Battling Imposter Syndrome: My Personal Journey and Practical Strategies
Practical advice and personal insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, boosting confidence, and tracking meaningful progress in your career.
Have you ever doubted your value at work? Questioned whether your contributions truly mattered? Or felt your achievements weren’t worth celebrating? If so, you’ve likely experienced Imposter Syndrome.
This feeling is more common than we think and doesn’t discriminate by role or expertise. Whether you're a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Product Manager, or in another capacity, the nagging thought of not being “enough” can creep in.
I've faced this challenge multiple times in my career, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most frustrating feelings. However, my aim here isn’t to give a clinical breakdown of imposter syndrome—Wikipedia has you covered for that. Instead, I want to share my experience from one of the most intense episodes I went through, the lessons I learned, and how I turned things around.
Starting a New Chapter
A few years ago, I joined one of Iran’s largest companies as a Scrum Master. My first days were marked by warmth, support, and excellent onboarding. I quickly set out to understand my new team—a large, talented group of 14 people responsible for a critical company product.
Despite their technical expertise, morale was low, and team dynamics were strained. I approached the situation with patience, spending the initial weeks listening, observing, and taking detailed notes without jumping to conclusions. I also made an effort to connect individually with each team member to understand their perspectives.
After several weeks, I compiled a list of gaps and challenges that needed attention. Around this time, the team expanded to 18 members with the addition of junior colleagues. I began implementing Scrum ceremonies, including daily stand-ups, while gradually introducing agile principles to the team.
Surprisingly, the daily meetings often stretched to 45 minutes—far beyond the standard 15-minute time-box. But I chose not to focus on enforcing strict rules. Instead, I wanted to address deeper, systemic issues causing these inefficiencies.
Facing the Unpleasant
While working to build trust and bring order to the chaos, I found myself wearing multiple hats—Scrum Master, problem-solver, secretary, and even a mediator. This role inflation left me feeling overwhelmed, and I started questioning my capabilities. The dreaded imposter syndrome took hold, whispering doubts about my competence.
Around this time, the company announced an opportunity for Agile coaches to enroll in a specialized program. Out of 35 Scrum Masters, 10 would be selected after rigorous tests and interviews. Despite my self-doubt, I participated—and placed second on the shortlist.
While this recognition should have been empowering, it instead deepened my insecurities. I questioned how I could deserve this position when my own team was still struggling with fundamental challenges. The gap between my expectations of success and the reality of incremental progress became the fuel for my imposter syndrome.
A Mentor’s Guidance
In the midst of this internal struggle, I reached out to Asad Safari, a trusted mentor who had been a source of wisdom for me over the years. Asad shared his own battle with imposter syndrome through a powerful story, which gave me a new perspective. He also recommended strategies to reclaim my confidence and recognize the impact I was making.
One of his ideas resonated deeply with me: tracking observations and progress systematically. Inspired, I began documenting my efforts, comparing the state of the team at the start of my tenure with the current situation.
The results were undeniable:
- Team communication had improved significantly.
- Leadership approved plans to divide the large team into smaller, more focused groups.
- Infrastructure upgrades were underway to remove bottlenecks that previously hindered team progress.
- Scrum events, including retrospectives, were running effectively.
- Retrospective discussions shifted from blame to collaborative problem-solving.
Despite my earlier blind spot, these achievements were proof that my work was driving meaningful change.
Building a Personal Coaching System
One of the most impactful tools I adopted was a customizable coaching card, inspired by Agile42. Here’s how I adapted it to suit my needs:
- Observation and Analysis:
I divided a sheet into sections to document observations, challenges, and opportunities. Each note was specific to a situation or theme. This process clarified my thoughts and often revealed hidden patterns. - Solutions and Action:
On the reverse side of the card, I brainstormed potential solutions for each challenge. I left space to evaluate their effectiveness later and track the dates of implementation and review. - Reflection and Revision:
Periodically, I revisited these cards to assess outcomes, document new insights, and refine my approach. This simple habit gave me a clearer picture of the cumulative progress we were making and boosted my confidence.
Applying This Framework in Teams
This approach isn’t limited to individual use. I introduced the coaching card concept to my team during retrospective meetings. We collaboratively identified problems and opportunities, documented ideas, and reviewed progress in subsequent sessions. This practice not only enhanced transparency but also empowered team members to take ownership of solutions.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
While the coaching card was an invaluable tool for me, overcoming imposter syndrome required a deeper realization: progress is rarely immediate or linear. By tracking small improvements over time, I was able to see how each step contributed to larger transformations.
The most critical step, however, is acknowledging imposter syndrome when it arises. Recognize the voice of self-doubt, challenge its narrative, and find methods that work for you to regain clarity and confidence.
Final Thoughts
If my story resonated with you, I encourage you to share your own experiences or strategies in the comments below. Together, we can create a supportive community that uplifts professionals facing similar challenges.
Sign up for my newsletter to receive exclusive insights and updates. Let’s continue building a space where we learn and grow together.