As a Software Engineer with years in tech, I’ve come across Gatekeeping quite a few times. The journey has been eye-opening, and I’d like to share the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects I’ve encountered, as well as the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
✅ The Good: Believe it or not, there’s a positive side to Gatekeeping. It can help maintain quality standards. By ensuring that our work is secure and not easily disturbed by others, Gatekeeping encourages us to stay focused on our tasks and learn from our own mistakes. This vigilance can lead to a higher level of expertise and professionalism within the industry.
❌ The Bad: However, Gatekeeping has its drawbacks, too. It can limit diverse perspectives and hinder collaboration, stifling innovation and preventing the development of groundbreaking solutions. As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized that being open to new ideas, embracing unique skills, and fostering a collaborative spirit can lead to a stronger team and better outcomes for all.
👿 The Ugly: The most significant downside of Gatekeeping is its tendency to create toxic work environments. When Gatekeeping is prevalent, mental health issues like impostor syndrome, anxiety, and depression can arise. I experienced this firsthand when dealing with collaboration issues across teams, and the ‘Gatekeeper’ excluded me from ‘the room’. This caused me to doubt myself for a long time, and it took a while to overcome. In my opinion, it’s essential that we support and uplift our colleagues to foster a healthy, productive workplace where everyone can thrive.
💡 So, what’s the takeaway? We need to balance quality standards with inclusivity in the tech industry. Let’s work together to break down the barriers created by Gatekeeping and create a more collaborative, innovative working environment. This means reevaluating our own behaviors and attitudes, as well as advocating for change within our organizations.
In my opinion, gatekeeping in tech has its good, bad, and ugly aspects. By acknowledging these complexities and striving for a more inclusive approach, we can build a stronger, more resilient working environment that benefits everyone.
Let’s work together to create a brighter future for the industry! 💻🌐🤝
