Can Imposter Syndrome Help Software Developers Grow?

Imposter syndrome is something software teams often talk negatively about, but it can actually be a sign of growth. The feeling that you don't know what others think you do can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. We all put up with this feeling when we're new, because others expect that we don't know what we're doing. But after a few years in software development, we can forget that feeling. When asked to do work that requires us to grow, it's critical that we get comfortable with it. There are a few reasons why software professionals tend to be especially susceptible to this. One is that other egotistical, narcissistic developers can make fun of us. But this says more about THEM than us. Another is that we worry that we'll be "found out" by management for needing to learn something. But emotionally intelligent managers and leaders see through the false wall of lies that some developers can put up when they try to appear infallible. In this episode, I encourage you to look at imposter syndrome as a healthy sign that you need to grow. If you can be honest, detach from what others think, and learn to reset expectations with others - you don't need a reason to worry that you're an imposter. Join my Patreon:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/patreon Learn about one-on-one career coaching with me: https://thrivingtechnologist.com/coaching TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/techroles The Thriving Technologist career guide:  https://thrivingtechnologist.com/guide You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Visit me at thrivingtechnologist.com

Om Podcasten

If working on software teams feels complicated, frustrating, and filled with politics - that's just because your eyes are open. Unfortunately, you do need to make a living! So how do you keep up with the demands of your tech job and still have a life outside of work? Hi I'm Jayme Edwards, and I've had a 26 year career in the software industry filled with thrilling victories - and maddening drama. With so many problems in our industry, the more money I made the more ridiculous people's expectations were. I’m sharing the biggest mistakes I made in my career, and the insights I learned along the way. This podcast is the audio version of the Thriving Technologist YouTube channel, where you can find new episodes every Monday. Podcast versions appear on Wednesday of the same week. Subscribe and join us! Let’s help each other grow a community of healthy software developers.