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

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The Principal's Handbook

Barb Flowers

120 episodes

1 day ago

Are you feeling swamped by the demands of being a principal? From juggling emails, calls, and decisions to boosting test scores and wading through endless paperwork, the pressure is real. But imagine a scenario where you no longer feel this overwhelming stress. Picture yourself as a more resilient leader, concentrating on enhancing your school rather than merely coping with the daily tasks that currently consume your time. I‘m Barb Flowers. Drawing upon my eight-year experience as an elementary principal, with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and certification as a life coach, Along the way, I've mentored and coached school leaders, guiding them to change their mindset, set boundaries and focus on their own well-being while navigating their roles. Each episode offers practical insights on time management, communication, overcoming overwhelm, boosting confidence, and fostering a positive mindset. We'll also discuss topics like working with stakeholders, implementing new initiatives, and managing discipline. Let's set boundaries, focus on well-being, and reignite your passion for being a principal. Welcome to "The Principal's Handbook." I firmly believe that to be an impactful educator, you must first become a confident and well-rounded individual. Join us in this journey to empower and enhance your confidence as a school leader.

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

The Principal's Handbook

17 minutes

1 month ago

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

Introducing my new membership for principals: practical coaching + ready-to-use resources to help you lead with confidence and protect your time. Click here to learn more!

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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