Approaches to Become an Audacious and Self-Confident Software Tester:
A Conversation:
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“Both issues are virtually the same. Tag them as repeats,” Person 1 declares (obviously a developer).
“No, they’re not. They influence different zones of the application. Their behavioral impacts also vary,” Person 2 disputes (unmistakably a tester).
“Your group just wants to escalate the bug count,” Person 1 objects.
“On the contrary, we are striving to decrease it,” Person 2 retorts.
Isn’t this a typical situation in every enterprise?
An Additional Instance:
Tester: “What will occur if I input special characters in the field?”
Developer: “The client has specifically asked not to input special characters.”
Tester: “However, no validation message or restriction appears when I input special characters.”
Developer: “I need to discuss this matter with the product manager. We executed as demanded by the client.”
Tester: “I don’t believe there’s anything to converse about. If something isn’t user-friendly or explicit, it must be altered for improved user experience.”
Developer: “Continue with your testing. I will have a word with the Product Manager. We can set this case aside for now.”
During the vast part of my career, I have participated in debates to express my point of view. It makes me ponder, why are software testers typically mistreated in the industry?
Ponder this, in the production industry, if someone identifies and reports a defect, would the product ever enter production?
Why isn’t it similar to software? Maybe, it’s the nature of the industry and its ever-changing landscape.
However, as a tester, it is crucial that you show audacity by asking inquiries, expressing reservations, sharing your insights, and somtimes just start conversations.
As I continuously emphasize, software testing is a demanding job as it necessitates you to be an effective communicator, a skilled reporter, competent analyst, an adept bug detective, a precious team contributor, and overall, an excellent tester.
With the strides in technology and the rising demand for enhanced user experience, software testing must evolve too. If you’re not testing the user experience, you’re not testing a single thing.
The period of exhaustive test case documentation and testing is over. There is a necessity now for ideating test strategies and making swift decisions. To do this, testers must be brave.
We cannot box ourselves in, adhere solely to the documentation, and deliver a Pass/Fail report.
We should proactively contribute to the product delivery process. We need to think about both expected and unexpected user needs. All possible outcomes of implementations should be discussed and tested from the user’s viewpoint.
It is vital to be brave, take chances, and be creative in all of your activities.
So, How to display audacity as a software tester?
#1) Always seek clarifications instead of basing on assumptions:
When you are told that a knife is meant for chopping vegetables/fruits, did you try slicing paper? What was the result? What motivated you to attempt it?
Provoke inquiries. Timely. Don’t categorize your questions as significant or insignificant— a question remains a question. As a tester, you should comprehend how the product will operate or won’t operate so that you can comprehensively test it before calling it “Tested.”
#2) Think creatively, and don’t be afraid of appearing silly:
Have you ever tried adding sweet basil to your tea? Did you know it can relieve a cold? If no one had thought about adding sweet basil to tea? We would be missing a phenomenal medicinal flavor.
Be a thinker. Dive deep. Comprehend algorithms. Use mind maps. Anything that helps you fully understand the application, do it.
Thinking and continuous learning of something fresh should be on every tester’s to-do list. This aids in generating innovative testing ideas.
#3) Don’t consider developers as enemies, but rather friends, and cooperate as a team:
Initiating communication could be challenging, particularly when it contains negative feedback. However, as a tester, you must learn effective communication. Be open to understanding other people’s points of view and perspectives.
In numerous organizations, developers and testers perceive one another as rival teams in a game of Kabaddi, each trying to drag the other towards the finish line of frustration.
Let’s adjust this dynamic for a positive impact.
Instead of immediately highlighting the bugs you’ve discovered, ask the developer about similar problems that might crop up under different contexts, technologies, or coding norms.
Share a cup of coffee with a developer, and you’ll understand that they too face similar challenges as you encounter.
Always recall, both development and testing are crucial activities within a project’s lifecycle. Overlooking the rival relationship and functioning as a team decreases internal disputes and assists in successful application/product delivery.
#4) Concerning quality, you have the right to step in if you’re not content:
As a tester, this is your duty.
If you have highlighted a critical but occasionally replicable bug, and the development team suggests you overlook it, you have every right to stand up for it. After all, you are the custodian of quality, and settling for anything less is not an option.
Be brave and voice your worries. Defend your stance, involve others to back your beliefs, adopt a positive approach, but never give in on quality.
#5) Don’t belittle your significance. You’re an essential member of the team:
This holds for newcomers and trainees as well. As I always say, the number of years of experience is not the only decisive factor. It’s about the value you offer.
Never consider as if lacking experience hampers your ability to participate in discussions or raise questions. Be bold, be present in meetings, ask to be part of discussions, obtain clarifications, and strive to deliver quality work and stand out.
About the Author: This enlightening article is authored by Bhumika, from the STH team.
Do you think it’s beneficial to act courageously as a tester?
I indeed believe that and would appreciate hearing your viewpoints. Please feel free to share your opinions and comments. We are excited to engage with you.