Imposter Syndrome as a Principal and How to Silence Your Inner Critic

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Do you ever think, “If they really knew me, they’d realize I’m not ready for this”? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb dives into the reality of imposter syndrome—the self-doubt that makes you question your skills, experience, and belonging.
Drawing from her own journey as a young administrator and seasoned principal, Barb normalizes these feelings and shares practical strategies to quiet your inner critic. You’ll learn:
  • What imposter syndrome looks like for principals at every stage of leadership.
  • Three tools to silence self-doubt: naming your inner critic, reframing with the TEA cycle, and building evidence of your wins.
  • How to strengthen your confidence so you can lead with clarity and calm.
By the end, you’ll walk away with mindset shifts and daily practices to push past self-doubt and step fully into your role as a leader.

Listen to episode 3: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

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Imposter Syndrome as a Principal and How to Silence Your Inner Critic