Software Tester: From Good to Great

STC JULY 2014

MUSH HONDA

Agenda

• What does it take to be a “Great” Tester?

• Areas of Focus for Success

• Sample Road Map to Success

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

A “Great” Tester?

Our initial discussions as a new member:

– Apply Technical Knowledge

– Adapt new tools & techniques

– “Learn” the Product under Test

– “Automation”

“Solid” / “Dependable” Tester

NOT

“Great” Tester

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

A “GREAT” Tester

‘Hard’ skills:

– Technical Knowledge

– Test Tools & Techniques

– Domain knowledge of System

Great Tester: ‘Hard’ skills + ‘Soft’ skills

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Wikipedia: Soft Skills are behavioral competencies. Also known as Interpersonal Skills, or people skills, they include proficiencies such as communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation, personal effectiveness, creative problem solving, strategic thinking, team building, influencing skills and selling skills, to name a few

Achievement: Recurring Opportunity

to LEARN!

‘Soft’ Skills

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Problem Solving

Delegating

Motivating Relationship

Building

Team Enlistment & Participation

Area of Focus: Key Soft Skills

Communication

Organized & Proactive

Empathy & Positive Attitude

Adaptability & ‘Next Project’

sense

Knowledge Seek & Share

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Communication Why:

– Remote teams

– Varied Roles in teams

What: – Speak-up (clearly)

– Write (clearly)

– Comprehend

How: – Observe

– Organize Thoughts

Organized & Proactive Why

– Task Mitigation & Scope

– Insights into ‘Big Picture’

What: – Task impacts & analysis

– Prioritize Objectives

– Self-assessment

How: – Iterative self-review

– Organize by Project Goal

Road Map Priority: High

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Empathy & Attitude Why:

– True insight of End-User

– ‘Positivity’ is Contagious

What: – ‘Why’ & ‘What’ of Features

– Pride in ‘Quality’ Product

How: – Build Domain Knowledge

– Discussions vs. Criticism

Adaptability Why

– Technology Changes

– Business Needs

What: – Task / Approach Flexibility

– Roadblock Mitigation

How: – New Tools / Techniques

– Prior Experiences

Road Map Priority: Medium

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Knowledge Seek/Share Why:

– Technology Trends

– Teams evolve

What: – New Skills / Tasks

– Better Quality of Team Delivery

How: – Discuss Success & Failure

– Observe & Improve

Effective Facilitation Why:

– Leadership role

– ‘Endangered’ skill

What: – Facilitate meetings

– Reach consensus

How: – Communication

– Learn Techniques

– Practice

Road Map Priority: Low

SOFTWARE TESTER: FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Summary

• Soft skills are NOT inherited, but acquired

• Getting along with people + displaying positive attitude = building workplace relationships

• With commitment, ANYONE can develop these skills

SOFTWARE TESTING FROM GOOD TO GREAT

© 2014 HCMC Software Testing Club

Thank You