Managing Impostor Syndrome as a New Engineering Manager

The shift to engineering management often triggers impostor syndrome, characterized by doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud. Common triggers include leading more technically experienced engineers, transitioning from peer to manager, and cross-functional responsibilities. Instead of viewing self-doubt negatively, it can be harnessed to gather more context and improve managerial skills. Building a support system with managers, peers, and HR is vital for new engineering managers. Recognize and reframe self-doubt, maintain transparency, and focus on growth to manage these feelings effectively.