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ZestyHamster
ZestyHamster
Power2SME

Imposter syndrome

Started working in a new org two months back as a PM. while discussing new requirememts with the tech I am always affraid that whatever I am saying is correct or not. As I am not familiar with all the systems. Sometimes during sprint planning tech will tell me or my manager would say you missed this scenario or this functionality works like this so we may have some issue in approach you are taking.

I feel like everyone is judging me if I am making any mistake.

No idea how to overcome this , pretty low on confidence now a days and keep on thinking am I good enough ?

19mo ago
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CosmicPretzel
CosmicPretzel
Coursera19mo

I had this in my first organisation. It was mainly because I felt everyone around me was smarter and more intelligent.

I've switched 2 companies since and here are my insights:

  1. The organisation's culture matters. Are people as open to appreciate and acknowledge wins as they are with pointing out errors?
  2. Imposter syndrome is a healthy indicator of company's talent. 80% around you might be feeling the same way. If you can channel it correctly, ie to learn and upskill- it can do wonders for you. Else it's going to shit on your self confidence and make work and workplace toxic/ intimidating.
ZoomyBagel
ZoomyBagel
Badho19mo

I have struggled with imposter syndrome a lot to realise that product is a role which has inherently built in exposure to stakeholders at multiple levels which makes you more prone to imposter syndrome I made my peace with it. I take imposter syndrome as the sign of growth that you’re learning and growing rather than coasting at work being average. Use this feeling to push yourself.

Generally PM folks feel imposters when tech or design or strategy, analyse that feeling, discern what makes you feel like an imposter, and then try to work on that area more harder and smarter

ZippyNugget
ZippyNugget
Medline19mo

Its very normal in PM, especially in the early stage of your career. If you come from design or tech background before PM, life becomes easier. If not, its tricky in the beginning as you are learning new things as you are working. Dont worry, keep focusing and believe that every comment or discussion is new learning for you. Eventually after 6 months or a year, people will be coming to you with questions

PrancingDumpling
PrancingDumpling
Stealth19mo

Ways to over come this

  1. Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions especially in the beginning. People will normally understand that you are gaining context and will usually come forward to explain it to you.
  2. Document your approach and ask for feedback from tech lead and manager before sprint planning to avoid surprises.
  3. Next time someone says something that you didn't know about, setup time with them separately and ask them to explain it better. Ask for some other documents that will help you up skill and give you better context.

A good way to measure progress is when people (including manager and tech lead) come to you for context or clarifications. And you become the subject matter expert for other people in the team.

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