How to Build a Great Test Team

Who am I?

www.osmanit.com - brian.osman@osmanit.com

It’s also about community

software testers New Zealand

Kiwi Workshop on Software Testing

www.osmanit.com - brian.osman@osmanit.com

WeTest Workshops

• Vision• Diversity• Leadership• Get to know them• Bringing them together• What can you do (how to be an

Avenger)?

Vision

noun - the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.

• What is your teams vision?

• What is your WHY? This is where is starts…

• Mission? Skillset? Tools?• How is this communicated?• What is your language?

How do you interview?

How do you build your team?

What are you after?

Diversity

noun - the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organisation

• What types of testers do you have?• What type of skillsets do you have?• Gender?• Occupational backgrounds• Leaders?• Extroverts and Introverts

Leadershipnoun - the power or ability to lead other people

• Are you …• Motivating?• Inspiring?• Fun to be around?• Know how to set expectations?• Are you a manager or a leader?

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because they want

to do it.”

“You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something…you can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. You can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right.”

Gordon B. Hinckley

Get to know them…

• Stand ups• Mentoring sessions and regular catch

ups– Formal and informal

• Be interested in your people• Correct if need be, then love them…• Give people the opportunity to *shine*

He aha te mea nui o te ao?He Tangata, he tangata, he tangata

Bringing them together…

• Define your vision• Bring in the people you need (not

just skills)• Empower, uplift and motivate…• Give opportunities to people to

succeed

• “If you ain’t the lead dawg, the view is always the same…”

What can you do (how to be an Avenger)?

How to be an Avenger…

• Seek understanding and knowledge…be proactive

• Find a mentor(s)• Be active in the community…• Blog• Tweet• Challenge and be challenged…

Questions?