To think a junior colleague would do my job better than me!

[Zola1980]

Posting here as there doesn't seem to be a work section?! Very odd!

I've been in my company over 5 years and been promoted several times and am now senior manager in my department. Report to director level (same directors who employed me in a junior role five years ago). However I can't help constantly feeling stressed and like I've been over promoted.

I have three managers working under me, all have been with the company less than a year, and I recruited them. One in particular is very good and comes up with lots of ideas I haven't thought of and is generally just very on the ball. I'm her manager but feel she's more capable than me!!

I know I had the backing of the board as they put me in this role but constantly feel like I'm going to be found out for being a bit crap!!

Not really sure what I'm after on this board but just any advice would be appreciated. Does everyone feel like this or could I actually just be rubbish at my job?!

Just because you don't come up with as many ideas doesn't mean you're not capable. Teams need 'ideas/creative' people but they also need people to manage them too. There will be areas of your job that others won't be able to do.

Hi,
I think I'm sort of in your shoes too, I have been in my new job less than four months and have been given very responsible roles within the company. I often feel that other people are better suited to my job than I am.
You should google the term "imposter syndrome"
Its pretty interesting xx

Have more confidence in yourself op the people that hired you do

To be a good leader, or even a good manager, it helps if you are surrounded by people with different skills from you. But, you need the ability to recognise their skills and get them all to work together, to get the best out of them collectively.

If your colleague has good ideas - show your appreciation, make use of the ideas for the greater good of your team / department / company. Make it clear you welcome good ideas from all your staff.

You probably have skills she doesn't, but it doesn't diminish her skills.

Sounds like hiring talented people is one of your strengths as a manager.

agree with everyone above. They promoted you, they believe in you.

If you are managing, then MANAGE - doesn't matter who came up with the idea (although nice for them to get recognition, which you could also do), what matters is making the idea 'happen', which you may now have the scope to do?

I promise, EVERYONE feels like a fraud.

When my Dh got (very well) promoted, he said it was like committing suicide by jumping off a building: You're tumbling to your death, and every now and then, people stick their heads outside the building and say "how's it going" and you say "still falling".

Keep falling!

Good luck!

You recruited talented people, and you give them room to do a good job without letting your ego get in the way.

That makes you a pretty good manager in my view.