into bad behaviors. These <\/em>fraudulent feelings occur at all levels and can happen to anyone, but the most confident leaders are humble and have made peace with the imposter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The late Franciscan thinker Brennan Manning said that if you are serious about leadership authenticity, you must take off your mask. \u201cWhile the impostor draws his identity from past achievements and the adulation of others, the true self claims identity in its belovedness,\u201d he wrote in his book, \u201cAbba\u2019s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging<\/a>.\u201d Leaders who are defined by personal accolades typically miss the mark. The truly transformational leaders are relational, transparent, and connect on a deeper level. Manning continues, \u201cIn a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you courageous enough to truly share from the heart with your customers? Are you vulnerable and strong enough to take off the mask and genuinely connect with your team?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales leaders that are uncomfortable showing weakness, admitting mistakes, or owning up to failure create barriers in their sales relationships. Most people expect (and even require) extreme authenticity and realness from peers, bosses, and any organization selling a product or service. We expect \u201cthe real\u201d, not counterfeits or fake intimacy.  The best buying relationships risk difficult discussions, embrace tension, and take off their mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

None of us likes perfect people. In fact, those who feel flawless typically are not great leaders. As the adage goes, \u201cNever trust someone without a limp.\u201d We want to experience others\u2019 humanity and understand their story<\/em>. Said another way, \u201cperfection in imperfection\u201d is what influences others. Are you comfortable being known? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My leadership and coaching philosophy was born in a home that struggled with my father\u2019s substance abuse. That was coupled with a slight stutter growing up and occasional social anxiety. This background makes me more sensitive to those trapped by their past and helps me empathize with others. I am not controlled by my story, but it always informs how I see the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have noticed five behaviors that the healthiest leaders exhibit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n