You may have noticed a huge gap between posts, the last one being 3 years ago; just as I was joining a new company. As I have mentioned in a previous post, the context you find yourself in can certainly change your approach... but can it really change your beliefs?
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Whilst looking over my balcony the other day, something struck me about the gardeners working in the grounds below. (Clearly I have too much time on my hands whilst between jobs!)
Our condo has won awards for its beautifully maintained gardens. The team of gardeners are really friendly, and are always happy for my 2 year old to stop and help them out as we pass by. It’s exactly the same team of gardeners who have been there since I moved in… contrast that with the other 2 ‘teams’ in the condo, Security & the Cleaners, both of whom have completely changed twice since we moved in, and always seem pretty miserable. So what struck me on that afternoon as I watched them (and how does that relate to testing?) The time has come, quicker than I thought, to move on to the next work opportunity.
Whilst I'm truly excited about the job I'm about to start (it was too good an opportunity to turn down) it was a very tough decision to leave my current team of only 9 months… Not nearly long enough to finish what we started together and see the real results those changes will deliver! So what have the last 9 months taught me? I'm tempted, on the surface to label it as many new things.... But the more I consider it, the more I realise it comes back to 2 important lessons. And those lessons seem to reoccur in most of my posts! They are: 1. The impact of Context 2. Everything can improve when communication does! It amazes me how the importance of good communication is always so vastly overlooked and underrated. But this post will focus on the difference the context of the company I'm working in makes to the approach I use. I'm honoured that tomorrow I'll be speaking at the School of Computing at NUS (National University of Singapore) to talk to some students about The Real World of Software Testing. Professor Abhik Roychoudhury realised a few years ago that no one was teaching software testing to the students. Understanding that this is a crucial element of software design, he created an optional module for those who were interested to know more. I've been asked along to give the students an insight into the daily lives of software testers... and who knows, hopefully inspire a few to take up the profession! I love working with Graduates on projects (their enthusiasm and desire to learn is so infectious) so I cant wait to meet this future generation of software engineers and see what questions they have for me! I'll be back online soon to share my experience!
Some of you already know why I’ve been quiet for the last 6 months… the arrival of my first child has been all encompassing! I promise not to turn this blog into one filled with parenting stories (and there are already many!) but as my first post back, I thought I’d share some things I’ve learned as I embarked on my parenting journey, which also relate to professional life …
Firstly, the importance of context!! A fellow testing blogger, Joel Montvelisky, was about to write a post on the current trends in testing... but realised that there is no comprehensive source of information available. Like most people I admire, instead of moaning about it, he took action! Joining forces with Lalit Bhamare (editor of Tea-Time with Testers) they decided to create a survey in an attempt to discover the true state of testing around the globe.
Why would this interest you? With this survey they hope to gain answers to many questions, such as: - What are the main challenges faced by testers around the world? - What does the professional testing environment look like? - Where is the testing profession heading? - How tester’s salaries varies across different locations worldwide? How can you help? In two ways: 1. Visit the Survey Page today and register your interest. 2. Spread the word!! The more testers who respond, the more valuable and realistic the findings will be! A copy of the findings will be sent to all who respond to the survey... so what better way to learn more about the current state of your chosen profession! If you spend your days frantic as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, the reasons to improve your approach to testing may be obvious!
But what if you are already hitting your deadlines and have no issues found in Production or User Acceptance Testing? Why then, should we put any effort into trying to improve how we test? This is a common discussion I have, especially amongst those who justifiably count themselves as experienced testers / managers. And its a fair question... As long as you've thought about it critically! Its been inspiring to meet and work with Lalitkumar Bhamare, co-founder of Tea Time with Testers. To see someone as young as Lalit, with the passion and drive to produce this magazine every month is something that inspires me. Its not just his dedication that I find impressive, but the fact the magazine is consistently filled with excellent examples and ideas to improve how we test, written by some seriously impressive names within the testing industry.
I felt privileged to be asked to contribute a series of articles recently, focussed on the theme of my first set of blog posts, Addressing the Risks of Exploratory Testing. If you would like to read these please check out the editions below. Addressing the Risks of Exploratory Testing - Part 1 Addressing the Risks of Exploratory Testing - Part 2 Addressing the Risks of Exploratory Testing - Part 3 I'll also be guest editing the next edition, which is being produced to celebrate the contribution of women within the testing industry. Having seen some of the articles I know the content will as inspiring as it is every month. So set up your subscription to TeaTime with Testers to make sure you don't miss out on a regular dose of inspiration in your inbox! Update: The Singapore Testing Forum website is now live. Find out more at www.SingaporeTestingForum.org
I'm always reading about the numerous Tester Meet-ups and testing forums/ conferences that are happening around the world, and was disappointed there was nothing available for us testers in Singapore. So I decided to stop complaining and set one up myself. My first foray was kindly sponsored by the AST (http://www.associationforsoftwaretesting.org/) in December 2012. You can read the write up here. It was a great event and the turn out confirmed my view that the Singapore Testing Community wanted a regular opportunity to meet with others in the industry on a regular basis. So I set about seeking some sponsors to help me set up a regular meet up. To whoever is listening
Grant me the courage to challenge the frustrations I can resolve, patience to accept those I cannot and the wisdom to know the difference! |
AuthorSingapore based Transformation & Culture Specialist with 20 years experience in delivering & improving customer value through technology. Passionate about inspiring and coaching others to be innovative, empowered and lifelong learners. Archives
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