The Impostor Syndrome

by Harold Hillman

Learn how to be a better leader, confident in your own abilities. Many people privately fear they are not properly qualified to do the job they have been appointed to—and this fear undermines their capabilities. Learn how to overcome this problem and become a better, stronger leader. Be able to express your fears and recognize your weaknesses, but also be able to harness your strengths and those of your team to the best effect.

Genres: Leadership

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2013

About the author

Harold Hillman is the Managing Director of Sigmoid Curve Consulting Group. The sigmoid curve is an algebraic formula that shows how growth and momentum are best sustained by disrupting the status quo. Hillman's personal and professional experiences exemplify the curve, which has been the catalyst for numerous adventures in his life's story.

Based in New Zealand since 2003 and now a New Zealand citizen, Hillman coaches business leaders and executive teams to appreciate the strong relationship between leadership and learning. He believes that the best leaders are also the most skilled learners.

Prior to Sigmoid, Hillman served in senior executive roles with Fonterra, Prudential Financial, and Amoco Corporation.

Trained early in his career as a clinical psychologist, he moved in the direction of leadership and management development after serving on the faculty at the United States Air Force Academy.

Hillman earned his EdM from Harvard University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.

An optimist who believes that change is a gift, Hillman lives every day through the prism of opportunity and possibility.

Reviews

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the case studies, which provided great insights into the concept, although I found the writing a little less engaging. Generally, the book has provided me with the ability to recognise Impostor Syndrome symptoms in my own behaviour but has much more invaluably provided me with the ability to recognise and rationalise it in other people's behaviour.

[Donald Nordeng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for evaluating how I think about myself. I found a lot of insight into how I can undermine some of my own thinking. I didn't do all of the exercises but think that for most people a good scan of the contents and working on the relevant exercises will be useful.