# Failure Stories Volume 6  ## Metadata - Author: [[Adam Fishman]] - Full Title: Failure Stories Volume 6 - Category: #articles - Summary: Ben Williams, former VP Product at Snyk, shares his struggles with Imposter Syndrome in his first Head of Product role. His story emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and learning from failure to become a better leader. By embracing vulnerability and seeking feedback, Ben transformed a challenging experience into personal and professional growth. - URL: https://www.fishmanafnewsletter.com/p/failure-stories-volume-6-ben-williams-snyk?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=949002&post_id=145523747&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=3mtnp9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email ## Highlights - I tried to overcompensate by having all the answers. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043bwragpfa4b1k7ff41nxx)) - This overcompensation manifested in several bad behaviors. Ben began to micromanage product decisions, inadvertently disempowering his team. He worked on strategy in isolation rather than collaborating with his colleagues, missing out on valuable input and collective wisdom. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043cnzqmp1k99t84tv427f8)) - "I felt like I had to have all the answers and that I’d be judged negatively if I didn't. I leaned into product decisions that I didn’t need to and disempowered people in my team. I worked on strategy in a vacuum instead of riffing on it with my team." ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043d7vyfh1ppp8e6ej86v6m)) - his fear of being seen as anything less than a flawless and exemplary leader caused him to embody the very traits of a poor one. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043f883hpq4gzwhjqzf7jep)) - This blind spot had obscured the impact of his actions on his team and himself. He wanted to provide guidance and direction but that morphed into overreach, stifling the creativity and autonomy he wanted to foster. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043gnfsqxgnk2bxjgwvq90k)) - The process of self-reflection and external guidance helped Ben transform his approach to leadership, making him more collaborative, open to feedback, and empowering towards his team. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043m3x7ge81cgzvdyrtdy5m)) - success is not just about making the right decisions but also about fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and openness. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j0436kjfwnngfpmhmfqyyq65)) - Ben overstepped with his team and eroded their trust in him, but by embracing his vulnerabilities and learning from his mistakes, Ben was able to emerge as a more effective and compassionate leader. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j043kddhnqzfz3j38w0f6apw))