Jaime E. Welborn, Ph.D. and Will Darter, Ed.D.
Abstract
Leadership is a prized attribute that is the highly sought-after cornerstone of success. High-achieving leaders often struggle with imposter syndrome and perfectionism, which present conflict and challenges for leaders. This conflict can hinder one’s ability to lead others and reach their full potential as a leader by impacting mental health, relationships, organizational outcomes, growth, happiness, and career satisfaction. By redefining success metrics, leaders can move from stress, fear, unworthiness, and isolation to a new path encompassing self-awareness, personal growth, authenticity, sincerity, grace, peace, and humility. These metrics can be redefined by shifting leaders’ paradigms using reflection, dialogue, and action to examine, challenge, and change outcomes caused by the internal conflict of integrated imposter syndrome and perfectionism. Ultimately, the concept of high achievers developing new habits using a culturally proficient, inside-out approach to overcome imposter syndrome and achievement-driven perfectionism offers a blueprint for becoming one’s best leadership self. The ability to foster lasting impact through meaningful relationships, cultural awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning positions leaders to bust the myth of perfect leadership and flourish personally and professionally while multiplying their influence on others.
Recommended Citation
Welbourn, J.E., & Darter, W. (2025). Leading from the inside-out: Tools and new success metrics for managing imposter syndrome and perfectionism. Midwest Journal of Education, 2(1).
DOI
Corresponding Author
Jaime E. Welbourn, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Education Leadership, Saint Louis University, 3500 Lindell Blvd. Room 111, Saint Louis, Missouri 63105
Email: [email protected]