Typical software testers focus on learning ‘Hard’ skills associated with the responsibilities of their role. However, these skills allow them to become a "Dependable" or "Knowledgeable" tester, rather than a "Great" tester. What are the skills necessary to take you to the next level within your ladder of testing career, to become someone known as "Great" tester? This presentation will identify some of the key skills that can take you to the next level and provides an easy-to-follow roadmap on mastering those skills.

1. Software Tester: From
Good to Great
STC JULY 2014
MUSH HONDA

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. © 2014 HCMC Software Testing Club
Thank You