Inspired by a previous question on Dev...
In all my years of IT, it's felt like I've encountered two main types of people. "Imposters" and "Experts". Understand that the terms I'm using probably aren't what you might be thinking. In my use, here:
- "Imposters" are as described in the linked-to question.
- "Experts" are those people that feel that their shiny, new McCertification gives them license to tell you The Right Way™ to do things
Oldest comments (6)
I think I’d rather work with someone who feels like an imposter than the expert you described here.
Though, there does exist a happy balance between the two and that’s who I really want to work with 🙂
I've found few people, over the years, that don't at least have occasional doubts. The people that have absolute certitude tend to have it because they don't know how much they don't know.
The good ol’ Dunning Kruger curve
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%8...
Bingo!
Per your definitions, an "imposter" that's willing to try things is far superior to an "expert" who's stick in their ways.
Though, an unwilling imposter is just as unwelcome.
Yes, as others have said I prefer people who want to learn and realize their limitations. I’ve worked with very experienced people who know how to teach and collaborate in a helpful way, and elitists. It’s really more about mindset than skill level. Either way, there does need to be a commitment to quality and being open minded. I hold myself to the same standards!