How future leaders can overcome imposter syndrome: Opinion

Administrators who have been unsure about stepping into leadership roles should not doubt their abilities, writes Shelley Arakawa. Arakawa writes that many administrators can combat imposter syndrome by taking steps to shift their thinking. Even if they lack some of the qualities and qualifications listed in a job posting, the author encourages administrators to recognize that this may be because of systemic marginalization. Arakawa recommends that those interested in senior-level positions authentically showcase their strengths, use their network to support them in developing their narrative of success, draw on fear as a source of motivation, and accept that feelings of being an imposter may never disappear completely. Chronicle of Higher Ed (Acct. Req.) Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.