A 2026 global study by Hogan Assessments, drawing on data from thousands of employees across 25 countries and more than 20,000 executives, examined what people actually want from those in positions of authority. The gap is not subtle. There is virtually no overlap between the competencies followers say they want and the traits most often seen in leaders.

For years, we’ve treated imposter syndrome as an individual issue. A matter of confidence. A mindset to fix. What if it is, at least in part, a signal? A signal about the environment. When people consistently feel hesitant to speak, reluctant to take risks, or uncertain about their place, it is worth asking not only what is happening within them, but also what is happening around them.