Insecurity and Imposter Syndrome

We all get it. Imposter syndrome, which includes shame

Scott’s Imposter Syndrome

A great post that was many techies’ first introduction to Imposter Syndrome

A few quotes from people he asked about these feelings:

  • I always feel like a phony just biding my time until I’m found out. It definitely motivates me to excel further, hoping to outrun that sensation that I’m going to be called out for something I can’t do.
  • Plenty of times! Most recently I started a new job where I’ve been doing a lot of work in a language I’m rusty in and all the “Woot I’ve been doing 10 years’ worth of X language” doesn’t mean jack. Very eye-opening, very humbling, very refreshing.
  • Quite often. I don’t truly think I’m a phony, but certainly there are crises of confidence that happen… particularly when I get stuck on something and start thrashing.
  • Quite often actually, especially on sites like Stack Overflow. It can be pretty intimidating and demotivating at times. Getting started in open source as well. I usually get over it and just tell myself that I just haven’t encountered a particular topic before, so I’m not an expert at it yet. I then dive in and learn all I can about it.
  • I think you are only a phony when you reflect on your past work and don’t feel comfortable about your own efforts and achievements.

Vulnerable

Good example

Anecdotes

  • It’s not just you, everyone has this.
  • Establishing safe spaces and psychological safety.

Antidotes - Situational Leadership

Read my notes situational leadership

As people take on new tasks requiring them to learn new skills, they go through a predictable, often painful, sequence of experiences. These experiences are based on the progression of confidence and competence, and each experience benefits from a different type of coaching described in Situational Leadership.

Psychological Safety

Probably in the wrong spot - maybe add to the manager book call out, or anxiety

Lies we tell ourselves

Other resources