The Self-Mastery of Leadership: Leveraging Doubt with Empathy and Strength

🌟 Leadership is as much about self-mastery as it is about guiding others. 🌟

When was the last time you felt self-doubt as a leader? If your answer is “recently,” you’re in good company. A 2020 KPMG study revealed that 75% of executive women have experienced imposter syndrome at certain points in their careers✅.  I hear it frequently from my clients. Self-doubt isn’t a weakness—it’s part of being human, and, when approached with empathy and self-compassion, it can be a powerful impetus for growth.

The Role of Empathy and Self-Compassion

Research published in the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies📚 reveals that leaders who combine empathy (defined as understanding and sharing the feelings of others) with self-compassion (extending kindness to oneself in times of struggle) navigate self-doubt more effectively. This combination fosters resilience and clarity in decision-making, allowing leaders to respond to challenges with authenticity and strength.

Instead of viewing self-doubt as a barrier, we can see it as a signal—a call to reflect on our values, adjust our approach, and align our actions with the greater good.

Transforming Self-Doubt into Strength

Here are three tactics to turn self-doubt into a tool for growth:

1️⃣ Pause and Reflect: Self-doubt often signals that something needs attention. Pause to identify what’s causing it and ask yourself, “What am I afraid will happen? What is that fear driving me to do that is sabotaging my effectiveness?” For example, you might fear disappointing your team, leading to overpromising on commitments and overwhelming yourself in the process.

2️⃣ Seek Perspective: Reach out to trusted colleagues or mentors to gain clarity. Their feedback and insights can help you reframe self-doubt as an opportunity to identify your next growth step.

3️⃣ Lead with Empathy: Extend compassion toward yourself as you would a colleague. Self-compassion isn’t indulgence—it is acceptance of who you are as well as the reality that you have a challenge to face, and thus it is essential for resilience and leadership growth.

The Bigger Picture

When leaders embrace their self-doubt with self-compassion, they not only strengthen their own resilience but also model authenticity for their teams. For example, you may know a leader who acknowledges their experiences of self-doubt in a way that treats it — and growth — as normal experiences. If you do, you know how such an attitude fosters a culture where team members feel safe to take risks and seek feedback. An approach like this boosts innovation and collaboration and creates a ripple effect of trust that drives team performance.

If you’re ready to transform your own or your organization’s leadership by leveraging emotional support to drive team performance, let’s connect. Reach out today to explore how we can unlock the potential of empathetic, self-aware leadership in your organization.

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📚 Source: Kock, Ned, et al. “Empathetic Leadership: How Leader Emotional Support and Understanding Drive Team Performance.” Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies.

✅ Source: KPMG. “KPMG Study Finds 75% of Female Executives Across Industries Have Experienced Imposter Syndrome in Their Careers.” PR Newswire.