Self confidence vs self doubt at work
Self-confidence and success can be a catch-22 problem: "I would be confident if I succeed but I need to be confident to succeed". The more confident we feel, the harder we try, the better we perform, which in return contributes to feeling more confident.
On the other hand, self-doubt is feeling like an imposter and thinking I am not as good as people think I am. Self-doubt can keep us from seeing ourselves clearly. Instead of acknowledging our accomplishments, we tend to downplay them and underestimate our skills. It can affect our mental health and how comfortable we are taking on new challenges. Feelings of self-doubt are notably more common in working women, BIPOC individuals, and people from under-represented groups (Hidden Brain)
Both self-confidence and self-doubt can be aided with frequent feedback. Regardless of if we are feeling over-confidence or higher levels of self-doubt, if we never receive feedback on our performance, we are stuck with an internal image of ourselves that is not grounded in reality. Even worse, we might perpetuate and persist those negative thoughts. Feedback can help to correct those doubting voices in our heads.
Managers and leaders should provide frequent feedback to help mitigate imposter syndrome and the feeling of self-doubt in their reports. We can do that by giving praise where it is due and to the extent it is due. Managers should be conscious of small wins and use them to build up confidence in their reports.
As a manager, be transparent in your own vulnerabilities and share them with your reports. Be vulnerable, admit when you make mistakes, and embrace failure. Your reports will think: "If my manager can make a mistake, then I don't have to be perfect to be competent". This transparency and sharing creates psychological safety. As a senior engineer, showing you make mistakes, and don't know everything all the time helps others with their perception of themselves. It is the senior's responsibility to show vulnerability first and support an environment that is psychologically safe.
Overcoming self-doubt is something we all face at times. Being aware that some members of your team might face it more often and supporting your team members through it, is a vital part of our work.