Software Team Sociology: Pros and Cons of Impostor Syndrome (Part 2)

able of Contents

Reasons (part 1)
Pros and Cons (this part)

ros

You are constantly striving for self improvement
You are motivated to overcome or mitigate your weaknesses

Cons

Internal Focus - Its not always about you

It’s important to start by focusing on yourself and the actions you can take. However, that’s not where your efforts should end.

After you’ve observed, listened, and adapted—perhaps by using short-term workarounds—you should also look for longer-term solutions. These often require changing your environment, going beyond your direct authority, and using influence and negotiation.

Seeking External Solutions and Validation - Other people don’t always have the answers

It’s good to ask for help, but you should also evaluate the advice you receive using an evidence-based approach.

There’s a lot of bad advice out there. Ask yourself: Is it working for them? and Will it work for me? Remember, people have different strengths and weaknesses—your mileage may vary.

Sometimes, watching what people actually do is more informative than listening to their explanations. Ideally, do both.

You know your problems best. That usually makes you the best person to come up with a solution. This doesn’t mean you must do everything alone. However, taking ownership of the process increases the chances that the final solution will work for you and reflect your needs.

Overcomplicating Things - There is no secret sauce

There are tips and tricks of the trade, but they are not secret. Watch, listen, put in the work, and be patient—you will learn them.

Sometimes the skills you need are ones you already know e.g. ones learned in kindergarten. Sometimes simple solutions work, after all the classics are classic for a reason.

For example, I found that the best way to improve my social skills was simply doing activities I enjoyed with people I liked. (Who knew? My mother did.)

Impatience - Fools rush in

Everything doesn’t have to be fixed right this minute. As long as you are improving, and as long as you have a plan or a strategy for moving forward, that is enough.

Focusing on one area of improvement at a time is usually best.

Watch, listen, plan—then leap.

Boom and Bust - Slow and steady wins the race

Using a tight deadline to motivate yourself to complete a task that you lack confidence in, (or your instincts are warning you against) can sometimes help. However it can also lead to

Increased risk of failure,
More errors,
Burnout,
Lost opportunities.

Just powering through is not always the answer. If there is something blocking or interfering with your success, you should do something about it.

If your instincts are warning you against doing something, listen to your instincts. What you’re being asked to do may be

Counterproductive
Could be achieved in a simpler way
Could be achieved in a way that is a more natural fit to your strengths and talents.

Working longer hours to compensate for perceived weaknesses can lead to burnout. It also doesn’t solve the real issue. Remember: Productivity means achieving more in the same amount of time—not the same by working longer.

Monitor and manage your stress levels and your general health.

Monitor and manage your stress and health. Sacrificing long-term capacity for short-term gains is rarely a winning strategy.

Analysis Paralysis

Perfect is the enemy of the good. Even a wrong answer gives you a starting point to find the right one.

Learn to recognize when you’re spinning your wheels—and ask for help.

Not Speaking Up

If problems are not discussed, they are unlikely to be resolved.

Avoiding Challenging Situations

You may avoid tasks where you might shine, due to lack of confidence. This can be damaging to both you, and your team as your potential contribution is lost.