There's someone in your team you're at risk of losing

Imposter Syndrome is estimated to affect almost 80% of people at some time. You are more likely to experience it that not. Once you know it is quite normal to experience some of the thoughts and feelings that characterise it, it is easier to let go of them. If you want to know a little more there is a great article by Nuffield Health on the link. If you are struggling with Imposter syndrome, rather than just experiencing it and letting it pass, get in touch - we can help with that.

Whilst you can afford to lose the imposters, those with imposter syndrome need some encouragement to maintain their wellbeing. But what about those who are strong, capable, effective, completely reliable and seemingly endlessly self-motivated? Perhaps you might want to pause for a moment and give them a second thought. These are the colleagues where you might not see the resignation or burnout coming. And you are really going to miss them if you lose them.

Independent Syndrome isn't a thing, and if it was, what would it be? Well you would first recognise it in a colleague when you realise they are the one you can give a task to and forget about it. It will get done, you're not always sure quite how they manage it, or how they appear to know how to deal with the range of requests that come their way. The 'Independents' just get on with it. They don't ask for help, or even seek thanks and praise, they just have an internal drive to prove to themselves they can do it.

'Independents' will push away help even when it would be useful - Its more than just refusing to ask for help. They will always decide they can manage despite the barriers, that there will be a way through.

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"No need to worry Sir. We are flying you home because your wife has a condition with a greater than 30% chance of dying. She has, however, decided that won't be happening!"

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Independents thrive when they have at least a small core of other people like them in the team. Collectively they can achieve great things and are an asset to any organisation. They know how to support each other and the wider team. In all the challenges you might be facing that draw your attention, they will rarely be amongst them, and therein lies your risk. The risk that you overlook the pressure they might be under, and the tipping point which will inevitably be reached. However strong they might be, everyone has a limit, and testing them to the point of breaking is poor leadership.

At even greater risk are those Independents who always put others first. These are the colleagues who see others struggling and will step in to offer help even though they are overwhelmed themselves. So when you next gratefully accept that offer of help, pause for a moment and check what the wellbeing cost is.

Determination will carry these colleagues through many things. Their loyalty to their team and the wider organisation will keep them going when others walk away. They will be amongst the last to leave in hard times, but when they do you will be losing far more than one colleague. It is these people who carry the positive energy, and culture of the organisation with them. Leadership is not the badge its the behaviours. So take a brief pause and look around your team for the people who inspire you to keep going with their ability to do just that - and express your gratitude before its too late.