Imposter Syndrome at Work? Why Everyone’s Blagging (and Why That’s Okay)

Signal Boost: “Energy” by Disclosure
Because half the battle is showing up and deciding where to put your focus. Blagging’s not failure, it’s forward motion.

Everyone Is Making It Up as They Go

Let’s get something out in the open: most people are winging it. I’ve been in tech for over twenty years; developer, architect, Head of CRM, leadership roles. And still, there are days I feel like I’m blagging.

What Imposter Syndrome Really Looks Like in Senior Roles

It’s not just a junior thing. The more senior you get, the more people expect clarity and certainty. But real leadership often means making sense of chaos. And sometimes? You’re just doing your best to keep things moving without all the answers.

Why ‘Blagging’ Is Normal ... and Even Necessary

Complex systems, shifting goals, political dynamics, there’s no playbook for this. We pretend there is, but most of us are figuring it out live. Some people just get better at appearing confident while they do it.

Reframing the Fear: Blagging as a Form of Wisdom

A coach once told me: blagging isn’t a flaw, it’s adaptive intelligence.
It means you’re listening, learning, adjusting. You’re not stuck. You’re evolving. That discomfort you feel? It’s growth in motion.

Leadership Isn’t About Having All the Answers

It’s about tuning in. Supporting your team. Making the next best decision in imperfect conditions. That’s where the real work happens, and yes, sometimes it feels like blagging.

From Imposter to Action: Keep Showing Up

Here’s the truth:

Blagging isn’t the opposite of knowing, it’s how knowing begins. That’s not imposter syndrome. That’s momentum.

So keep going. Keep showing up. Focus your energy where it matters.

What It All Comes Down To

We don’t talk enough about the mess behind the polish. But you’re not the only one questioning yourself. And if you’re brave enough to reflect, to care, to lead with doubt, then you’re doing better than you think.