Feeling so crap and massive imposter syndrome

[Twoshoesnewshoes]

Feel so rubbish
I stepped up recently from my position at work to a more senior position.

I started a thread recently as I was finding it really difficult, partly as my previous role hadn’t been filled so I was doing both, and also because I was doing less clinical work which I missed.

my lead said today that we can advertise for my previous role- and would be specifying a qualification that I don’t have.
my not having it means I can’t supervise everyone in my team, it’s been a problem.

i feel so shit - I was thinking this week that I wanted to step into my old role - now it looks like I can’t do that. I feel like I shouldn’t be in the more senior role as I’m managing people who are more qualified than me, I am neck deep in imposter syndrome, my job is stressful which I usually enjoy but I’m feeling so low and confused.

not sure what I want here - maybe just a handhold?

I haven’t met many women without imposter syndrome! What’s stopping you from going for the qualification?

What's the qualification?
Can you prove you can do it?

I don’t think it’s that uncommon for people to line manage others who have qualifications they don’t have. It’s more important that you can listen to their issues and line manage them than have exactly the same expertise they have for their roles. Although as pp have said if you are interested in also completing the qualification then go for it.

It would take me three years and cost about £30k - I don’t want it either, also I’m nearly 50 so I don’t want to invest in my career at this stage.

i feel like the rugs been pulled from under me - I’m still in probation in my senior role but can’t step back to my previous job!

im starting to feel overwhelmed by the different aspects of the senior role - I feel trapped.

I agree with this.

I also think that's it's normal to have the feelings you describe in the early weeks and months after a promotion. Even when you were looking forward to the change, it is still an adjustment process. It is normal to miss things that were familiar and comfortable, especially when grappling with new things where you feel less comfortable.

That will ease up over time.

Can you say any more about this qualification?

I would wait until the new person is in post and then see how you feel. Chances are you will feel less overwhelmed when you can delegate and have the headspace to work on the new skills you are developing.

Thank you, I really appreciate the support. I just feel like a fraud- but they employed me! It’s so frustrating.

Sorry, cross post.

They wouldn't have promoted you if they considered the qualification a barrier. That seems like maybe it's something you're latching onto because you're feeling insecure?

You sound a bit like you're panicking and reacting to the story you're telling yourself, rather than the situation. Things can feel more overwhelming when you feel trapped but I don't think you are. However, we tend not to make the best decisions when we are panicking so I think it would help if you could find a way to bring yourself off that edge. How are you winding down after work or are you just ruminating/looping on how difficult it is?

It's difficult to comment more without knowing specifics, but generally more senior roles that involve line management require a different skill set to the "individual contributor" roles. People don't get the senior roles based purely on being qualified in something, it's about other skills.

They obviously saw that in you to appoint you. Did you get any advice on your previous thread about tackling the imposter syndrome?

Management doesn't mean you have more skills, qualifications or experience. It means you make sure they have the right skills and apply them. Do you think Elon Musk knows how to engineer a car, or the ins and outs of safety testing driverless cars? Or how to install a leather interior? No - he finds the people who know and delegates to them. Don't be threatened by talented people under you - use them to make you shine.

Here is the thing you need to know:

A good manager is SUPPOSED to hire or manage people who have different or better qualifications than them. That's how you build a brilliant team. You are not supposed to just be more qualified than the people you manage, you're supposed to bring out the best in the people you manage. Management is a different skill set to clinical knowledge. Just because you're clinically better qualified doesn't make you a better manager. Start trying to relish other people's talent not compete with it.

I’m the director of a professional services department at a university. I don’t have the relevant professional qualification in my sector , unlike loads of my staff. But my job isn’t to do their job, so although I obviously need to understand a fair bit, my job is to lead the department and to do the strategic thinking, budget management, strategic relationship stuff. So fundamentally you need to have credibility, which you will have as you have done the role below, but you have evidently been promoted as senior people think you have what it takes.
I think if you miss the old role, that needs unpicking. Leadership isn’t for everyone, some miss the hands on side of it. But it may be that you are missing the comfort of the old role - you knew it well and were well respected in it - more than the role itself.
Imposter syndrome is so common. Remind yourself of your strengths and don’t worry about needing to know everything straight away. Give yourself 6 months to settle before making major decisions too.

I’m managed by someone who doesn’t have the same qualifications as me. She’s brilliant, has loads of other skills including a deep knowledge of the business and astute political awareness. She also lets me shine and asks my opinion and isn’t threatened by me. I love working for her.

is there any opportunity for you to work with a mentor or coach to help you? How about your own line manager- can they reassure you?

Im in a senior role and also very nearly allowed myself to be crippled by imposter syndrome. What helped me:

• Getting a coach. Ask your boss / HR if they’ll find 4-6 sessions with a coach to help you in your transition. If it’s not possible, seek out your own senior mentor in another department who can help provide you independent counsel or just a friendly listening ear
• Leverage your team. Recognise that your strength is leadership, organisational expertise, navigating challenges, prioritisation. Your team’s strength is their specialist or unique skills. What made you successful in the past as an individual contributor won’t be the same as what makes you successful in the future. Focus on the skills you bring to the table and recognise that your teams qualifications and skills is your asset, not your competition. Leverage their skills and experience and avoid assuming you need to compete - their success is your success.
• Find your champion cohort. Get 1/2 friendly faces to help champion your ideas in meetings. The ‘I agree with OP’ in a meeting can build confidence really fast. Play this forward.
• Give yourself time in the new role. Drop the double hatting of the old role as soon as you can; cut yourself some slack and focus on the new role - assuming the reasons you took it on the first place: more money, experience etc are all still valid. New roles are never fun in first 3-6 months; you’ll pass the peak

It’s not easy but hope this helps. If you truly feel the role isn’t for you - broach the conversation sooner rather than later; but make sure it’s driven by valid factors (interests / career ambitions etc) and not the self limiting beliefs talking…

If you really don’t like the job ask for your old one back and explain that your missing aspects of the role. It’s now or neber, before they insist on that qualification.

Thanks everyone- I have coaching available and my lead suggested it (which made me think he thinks I’m underperforming 🙄) so I’ll book in.
@medievalpenny yes I think you’re right, I’m panicking because I feel trapped.
back to my therapist!