Navigating the Gap Between Competence and Feeling

2 mins read

A common weight in leadership is the suspicion that you are merely playing a part.

You look at your achievements and see luck or timing rather than merit.

This friction is not a flaw in your character.

It is the natural consequence of occupying a space that demands more than any single person can perfectly provide.

Leadership is an external function, not an internal identity.

The Disconnect of the High Performer

Your internal state rarely matches your external output.

You may feel unprepared for the complexity of a decision, yet the decision must be made.

This internal tension exists because you are comparing your private thoughts to the polished public results of others.

Real competence is not a feeling of total confidence.

It is the disciplined application of judgment despite the presence of uncertainty.

You are tasked with managing reality, not your perception of your own worth.

When you focus on the objective requirements of the role, the internal noise begins to subside.

Leading Through Action Over Identity

To move forward, shift your gaze from who you are to what needs to be done.

The role you inhabit is a set of responsibilities, not a permanent definition of you as a person.

If you are meeting the requirements of your position and delivering value to your team, the feeling of being an 'imposter' is irrelevant to the outcome.

It is a mental distraction that consumes energy better spent on strategy and mentorship.

• Evaluate your performance by the quality of your decisions.
• Observe your thoughts without granting them authority over your actions.
• Accept that no leader is ever fully prepared for the unknown.
• Prioritize the needs of the organization over your internal comfort.

Finality comes from evidence.

Look at the problems you have solved and the people you have supported.

These are objective facts.

They exist regardless of whether you feel like the person who achieved them.

Leadership is practiced in the arena, not in the internal moments of self-criticism.

Do the work, and let the work speak for itself.