How do you manage feeling ‘impostery’ at work when you are overstretched?

[Snufflebabe05]

I’ve got a fairly senior yet middle manager role, in an area that is high profile and high value to any organisation. I’m good at what I do, although there’s always more to learn and improve and I spend lots of time (often my own time) to upskilling and studying. Similar to medical knowledge - part of the job is to study and improve.

In most organisations, the work I do for this size of business would have around 4 FTE to do it properly, and to its full potential. I work alone and my previous business case for additional headcount was denied. There is no funding. However, the workload is increasing.

I’ve got two separate issues - the first is having self doubt, and that whilst I’d like to do more, I physically can’t. I have to say no to people and this creates frustration on both sides. I have others in the business question my ability which annoys me more than it should. My immediate managers and MD are happy and supportive of work, but it’s professionally upsetting to hear others in the business feel I’m not up to the job when I have to pushback and remain focused on objectives. This creates others in the business creating workarounds, which is leading to mismanaged projects, accountability challenges and a lack of oversight.

The second is - if they won’t invest in resource in this growing area, which is increasing in value in securing business, then am I right to be considering leaving and looking elsewhere?

I think it’s a imposter syndrome type challenge, and a question of reaching full potential?

They are three separate things.

Firstly, the imposter syndrome. It's common! Ask yourself, why are you in that position? It's likely because you have the skills required for it, and are good at it. I role played in my head the worst thing I could imagine someone thinking about me and that they were to say it out loud and practiced my response. I would imagine they would say I was shit! And I would practice calmly stating why I was fit for the job. How do you think your imposter syndrome manifests itself? Mine came out physically - I used to wriggle in my chair. And I also used to try to over explain things to prove I knew what I was talking about. People who are sure of themselves and command respect don't do that, so now I plant my feet flat on the floor and breathe steadily before speaking. I write my points down, even if it's just key words, and I stick to them. I leave the points hanging there - I don't over explain.

Secondly, your area being under resourced. I would simply state it repeatedly when you push back on deadlines and work load. "As you know this department is currently under resourced and not able to meet the current level of demand. Therefore the deadline you're requesting is unrealistic, and a deadline of xyz is more likely".

Thirdly, should you leave. Only you can answer this. Are you largely happy there?

Thank you.

To answer your question - Yes, on the whole I’m really happy there. I had a terrible time at my previous employer and the last three years have been a breath of fresh air. However, I seem to be equating the lack of resource to a professional inadequacy.