Leadership is the ability to guide and positively influence a group, to define a clear vision and inspire others to follow it, to make strategic decisions and to develop the potential of team members. Effective leadership combines natural authority, interpersonal skills and technical expertise to achieve common goals.
Leadership is an essential skill in many fields, from business and politics to everyday life. But did you know that self-confidence and the perception of one’s own skills can sometimes play pendulous tricks? 🎭 Two psychological concepts, the Dunning-Kruger effect and impostor syndrome, offer fascinating insights into these dynamics.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect 🧠
The Dunning-Kruger effect, named after psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, describes a cognitive bias whereby the least competent individuals in a given field tend to overestimate their skills, while the most competent tend to underestimate them. In other words, the less gifted think they’re geniuses, and true geniuses think they’re amateurs.
Imagine a project manager convinced that his plan is infallible, when in fact it looks more like a house of cards in the middle of a hurricane. 🏰🌪️ Or a computer expert who, despite his multiple diplomas, still wonders if he really knows what he’s doing. 💻🧑🎓 It’s a bit like Schrödinger’s cat being both a competent leader and a complete amateur, until someone opens the box and discovers the truth.
What’s more, this effect can trigger a surge of ultracrepidarianism, the tendency to give one’s opinion on subjects for which one has no expertise or in-depth knowledge. In other words, speaking without knowing. 🗣️ The origin comes from the Latin expression “Sutor, ne ultra crepidam” (Shoemaker, no higher than the sandal), attributed to the painter Apelles in response to a shoemaker who criticized his art beyond the sandals he had painted. This attitude is particularly observable on social networks, where people confidently express themselves on complex subjects without any real expertise. 📱💬 I’ll come back to this, depending on your reactions, in another post….
Imposter Syndrome 🦸♂️
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals, despite their successes and skills, have a persistent fear of being exposed as “impostors”. They attribute their successes to luck, timing or deception, rather than to their own skills and efforts. New managers can have a hard time getting promoted, despite all the good reasons for giving them the job. 🏢💼
It’s a bit like being a superhero who saves the world every day, but constantly wonders if anyone will discover that you don’t really have superpowers, just a very convincing costume. 🦸♂️ Leaders who suffer from impostor syndrome may be excessively perfectionist, which can make them reluctant to delegate tasks or make quick decisions. They may also avoid taking risks or seeking out new opportunities, for fear of failing and revealing their “impostor-ness”.
Implications for Leadership 🌟
For leaders, understanding these dynamics is crucial to improving their effectiveness and well-being. Here are some strategies for navigating these challenges:
1. Honest self-assessment: leaders need to regularly assess their skills and performance objectively. This can include seeking feedback from colleagues and subordinates. Imagine you’re a film critic watching your own movie: be honest, but not too hard on yourself. 🎬🍿
2. Ongoing training: investing in training and personal development can help boost self-confidence and reduce feelings of imposture. It’s a bit like going to the gym to build up your brain power. 🏋️♂️🧠
3. Recognizing Success: Leaders must learn to recognize and celebrate their successes, attributing them to their skills and efforts rather than to external factors. Gysa Jaoui reminds us that a genuine sense of achievement is just gratification for the journey completed. Imagine you’re a chef who’s just prepared a delicious dish: enjoy it! 🍽️🎉
4. Learning Culture: Fostering a culture of learning and development within the team can help normalize mistakes and promote continuous growth. It’s a bit like creating a school where everyone is both student and teacher. 🏫📚
5. Psychological Support: For leaders who suffer from imposter syndrome, psychological support can be beneficial. Talking to a therapist or (@Cogiteo) coach 😊 can help overcome these feelings and develop a more positive self-image. Imagine you have a personal superhero who helps you overcome your doubts. 🦸♂️💬
Conclusion 🏁
Leadership is a complex skill that requires a deep understanding of oneself and others. The Dunning-Kruger effect and impostor syndrome are psychological phenomena that can influence the way leaders perceive their skills and make decisions. By recognizing and managing these dynamics, leaders can improve their effectiveness, boost their self-confidence and create more positive, productive work environments.
After all, as the Dalaï Lama says, “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room.” 🦟 So, leaders, keep shining, even if sometimes you feel like that mosquito! ✨
PS: I’ll let you be the judge of my ultracrepidarianism 😊
