Whenever I discuss the coaching part of my business with family and friends, I share the fact that one-on-one coaching (that I’ve been doing formally since 2001) warms my heart. Seeing a former coaching client, recently at a local HR conference, was just another reminder.
It’s been nearly 7 years since I worked with “Barbara” and the rest of her team during which time we collected 360° feedback on each of them (about one another) and then coached each of them on development areas that were pertinent to their roles on that team. From time to time, I’ve seen "Barbara" but this time, when I asked how she’s doing, she shared that there was something she learned during our sessions that stood out for her and that she has never forgotten. Curious as to what it was, I found out that our discussion about the “impostor syndrome” was what has stayed with her.
The imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a "fraud," despite evidence of success or competence. Common in high achievers, it causes individuals to attribute accomplishments to luck rather than ability. Symptoms include intense anxiety, perfectionism, and overpreparation, which can be addressed through therapy and cognitive reframing. And while coaching is no replacement for psychological counseling, Barbara feels that shifted when she adjusted her mindset and accepted her capabilities and expertise. She realized self-doubt and fear were crippling her ability to move forward and accomplish great things. As a result of our work together back in 2019, she was able to achieve a professional milestone that she couldn’t before. Her story warmed my heart that day, and still as I reflect upon it.
"A great coach is not a guru. It's simply someone who enables you to think, explore and discover what or where you currently are, what or where you want to be and how to get there." - Manie Bosman