This document outlines many qualities that make a good tester, including strong analytical and critical thinking skills, attention to detail, effective communication skills, adaptability, creativity in test design, ongoing learning, and a passion for quality. It discusses testers needing intelligence, curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise as well as virtues like courage, persistence, and empathy. The document is meant to start a discussion on defining what makes a good tester and get feedback to improve the model.

1. What makes a
good tester
Discussion
Head
Thinking, Intelligence, Analytical
Context Analysis
Ability to see and
realign to the
bigger picture
Business Strategy
Programme / Project
Inquisitor
(Careful)
Observation
Eye for detail
Alert for
the unexpected
the unusual
Investigation
Natural Sceptic
Inquisitive nature
Communication
Questioning
Asking the RIGHT questions
Not
anticipating
or prejudging
the answer
Listening
Writing
Charters
Strategy / Test Plans
Presentation
Verbal reporting
Intelligence
Logical
Analytical
Quick Thinking / Cunning
Speed Reading!
Creativity
Test Design
Crafting Questions
/ Test to reveal
Product Information
Important bugs
Different ways to tell
the testing story
Diverse Ideas
Test Design
Use of Heuristics
Mental "shortcuts"
Build their own 'toolkits'
Strong Mental Models
Unconventional Influences
Critical Thinking
Review & explain logic
Evaluation / Analysis
Looking for errors in their
own thinking / reasoning
Good use of Safety
Language
Knowledge
Testing
Business
Processes
Culture
Technology
Programming
Of other fields
Sense of balance
Fit for purpose
Recognise 'good enough'
Knowing when to
stop testing
Problem solving
Heart
Passion, Courage, Not Giving Up
Adaptability
Intuition
Proactive
Flexible
Bias Recognition
Your own
Other peoples'
Courage
To be prepared to fail
To stand their ground
To fight for the critical tests
To recognise your own weaknesses
Assertiveness
Communication
Listening
Influencing
Respect
Positivity
Empathy
Compassion
Good network
Honesty
Taking Responsibility
Not giving up
Endurance
Determination/Tenacity
Sense of (gallows) humour
Self-motivation
Persistence
Thick skinned
Body
The Guts, Delivering the Service
Time Management
Productivity
Self Management
Prioritisation
Work unsupervised
Organised Self-sufficient
Handle chaos
Sledge-hammer avoidance
Experience / Expertise
Working
Testing
Development
Coding
Technical
Data
Industry
Life
Communication
Questioning
Asking the RIGHT questions
Not
anticipating
or prejudging
the answer
Listening
Note taking
Evidence Capture
"What's your status?" Verbal reporting
Influencing
Negotiating
Pragmatic
Compromise
Presentation
Written Communication
Bug Reports
Test Summaries
Mediated Metrics
Test Framing
Mission
Activity
Propositions Using Conclusions Connections
Resourcefulness
"Rich resources"
Soul
Quality, Value, Getting Better
Ongoing (Rapid) Learning
What's the best test I
could do next?
Value v Cost v Mission?
Desire to be a better tester
Passion
Discipline
Self Driven
Self Pride
Quality focus
Risk Management
Analysis
Identification
Mitigation
Appropriate
QIO= Defects=
business competitive advantage
Fixed = benefit availability for delivery
Accountability
Knowing when to stop!
Willing to share / mentor
Not just with other testers
Applied through
PRACTICE!
Fit with project / context
Then
For each skill
Why?
Example?
Puzzle
Could you pick a top 5-10?
How
Where Objectives
To share my thoughts on what
makes a good tester
To set out a starting point for the discussion
To pick your brains!
gaps?
errors?
value?
To hopefully provide, with your
(collective) help, an improved model you
can take away
What makes a good tester v2 HHBS.mmap - 27/09/2013 - Mindjet