Overcoming imposter syndrome as a new project manager

It’s common to experience imposter syndrome when new to a role. In fact, 53% of people experience stress, anxiety or burnout due to imposter syndrome every month, according to the EDN Imposter Syndrome Report. The report identified the three main causes of imposter syndrome as:

• Inadequate training
• High pressure work
• Feeling overworked

All of which are common experiences for new project managers. Factors such as navigating high levels of responsibility, leading diverse teams, and managing expectations without extensive experience can enhance these fraudulent feelings.

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their own abilities, or competence, despite evidence of their success. People experiencing imposter syndrome often feel like frauds or undeserving of their position, despite typically being high achievers who worked hard to be where they are.

How can you overcome imposter syndrome as a new project manager?

Imposter syndrome can occur in any field, but is particularly prevalent in high-pressure roles or during career transitions, such as becoming a new project manager. The good news is that this feeling is manageable, and with the right strategies, individuals can learn to recognise their value and build confidence.

Recognise and reframe negative thoughts

Experiencing doubts, such as feeling unqualified or scared of failure, can hinder confidence. By becoming aware of these patterns, project managers can challenge their validity and identify whether these beliefs are based on fear or fact. Instead of fixating on perceived shortcomings, focus on evidence of your competence, such as past successes or positive feedback. Reframing negative thoughts encourages a growth mindset and builds confidence. For example, thoughts like “I’m terrible at leading meetings” can be replaced with “I’m improving with each meeting I lead”.

Track and celebrate successes

Tracking and celebrating your successes is a powerful way to combat imposter syndrome, as it provides tangible evidence of your achievements and abilities. Keeping a record of completed milestones and the positive feedback you receive creates a physical reminder of your abilities that can be revisited whenever self-doubt arises. Celebrating small wins, even incremental progress, helps shift the focus from perceived shortcomings to ongoing growth. Publicly recognising these successes, whether with your team or through personal reflection, creates a habit of focusing on positive outcomes rather than setbacks.

Seek support and feedback

Seeking support and feedback can help new project managers gain perspective and build confidence in their abilities. Talking to trusted colleagues, mentors, or peers allows you to share your fears and realise you are not alone in feeling this way. Actively seeking feedback from team members or supervisors can also be transformative. Constructive feedback highlights areas of strength and opportunities for growth, not only validating your skills but building trust within your team, by showing you’re open and willing to learn.

Focus on growth and learning

Focusing on growth and learning helps shift the emphasis from perfection to progress. When project managers view their role as a journey of continuous improvement rather than an expectation of instant expertise, they can reframe challenges into opportunities to develop their skills. A growth-focused mindset also encourages resilience in the face of setbacks. By understanding that mistakes are a natural part of learning, you can approach work with less fear of failure and greater curiosity. Seeking out learning opportunities, whether through formal training, on-the-job experience, or mentorship, builds competence over time.

Share knowledge and help others

You can reinforce your expertise and build confidence in your abilities by sharing knowledge and helping others. As a project manager, taking the time to mentor or support other team members can help remind you of the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired and the value you offer the team. This process often reveals the extent of your knowledge, challenging self-doubt and fostering a stronger sense of self-worth. Additionally, helping others creates a sense of purpose and reinforces your role as a leader. By focusing on the development of your team, you can shift the attention away from your own insecurities towards the collective success of the whole group.

Enhance your confidence with PRINCE2®

Achieving an accredited certification such as PRINCE2® or PRINCE2 Agile® will improve your confidence and reaffirm your knowledge. Also, by ensuring you have the right skills and knowledge to effectively manage projects and your team, you will have the confidence to push away any negative thoughts that can lead to imposter syndrome.

Learn more about our PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile training options.