Like most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started working as a software engineer.
But this was the biggest one, by far:
Frequently downplaying my individual contributions
Here’s what happened:
Whenever colleagues praised my work, my natural response was to shy away from the compliments and attribute the success to the team’s collective effort, even though I was the primary driver and deliverer of those projects. This modesty, while fostering a supportive team environment, inadvertently masked my specific contributions from the wider organization.
As a result, my visibility and the recognition of my skills and efforts within the company were diminished. This lack of individual acknowledgment impacted my career progression, as I often went unnoticed during critical evaluations and promotion discussions.
But, it’s also worth acknowledging that making this mistake taught me a lot.
It’s essential to balance team spirit with personal visibility, ensuring that while the team’s efforts are celebrated, individual contributions are also clearly articulated and recognized for career advancement.
Even now, I sometimes catch myself deflecting praise, but I’ve become more cautious about it. I’m learning to accept recognition graciously and ensure my contributions are well-documented and visible, recognizing that it’s essential for professional growth and career.