Declined a job offer with a startup, partly because of imposter syndrome. Applied for position as programmer, showed up for interview and got cold feet when it turned out they actually wanted/needed a senior programmer/chief technology officer and offered me the position after having asked me no technical questions, seen none of my code or previous projects.

Still, it was a job that paid money... And I'm still jobless two months later :(

@runfrodorun I agree, often they will accept you, because to them it often means that the employee will work harder because they feel like they are cause them causing them more trouble.

Also if you don't mind me asking, what is imposter syndrome?

@coolq, imposter syndrome is a name given to the situation were you keep feeling you're not as good as people around you believe you are. You find it hard to believe your accomplishments are real and that your praises are deserved. It's something that most people suffer from time to time and it's more common in someone who is part of a minority on their field of work/study.

@coolq:

new startups suck out your health and happyness

I've gotten jobs and tried out for jobs and promotions that, looking back, were way above my level. Not just in programming but also in cooking (when I was a chef) and in management.
It isn't a foregone conclusion that you will end up in over your head, but don't be afraid to push through your fear of the unknown. You just have to hit the ground running a litte faster when you do get it, and you have to spend more time researching the actual job and planning more, and being open to changing your plans completey if need be.
That said, there are times when you have more than just a gut feeling that you'll be in over your head. You have to be able to tel the difference.
Don't ignore your sensibilities, but do push through your fears.

@Eariel
Thank you, that is a very clear explanation!

@wizzzard x)

@vanhoosr
That's very motivational! I also think that this could be limiting if you don't know when to push through and when to rethink.

@coolq
@wizzzard
Don't forget: As a leader you have to try to get your way. If you run things too democratically your people won't respect you, they'll lose motivation, and it will show in the finished product. But don't be totally authoritarian either: Don't poo-poo other ideas off the bat; take a moment to listen to them, and if it's good then run with it, and if it's bad just politey give. reason why it won't work.
Be prepared to listen to your people, and to formulate a plan that takes into consideration their input and ideas.
Also don't be afraid to coach greatness in them. If someone seems like they're on the right track, push them to develop their ideas a little more.
Really in the end leading people is about planning to execute the orders you were given, then breaking that plan down so that you can delegate each task to the subordinate who is best-suited to take on that task.
And don't waste time in meetings.