Work on portraying that confident exterior

According to Professor Steve Peters, we think this way because the ‘Chimp’ in our brain has hijacked our thinking. In this instance, we have to contradict our ‘Chimp’ and move our thinking towards the notion that we either base our confidence on the absolute belief in our own ability OR we base it on the fact that we will do our best. Self-confidence is, therefore, enhanced when we have realistic expectations of ourselves. Apparently the ‘Chimp’ will continue to try and derail our thinking – hence imposter syndrome often recurs. Who knew there were such tussles going on inside our heads - but once you understand this it makes dealing with the issues much easier.

Lots of famous people have confessed to suffering from imposter syndrome – including Albert Einstein and Meryl Streep. To overcome this isn’t easy, but it is doable - you can combat it by doing three simple things:

Acknowledge it – maybe read The Chimp Paradox to gain a broader understanding of what is going on in your head but, overall, accept that this is happening to you;

Talk to someone – break the silence and share your feelings with others – family, friends, colleagues etc.

Focus on your strengths and abilities rather than negatives – try to adopt a more positive approach to your thinking and be realistic in your personal expectations.

In addition to these three core strategies, and in a day-today practical sense, try and act more confidently even if you don’t feel it. Work on portraying that confident exterior. Look people in the eye and don’t be afraid to smile (others will wonder what you know!) Make sure you are well-prepared for meetings, conversations and professional discussions, and don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t know something - but undertake to find out. There are six key characteristics of confidence which I think embody the roles we have in schools perfectly, and these are: character, caring, competence, consistency, credibility and communication

To Summarise

We are operating in a very different paradigm these days. There is so much conflict and challenge throughout our sector but, despite this, we all share a common goal which is to contribute to the health, wellbeing and education of our children and young people. If what we do doesn’t have an impact on those innocents, why are we doing what we do? Food for thought – if you haven’t looked at the two books I’ve mentioned I can recommend them both (not on commission!)

Don’t forget lots of SBM/SBL practitioners are resorting to support from professional coaches and mentors as a way of keeping perspective and helping to develop their own professional and personal confidence.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this piece and that it offers some alternative ways of thinking to make your world seem a better place.

Val Andrew

● Programme manager for Best Practice Network DSBM Level 4 - find out more: https://www.bestpracticenet. co.uk/dsbm-l4

● Patron of ISBL.

● Formerly ASCL School Business Leadership Specialist (2010 - 2018).

● Recipient of ISBL CEO Award for exceptional contributions to school business leadership in 2018.

● Semi - retired SBL and very proud grandma.

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