Lead Dev 2016 London: Addressing the Imposter Syndrome

• Crystal M. Huff
• slides: https://speakerdeck.com/chuff18/addressing-impostor-syndrome-in-30-minutes

Everyone has it.

Why ?

• “fake if until you make it”: now you feel fake
• kyriarchy (from the greek kyrios master and archein govern) is a rife in society. “We’re not supposed to be good at this”
• public reveal of projects leads to public critique
• we compare our worst to anothers’ best
• false dichotomy: being liked VS being competent
• internal criticism

Results

• less effectiveness as collaborators, because this might reveal that we make mistakes
• ask for less money/promotion
• lower satisfaction in life, in work
• less likely to seek out a new job

-> maginalization and silence

How to get innoculated of this syndrome ?

• exemple: the iceberg illusion. We don’t see what we need to do to succeed (persistence, failure, sacrifice, disappointment, dedication, hard work and discipline)
• watch your words (ex “I’m not an expert, but”). People believe when words are repeated. Use “I’m trying/working on that”
• own it: documentation. Look at what you’ve written 6 months ago and see your progress
• talk with your friends about it. receive help from them for your CV
• ask questions: show that people can make mistakes. Make sure everyone is on the same page
• compare yourself to your yesterday’s self only !
• make mentorship a first class activity
• try to eliminate hidden barries entry
• critique with kindness (it makes things better)
• leave a compliment
  • positive
  • not physical
  • specific
  • honest
• store feedback you received to go back to it later when you feel the syndrome

Every expert was once a beginner.

Be clever, competent and kind.