When Confidence Becomes a Trap: The Two Leadership Lies We All Face

Leadership is a paradox. Early on, many leaders battle imposter syndrome—a haunting voice whispering, “You don’t belong here.” We second-guess our decisions, defer to others, and wonder if we’re just pretending to lead. But fast forward a few years, and many of those same leaders encounter a different, subtler danger: the illusion of mastery. The voice changes from “You’re not ready” to *“You’ve got this”—*sometimes to our own detriment.

Both seasons—insecurity and overconfidence—can stunt a leader’s growth if left unchecked.

1. The Beginning: When You Feel Like a Fraud

Imposter syndrome is not just insecurity—it’s the internal belief that your success is accidental and your leadership role is temporary. You feel underqualified, overwhelmed, and unworthy of influence. Ironically, this stage can be fertile ground for humility and deep learning. When stewarded well, imposter syndrome can drive leaders to seek wisdom, rely on God, and grow with integrity.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
— C.S. Lewis

In this phase, mentorship, spiritual formation, and a clear sense of calling are critical. Leaders need voices who can affirm, “You’re not perfect—but you are positioned.”

2. The Plateau: When You Think You’ve Arrived

Time and experience don’t automatically equal maturity. Over time, some leaders grow confident—but not always in the right ways. When feedback is minimized and success becomes assumed, growth stalls. The danger isn’t just arrogance; it’s insulation. We stop asking questions. We surround ourselves with agreement. We drift from dependence on God and into dependence on systems, status, or strategy.

“A leader who stops repenting will soon stop leading faithfully.”
— Tim Keller

When leaders think they’ve “got it down,” they become vulnerable to blind spots and burnout. We must remember that leadership isn’t just a skillset—it’s a soul posture. The same humility that sustained us through imposter syndrome must sustain us through success.

3. The Healthy Middle: Leading with Confidence and Humility

The goal isn’t to stay insecure. Nor is it to become overly certain. It’s to walk in secure humility—a deep confidence rooted not in our abilities, but in God's call.

“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.”
— John Stott

Wise leaders embrace both awareness and dependence. They remember where they started, but they don’t get stuck there. They grow—but never graduate from learning. They lead—but never stop being led by the Spirit.