Impostor phenomenon in leaders through the lens of self-efficacy and implications for coaching

Leaders frequently report adverse effects of impostor phenomenon on their daily work and careers. Whilst impostor phenomenon research highlights raising self-efficacy and the benefits of focused social support, little is known about how self-efficacy influences impostor phenomenon. This study used r...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Farmer, Marguerite, Papworth, Julia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Oxford Brookes University 2025-08-01
Series:International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring
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Summary:Leaders frequently report adverse effects of impostor phenomenon on their daily work and careers. Whilst impostor phenomenon research highlights raising self-efficacy and the benefits of focused social support, little is known about how self-efficacy influences impostor phenomenon. This study used reflexive thematic analysis to explore, via semi-structured interviews, seven leaders’ perceptions of impostor phenomenon through the lens of self-efficacy. The results contribute to existing knowledge by offering new insights into the use of self-efficacy sources with two key themes: i) the perpetual cycle of holding on to impostor phenomenon identity and ii) reflexive awareness. There is also discussion of the implications for coaching and mentoring as focused social support.
ISSN:1741-8305