Testing Coach, Consulting Tester Update
Best Things
I have a new perspective on what is possible with automating acceptance tests for Agile stories because I've seen it working better than I believed teams could achieve! I'm inspired.
Seeing some very good testers finding some new bugs and becoming even better at working with their developers is the most rewarding part of coaching so far.
One bug was found that went undetected for a decade because of a tester learning new exploratory testing techniques! It's talent she had all along, but now it is set free!
Got to work with a developer that I admire to troubleshoot an issue that was important to a client, and made a major breakthrough on it in just a few hours.
I had no idea how friendly, open, and kind people were in the middle of the country. It sounds odd to say, but in Seattle, people don't often invite me over, or offer to have lunch, or greet a new person and go out of their way to show them around. The fact that it isn't just one or two people, but most of the people I've had the honor of working with makes me want to do my best work for them even more than I already did.
Worst Things
Working in an open space, I've learned that I need to be a bit more careful. I'm loud, enthusiastic, and I have distracted people on accident, slowing their progress at times. Enthusiasm can be good, but breaking someone elses flow or distracting them unintentionally isn't.
There is an unfounded fear that some testers are dealing with that I'd like to see wiped away. Code should not be used to confuse, belittle, or intimidate anyone. I assume (sometimes wrongly), that testers have understanding of programming concepts, when in reality, our experience and comfort level varies. I'm proud to say that I'm working on material for a quick class on Object Oriented Programming Basics for Testers. One of the testers on my team is going to collaborate with me make it stronger and present it with me for any testers who want to come learn or review.
I've learned that I'm limited. I tend to get excited and think that because I want to do something, that I can go on forever without free time, sleep, or time to care for myself. As a result, I've been in worse health the last month. I've literally fell asleep onto my laptop twice. I'm growing, but I know it is possible to learn and grow without self-abuse. I just haven't found that balance yet. I suppose I had to test myself to know what the limit was.
I have a new perspective on what is possible with automating acceptance tests for Agile stories because I've seen it working better than I believed teams could achieve! I'm inspired.
Seeing some very good testers finding some new bugs and becoming even better at working with their developers is the most rewarding part of coaching so far.
One bug was found that went undetected for a decade because of a tester learning new exploratory testing techniques! It's talent she had all along, but now it is set free!
Got to work with a developer that I admire to troubleshoot an issue that was important to a client, and made a major breakthrough on it in just a few hours.
I had no idea how friendly, open, and kind people were in the middle of the country. It sounds odd to say, but in Seattle, people don't often invite me over, or offer to have lunch, or greet a new person and go out of their way to show them around. The fact that it isn't just one or two people, but most of the people I've had the honor of working with makes me want to do my best work for them even more than I already did.
Worst Things
Working in an open space, I've learned that I need to be a bit more careful. I'm loud, enthusiastic, and I have distracted people on accident, slowing their progress at times. Enthusiasm can be good, but breaking someone elses flow or distracting them unintentionally isn't.
There is an unfounded fear that some testers are dealing with that I'd like to see wiped away. Code should not be used to confuse, belittle, or intimidate anyone. I assume (sometimes wrongly), that testers have understanding of programming concepts, when in reality, our experience and comfort level varies. I'm proud to say that I'm working on material for a quick class on Object Oriented Programming Basics for Testers. One of the testers on my team is going to collaborate with me make it stronger and present it with me for any testers who want to come learn or review.
I've learned that I'm limited. I tend to get excited and think that because I want to do something, that I can go on forever without free time, sleep, or time to care for myself. As a result, I've been in worse health the last month. I've literally fell asleep onto my laptop twice. I'm growing, but I know it is possible to learn and grow without self-abuse. I just haven't found that balance yet. I suppose I had to test myself to know what the limit was.
Posted by Testy Redhead at 3 May 2011 
Categories: value, career growth, mentor, Software Testing, Learning, teaching, Working with Others, methodology, training, Leadership, Career, real life adventures, agile, collaborative testing, Career Development, consulting, Goals, communication
Categories: value, career growth, mentor, Software Testing, Learning, teaching, Working with Others, methodology, training, Leadership, Career, real life adventures, agile, collaborative testing, Career Development, consulting, Goals, communication
Lanette,
Nice retrospective - congratulations for your month one!
Your story of "being limited" reminded me of two Jerry Weinberg memories: "the oxygen mask" and the "Summer of Suffering".
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Hi Griffin,
Thanks! This is actually the first 2 months, so about 6 weeks time total (vacation in the middle).
It is hard to find the sweet spot between pushing yourself enough to stretch and learn, but not pushing yourself off a cliff. The difference between "Pain is just weakness leaving the body." and "Pain is also a signifier to stop before long term damage and death occurs!" Strange how hard it is to find a good balance.
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Excellent article Lanette. I can really understand as I've grown on my current project how different things can be when contexts are changed. I come from the more technical side of things as a tester, so I'm familiar with OOP maybe more than some testers. If you ever need another set of eyes to review let me know, I'd be happy to give you my feedback.
As for health, yeah I can be the same way. Sometimes we go, go, go, when we need to slow, or stop to let our physical bodies rest and recuperate. It's hard and frustrating because people with passion can't help but be engaged in what they love. Trick is finding the right balance, and I know that's not always easy.
-Tim
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Thanks Tim! I'm lucky to have some great support here at the client, so I think we'll keep this one internal because of the examples.
I'm heading to the doctor today, but trying hard to find balance and take better care of myself with a good sustainable balance.
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"I'm proud to say that I'm working on material for a quick class on Object Oriented Programming Basics for Testers. One of the testers on my team is going to collaborate with me make it stronger and present it with me for any testers who want to come learn or review."
How do I get a hold of you? I would like to attend this presentation.
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Hi Laura,
This class will be internal at the client site, but if it goes well, maybe I can do a version at a conference! That sounds like a good idea.
My email is lanette.creamer@gmail.com.
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I hear what your saying about mentoring Lanette, I've been doing a similar thing in Malaysia for years and agree on the rewards. Curious to find more out about the OO Training for Testers your working on. I've got a team that could really use something like that. Are you going for a python or ruby type scripting language for that or do you have something else in mind?
Nice blog by the way.
Jeremy
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